Australasian College of Cosmetic Surgery

Australasian College of Cosmetic Surgery calls for increased industry regulation following liposuction tragedy The Australasian College of Cosmetic Surgery (ACCS) has called for increased regulation including accreditation of cosmetic and plastic surgeons, following the death of a liposuction patient in Melbourne last week.

Dr Michael Zacharia, President of the Australasian College of Cosmetic Surgery, said that the plastic surgeon concerned in last weeks incident had not undertaken training with the ACCS and was not a Fellow of the College.

"Liposuction is a generally safe procedure and when undertaken by a well trained ACCS Fellow, complications are very rare."

"A recently completed survey of over 17,000 cases of liposuction by College members over the last five years revealed no incidence with major medical complications."

"The Australasian College of Cosmetic Surgery is the only organisation that offers a Liposuction Diploma course, including examination and annual re-certification. The College also maintains a procedure specific Register for Liposuction which requires a minimum of 100 cases experience before a doctor can be included," Dr Zacharia said.

"Since its foundation, the College has been pushing for new rules that would raise surgery standards and protect patients. We are looking to cooperate with industry groups such as the Australian Medical Association, Government and regulatory bodies to establish higher standards of skill and practice in the field of cosmetic or aesthetic surgery," he said.

The ACCS was established in 1999 as the only multidisciplinary body in Australia which offers formal training and accreditation in cosmetic medicine and surgery. The College has medical and surgical faculties which accredit cosmetic physicians and surgeons.

For more information, visit www.accs.org.au or call 1800 804 781.