Professional Associations for Plastic Surgery condemn ‘Skin Deep’ series on ITV This Morning as irresponsible

London – 9 June, 2011 – This week’s ‘Skin Deep’ series of segments on cosmetic treatments featured in popular chat show ITV This Morning has drawn strong condemnation from the main professional organisations in breast and plastic surgery: the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (www.baaps.org.uk), the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (www.bapras.org.uk) and the Association of Breast Surgery (www.absgbi.org.uk). The organisations feel the series and Tuesday 7th June's programme in particular, highlighting a stem cell breast augmentation performed by a GP, was at best biased and commercially driven, and at worst, potentially dangerous to the public.

According to consultant plastic surgeon and President of the BAAPS Fazel Fatah;

“This programme is advertising an unproven technique without any independent challenge or advice that is not commercially driven. It is highly irresponsible to offer stem cell breast enhancement unless is it part of a controlled,  clinical trial conducted in a specialist centre under the care of a proficient specialist  with access to investigating and  treating breast disease. The main associations are working to develop guidelines on the use of fat transfer in the breast and promoting this procedure to the public is viewed with very grave concern. There is no reliable evidence based on peer reviewed, controlled clinical trials to indicate that the use of stem cells in the breast of a young woman is safe or necessary. This highly sensitive procedure carried out by a non-specialist should not be given publicity and is doing the millions of women who watched it a huge disservice.”

BAPRAS spokesperson and consultant plastic surgeon Simon Kay said;

“The female breast is highly sensitive and we know from generations of safety studies that breast implants are safe.  However, this stem cell therapy is new and its effects are currently uncertain.  Like all new procedures it should be carefully evaluated in controlled scientific circumstances over a number of years before being carefully rolled out to more general use. BAPRAS deplores any short cuts to patient safety and urges ITV to protect the public by adding a cautionary note to any publicity they continue to give to this technique.”

 Richard Rainsbury, President of the Association of Breast Surgery, concluded by saying;

"We echo these views entirely. Women should be fully informed that the long term safety of this approach is unknown, and that they could be puting themselves at risk."

A complaint to Broadcasting Standards has been submitted. 

ENDS

About BAAPS

The BAAPS (www.baaps.org.uk), based at the Royal College of Surgeons, is a not-for-profit organisation, established for the advancement of education and practice of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery for public benefit. Members undergo thorough background screening before they can join. Information about specific procedures and surgeons’ contact details can be found on the web site, and further materials can be posted to members of the public seeking specialised information. BAAPS is also on Twitter: www.twitter.com/BAAPSMedia and Facebook: www.facebook.com/BritishAssociationofAestheticPlasticSurgeons

For all media enquiries, please contact Tingy Simoes on 020 7549 2863 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  

About BAPRAS

BAPRAS, the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons, is the voice of plastic surgery in the UK. It aims to increase the understanding of the professional specialty and scope of plastic surgery, promoting innovation in teaching, learning and research.  Founded in 1946 (originally as the British Association of Plastic Surgeons), today BAPRAS has nearly 800 members and is the official professional representative body for reconstructive and  aesthetic plastic surgeons providing services to patients on the NHS and privately in the UK.  Members of the public can find a member plastic surgeon in their area by logging on to www.bapras.org.uk. The GMC specialist register can be checked to find out if a surgeon is on the plastic surgery specialist register; www.gmc-uk.org/register/search/index.asp

For all media enquiries, please contact Laura Buller or Amanda Powell-Smith on 020 7403 2230 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it