Patient safety

First cosmetic surgery certification issued by RCS

A Manchester surgeon has become the first in the country to be officially endorsed to perform cosmetic surgery by the Royal College of Surgeons (RCS).

The new certification was launched in January in a bid to better regulate cosmetic surgery and ease the minds of people hoping to go under the knife.

The RCS has previously been vocal in its opinions on regulating cosmetic surgery, as last month it backed a Private Members’ Bill that had been tabled to look into the issue.

And today, Gary Ross, a plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgeon at the BMI Alexandra Hospital in Cheadle, has become the first to receive the new accreditation.

He is now certified to perform surgery on the face, nose, periorbital region and ears, and cosmetic body contouring for those who have undergone massive weight loss.

The certificate will allow him to demonstrate to patients that he has the right experience and skills to perform cosmetic procedures safely, and to a high standard.

“We are delighted the first surgeon has now completed our certification process as it is an important step towards further protecting patients,” said Mr Tim Goodacre, RCS council member and cosmetic surgery lead.

“Currently, any doctor, surgeon or otherwise is able to perform a cosmetic surgery procedure. We urge all surgeons who work in the cosmetic surgery industry to apply for certification. By doing this, you are putting patient safety first and making clear that you have the right training and experience to perform cosmetic surgery procedures.

“The more surgeons who are certified, the easier it will be for patients to choose the right surgeon for them.”

Ross said he was honoured to be the first to receive the certification, adding that all surgeons should also apply for the award to raise professional standards in the sector.

“The certification process provides patients considering undergoing a cosmetic surgery the reassurance that their surgeon is skilled in the procedure they are having done,” he said.

To apply for certification, surgeons must be on the GMC’s specialist register in a speciality that demonstrates training and experience in their chosen area of practice.

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