Cosmetic surgery study findings 'entirely inappropriate'
29 Aug 2007
COSMETIC SURGERY STUDY FINDINGS ‘ENTIRELY INAPPROPRIATE’
Britons Are Doin’ it for Themselves, Say the BAAPS
London, UK—29 August, 2007- The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (www.baaps.org.uk), the not-for-profit organisation established for the advancement of education and practice of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery for public benefit, today denounced a study published by a sociology lecturer at Aberdeen University which polled 40 women from around the UK about their reasons for choosing to have aesthetic plastic surgery and compared it with the results from 20 women all based in Long Island, New York. The conclusions claim that UK women have surgery because they feel pressurized to do so by their partners, rather than American women who ‘do it for themselves’.
According to Douglas McGeorge, consultant plastic surgeon and BAAPS President;
“The respondent spread referred to in these findings seems entirely inappropriate – it’s impossible to deduce any solid conclusions from such a poorly executed study. We have actually found that the majority of our patients have thought out their decisions in a rational manner – in fact, reputable surgeons would only perform these procedures for their benefit and not be swayed by partners’ influence. They would be more likely to turn away those they feel are being pressurized by a spouse or partner, however well-meaning they might be.”
Adam Searle, BAAPS Past-President and consultant plastic surgeon, adds:
“I don't feel this study is truly representative of the broad population and would be mortified if my patients were having surgical procedures purely for the benefit of their spouses. It is imperative that surgery is for the benefit of the patient, not at the behest of a third party.
ENDS
The BAAPS, 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 BAAPS web site (www.baaps.org.uk), and further materials can be posted to members of the public seeking specialised information by calling their advice line 020 7405 2234.
For press enquiries only, please contact Jennifer McGarrigle at This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it or call 020 7549 2863.