Big rise in NHS-funded cosmetic operations (From Borehamwood Times)

Big rise in NHS-funded cosmetic operations

10:45am Friday 7th September 2012 in News

The number of boob jobs, tummy tucks and botox injections funded by the NHS in Hertfordshire has ballooned over the past three years.

In the last financial year, NHS Hertfordshire primary care trust (PCT) has paid for more than three times as many normally-unfunded procedures, including cosmetic surgery,

During 2009/10 the PCT funded ten breast procedures, including reductions and augmentation, and 20 obesity operations.

The following year this increased to 46 breast and 11 abdominoplasty procedures, commonly known as a tummy tuck.

In the last financial year, the PCT funded 61 breast procedures, 17 botox injections, 14 operations for vein abnormalities and 15 blepharoplasty procedures - surgical modifications of the eyelid.

These breast procedures funded by the NHS do not include reconstruction related to cancer.

Funding is available for plastic surgery following trauma, burns or problems resulting from medical treatment, as well as cosmetic or aesthetic procedures to improve appearance.

As a primary care trust (PCT) NHS Hertfordshire receives money from the Government to pay for the residents' healthcare in the county.

The priority for the money is for "clinically effective" medicines and treatments, ones which improve people’s health and also offer good value for money.