Surgery carried out purely for beautification or rejuvenation cannot be justified within the National Health Service. Guidance on patient selection and priority for treating these patients is essential. Current moves to exclude or remove patients seeking aesthetic surgery from waiting lists are to be deplored. The British Association of Plastic Surgeons is working towards priority setting and patient selection together with a review of outcomes. The proliferation of self-styled cosmetic surgeons, without accreditation in plastic surgery or in one of the other major surgical specialities, is not likely to be in the best interests of the patient, but if NHS trainees are denied the opportunity of a variety of aesthetic surgical experience, this will be the result.
Open discussion can only be of benefit to all concerned.
The issues of patient selection and priorities throughout the National Health Service must be addressed. Collaboration between clinicians and managers is essential.