A complaint to Broadcasting Standards has been submitted following a program on ITV dated 7/6/2011. The “Skin Deep” program highlighted a stem cell breast augmentation performed by a GP, was biased, commercially driven and potentially dangerous to the public, according to the main professional associations.
The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons have commented with a statement from their President Fazel Fatah;
“This programme is advertising an unproven technique without any independent challenge or advice that is not commercially driven. It is highly irresponsible to offer stem cell breast enhancement unless is it part of a controlled, clinical trial conducted in a specialist centre under the care of a proficient specialist with access to investigating and treating breast disease. The main associations are working to develop guidelines on the use of fat transfer in the breast and promoting this procedure to the public is viewed with very grave concern. There is no reliable evidence based on peer reviewed, controlled clinical trials to indicate that the use of stem cells in the breast of a young woman is safe or necessary. This highly sensitive procedure carried out by a non-specialist should not be given publicity and is doing the millions of women who watched it a huge disservice.”
The British Association of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons spokesperson and consultant plastic surgeon Simon Kay said;
“The female breast is highly sensitive and we know from generations of safety studies that breast implants are safe. However, this stem cell therapy is new and its effects are currently uncertain. Like all new procedures it should be carefully evaluated in controlled scientific circumstances over a number of years before being carefully rolled out to more general use. BAPRAS deplores any short cuts to patient safety and urges ITV to protect the public by adding a cautionary note to any publicity they continue to give to this technique.”
To conclude, Richard Rainsbury, President of the Association of Breast Surgery said;
“We echo these views entirely. Women should be fully informed that the long term safety of this approach is unknown, and that they could be puting themselves at risk.”
Mr Juma who is a leading Plastic and Reconstructive breast surgeon based on Rodney Street in Liverpool agrees with the advice provided by the professional associations and can provide Expert Advice on all aspects of breast surgery.
Call Mr Juma on 0151 707 9050
