Surgeons slam decision by cosmetic surgery clinic to live stream breast augmentation surgery

The Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) has criticised a decision by MYA Clinic to live stream a full breast augmentation surgery. The surgery will be performed on an employee of the clinic this Thursday (23^rd November).

The RCS say there are serious ethical problems surrounding the decision and that a patient’s safety should not be put at risk for the benefit of a PR stunt.

The RCS advises its members to avoid the live broadcasting of patients to a nonclinical audience[1].

Mr Tim Goodacre, cosmetic surgery lead for the Royal College of Surgeons said:

“We are concerned that this decision has more to do with entertainment and marketing than concern for this patient’s safety. Broadcasting cosmetic surgery in this way has the potential to negatively influence viewers, trivialising a serious procedure. Breast enlargement carries with it many potential hazards and pitfalls that need to be considered carefully by any woman thinking about having this surgery. A live stream cannot possibly deal with the risks associated with the procedure, or manage such a sensitive matter adequately. Some patients seeking cosmetic surgery are in a very vulnerable state, and the RCS considers that the impact of events such as this can be harmful. The decision also poses serious questions of the clinic, particularly in light of the fact that the patient is one of its own employees.”

“We are also concerned by the risk this broadcast could pose to patient safety. When operating, a surgeon should be solely focussing on the health and welfare of the patient, not thinking about the best camera angle. The RCS believes that the risks of televising a surgeon’s activity in this way outweighs any potential benefits to the wider community.

“Live broadcasting cosmetic surgery downplays the seriousness of this procedure. We call on MYA clinic urgently to reconsider their decision. Their conduct does not meet the standards the RCS expects a cosmetic surgeon to adhere to.”

“If patients are seriously considering cosmetic surgery, we urge them to consult the RCS cosmetic surgery patient resource. This provides patients with independent information on how to choose a properly trained surgeon and hospital, explains the risks of undergoing surgery, and possible complications to consider[2].

If you are interested in becoming certified for cosmetic surgery and to be added to the public list of certified surgeons, please go to tour website. 

[1] https://www.rcseng.ac.uk/library-and-publications/college-publications/docs/live-surgery-broadcasts/

[2] https://www.rcseng.ac.uk/news-and-events/media-centre/press-releases/rcs-launches-new-cosmetic-surgery-information-to-protect-patients/

Notes to editors

The Royal College of Surgeons of England is a professional membership organisation and registered charity, which exists to advance surgical standards and improve patient care.

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