Date: 13 January 2012
Author: Sandra Patton

Amid growing concern about the safety of French Poly Implant Prostheses (PiP) implants, the Health Secretary, Andrew Lansley has announced a review of the arrangements for ensuring the safety of people seeking cosmetic interventions such as breast implants and dermal fillers.

The expert group will look at how the cosmetic sector can improve the quality and safety of care through better quality data collection and improved professional development, whether cosmetic products and interventions are appropriately regulated; and if not, how regulation of the sector in the UK and in Europe can be improved.

Sandra Patton, who heads the medical injury team at Ashton KCJ, says: "This review is long overdue. There is very little regulation of the cosmetic surgery industry, even though it has grown year on year and deals with medical procedures which can carry surgical and long-term risks".

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