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BAAPS statement on cosmetic surgery adverts targeting vulnerable people 

02 July 2018 (Last updated: 27 Mar 2019 13:40)

According to Consultant Plastic Surgeon and former BAAPS President Rajiv Grover; 

“The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons has previously spoken out to condemn the proliferation of reality shows which glamourise cosmetic surgery procedures. Such programmes, which are frequently aimed at young people, showcase stars who, more often than not, project and normalise unrealistic standards of beauty - even undergoing multiple procedures following public criticism about their own looks, which is further sensationalised in the media to reveal their surgically-obtained assets. 

We are seeing the damaging effects  of this cultural phenomenon on an increasingly vulnerable population, whereby the decision to seek out treatment is trivialised whilst individuals face intense psychological pressure to conform. By advertising cosmetic surgery alongside this type of programming - and in some instances, even using the stars of the show - unscrupulous clinics are targeting young people in a way that commodifies surgery as a quick fix and endangers patients. It is worth noting that many of these clinics have a history of targeting young people using influencers to promote surgery, for which they have received public criticism - but which has not halted this aggressive and unethical marketing tactic. 

The BAAPS called on the Government and the CAP to ban cosmetic surgery advertising in 2012* citing studies demonstrating that young people are suffering from negative body image issues. We recognise that in a more image-conscious society than ever, the pressure to conform to unrealistic standards of beauty is even greater. In the absence of a complete ban, the BAAPS also proposed measures** necessary to ensure that patients are protected from unethical practices, and urge the Government to implement legislation that will help protect the young and vulnerable from the unhealthy body image ideals which have become so prevalent in society.” 

*https://baaps.org.uk/media/press_releases/1374/mary_had_a_little_lipo_protect_children_from_surgery_ads

**https://baaps.org.uk/media/press_releases/1458/surgeons_put_forward_regulation_proposal
 

ENDS 

About the BAAPS:

The BAAPS (www.baaps.org.uk), based at the Royal College of Surgeons, is a not-for-profit organisation, established for the advancement of education and practice of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery for public benefit. Members undergo thorough background screening before they can join. Information about specific procedures and surgeons’ contact details can be found on the website, or by contacting their office at 020 7430 1840. Further materials can be posted to members of the public seeking specialised information. BAAPS is also on Twitter: www.twitter.com/BAAPSMedia and Facebook: www.facebook.com/BritishAssociationofAestheticPlasticSurgeons

For all media enquiries, please contact pr@baaps.org.uk

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