A new certification aims to help GPs and patients navigate the cosmetic surgery industry, writes Australasian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons President Dr Lily Vrtik.
The cosmetic surgery industry is growing, with Australians spending nearly $500 million on procedures per annum.
As demand continues to rise, a critical issue has come to the forefront: patients in Australia and New Zealand often struggle to identify which surgeons have the necessary qualifications, expertise, and ethical standards to provide a safe surgical experience.
Making the right choice in cosmetic surgery begins with having the right information. Misleading claims and lack of information transparency commonly result in poor decisions and sub-optimal patient outcomes.
Recognising the need for clear, trustworthy information, a new solution is now available to help patients and their GPs navigate the process of choosing a qualified cosmetic plastic surgeon.
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The newly established Australian and New Zealand Board of Cosmetic Plastic Surgery (ANZBCPS) has introduced the Board Certified Program – a certification designed to give patients confidence in their choice of surgeon.
Addressing confusion
New research from the Board highlights the difficulties patients encounter when selecting a cosmetic plastic surgeon. The findings reveal that nearly three in five (58%) people considering cosmetic surgery face significant challenges in identifying a qualified surgeon, while 44% express distrust in online sources meant to guide them.
Additionally, 37% lack confidence in the available information and one in four (27%) are unsure about the legal regulations surrounding cosmetic surgery practitioners.
At best, this lack of confidence in verifying a surgeon’s expertise leaves patients feeling frustrated and confused. At worst, it compromises patient safety and surgical outcomes, which can have disastrous long-term effects on their physical and mental wellbeing.
Whether they’re researching online or consulting with their GP for advice, patients and GPs alike should be able to easily identify a specialised, highly trained surgeon without having to navigate such a complex and uncertain process.
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The Board Certified Program aims to address these issues by providing a stringent certification process to distinguish surgeons who meet a high standard of training, expertise, and ethical practice.
This set of standards includes mandatory compliance with cosmetic surgery-specific continuing professional development set by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency. ANZBCPS Board Certified surgeons must also commit to ongoing education to stay at the forefront of their field, ensuring patients receive the most up-to-date surgical care.
This initiative sets a new standard for cosmetic plastic surgery, differentiating and recognising surgeons who have undergone stringent specialist training and obtained the required qualifications for performing cosmetic plastic surgery.
Clarity for patients and GPs
One of the key benefits is its accessibility. Patients can now search for surgeons through the ANZBCPS website, providing a reliable resource for those seeking safe and qualified professionals.
This development is particularly significant for GPs, who often play a crucial role in guiding their patients towards safe surgical options.
For GPs, recommending an ANZBCPS Board Certified surgeon ensures that their patients are in the hands of a specialist who meets high safety and ethical standards.
Given the increasing number of patients seeking cosmetic surgery, it is more important than ever for medical professionals to provide guidance based on verifiable credentials that are relevant and recent.
Accurate and transparent information is essential to directly empowering patients to make confident decisions and choices about their cosmetic surgery options. This is the foundation of informed consent, a crucial element in the statutory requirement of cosmetic surgery procedures.
The launch of the Board Certified Program marks a significant step towards empowering patients with the knowledge they need to make these informed decisions. Patients considering cosmetic surgery are encouraged to conduct thorough research and use the ANZBCPS certification as a benchmark for safety and expertise.
ED: More information can be found at boardcertified.org.au
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