Cosmetic surgeons should be certified in their area of practice, says new guidance

The Royal College of Surgeons and the General Medical Council (GMC) have published new guidance on cosmetic procedures but called on the government to include legislation in the next Queen’s speech to fully protect patients.

The college’s new Professional Standards for Cosmetic Surgery states that surgeons who perform cosmetic surgery should be certified in the area of surgery in which they practise.1

The GMC guidance, which was developed after a public consultation, covers surgical procedures, such as breast augmentation, and non-surgical procedures, such as botulinum toxin (Botox). It makes clear the ethical obligations doctors have to patients and the standards …