LONDON, England (Reuters):
THE BRITISH government launched a website last week to provide cosmetic surgery advice, in the latest attempt to help those seeking beauty avoid suffering at the hands of rogue practitioners.
The site will contain details on how to check whether surgeons, doctors and nurses have the right qualifications and what questions to ask beforehand.
"Good public information on cosmetic surgery is essential," said Britain's Chief Medical Officer Liam Donaldson.
"People need help and support to make informed choices about whether to have cosmetic surgery or a non-surgical cosmetic treatment.
"Well-informed patients can help to drive up standards among providers in a field of health care where there have been concerns."
Britons had an estimated 100,000 botox injections in 2004 and spend about £200 million a year on cosmetic surgery.
In January, the government announced it would impose tougher regulations on the industry as ever greater numbers turned to tummy tucks, botox injections and other such procedures to enhance their looks.
The new website provides an A-Z list of all cosmetic procedures, the risks involved and what results to expect.
There will also be information on what to do if you are not happy with the outcome or want to make a complaint.
Professor John Lowry, chairman of the Senate of Surgery's Cosmetic Surgery Interspecialty Committee, said the website was a welcome addition.
"This will complement the work already well advanced in the development of enhanced training and assessment of practitioners, compliance with minimum health care standards and the monitoring of newly-emerging techniques," he said.
The Web site can be viewed at www.dh.gov.uk/cosmeticsurgery.
