Specialist
Cosmetic Surgery - Plastic Surgery - Aesthetic Medicine - Reconstructive Surgery
Specialization in medicine has ancient origins but currently it has
developed to such an extent in France that there are more specialists
than general practitioners.
Aesthetic surgery is a surgical discipline which has the power to
shape, repair or beautify the human body. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
offers temporary body modification (facelifts, liposuction, wrinkle
treatment by Botox®) or definitive modification (breast surgery, nose
surgery, sex change, etc.). In France, reconstructive and reparatory
surgery, as such, became a distinct discipline in the 1960s.
Reconstructive surgery falls within the scope of treatment paid for by
social insurance.
Aesthetic surgery has been a discipline since 1989 with specific
training leading to a qualification issued by the National Council of
the College of Physicians. This qualification is the result of specific
and precise education and training, sanctioned by examinations and
diplomas. Aesthetic surgery is officially included in the
qualifications for reconstructive plastic surgery. Plastic surgery has
become: plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery.
The advertising of aesthetic surgery has developed in such a massive
and anarchic way, that it is essential for the patient to be very
attentive to the qualifications held by the plastic surgeon who will be
treating him/her.
The French Law of March 4, 2002 was a key step in regulating the
practice of aesthetic surgery in the health system. It strengthened the
obligations of practitioners and regulated aesthetic surgery clinics.
For the purposes of informed consent, advertising is prohibited; an
estimate is required as is provision of the fullest possible
information on the surgical procedure(s) to be performed.
Other specialists will intervene in support for a particular
procedure, in pre-operative examinations, at the time of surgery with
anaesthesia, etc. In all cases, the interdisciplinary approach,
combining and increasing the set of skills available, allows concerted
and complementary action to take place. It is fundamental that the
various responsibilities are fully explained to the patient.