Cosmetic surgery needs better regulation to ensure patient safety

‘There are many excellent surgeons working in the cosmetic surgery industry, but it is difficult for patients to identify these highly trained surgeons.’ Photograph: BraunS/Getty Images

Concerns have been expressed about the regulation of doctors carrying out cosmetic surgery and the unclear nature of some of the organisations accrediting them (Regulating cosmetic surgery in UK is a nightmare, says top surgeon, 30 September).

The Royal College of Surgeons of England has long campaigned for better regulation of cosmetic surgery. Many people do not realise that the law allows any doctor – surgeon or otherwise – to perform cosmetic surgery in the private sector. There are many excellent surgeons working in the cosmetic surgery industry, but it is difficult for patients to identify these highly trained surgeons from those who should not be practising.