Crowdfunding is the practice of funding a project or venture by raising many small amounts of money from a large number of people, typically via the Internet. It has become synonymous with the cosmetic surgery industry over recent years with the introduction of websites used to raise money for surgical procedures like breast implants.

I have written about responsible marketing in articles previously, and I do not believe Crowdfunding for Cosmetic Surgery is appropriate, it most certainly has a place but not within the cosmetic surgery industry. I have read many articles about successful crowdfunding projects; money raised for The Nepal Earthquake and the recent floods in the UK, for these kind of projects, Crowdfunding is a fantastic way of raising much needed funds.

Cosmetic Surgery on the other hand is serious and should not be taken lightly, I have to agree with Mary O’Brien of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) who called the practice “degrading”, and stated that’s BAAPS were “deeply concerned”.

According to a report in the Sunday Times, doctors who perform surgery on patients who have crowdfunded breast implants “could find themselves in front of the General Medical Council (GMC) and potentially banned from practising”.

I support any recommendations and legislation that safeguard our patients and improve the quality of care that patients receive across our industry. Reportedly the Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) will be releasing new rules in mid 2016 that deter utilising web sites that help women to crowdfund for cosmetic surgery, great news RCS !!

If you are considering a cosmetic surgery procedure, I hold clinics in Birmingham, Hereford and Worcester. To make an appointment please call 0121 794 2369 or for more information please visit my website.