Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether the term cosmetic surgeon is defined in law.

The term ‘surgeon’ is a protected title under the Medical Act 1983. Only doctors registered with the General Medical Council (GMC), which regulates doctors in the United Kingdom, may perform surgical procedures. In England any hospital or clinic offering cosmetic surgery that involves instruments or equipment being inserted into the body must be registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Any provider of surgery must meet the CQC’s fundamental standards of safety and quality – or risk enforcement action.

The Royal College of Surgeons also operates a voluntary cosmetic surgery certification scheme which provides recognition to surgeons who have the appropriate training, qualifications and experience to perform cosmetic surgery. In June 2019 the GMC Council approved the development of the certificate into a GMC-regulated credential in cosmetic surgery.