In Pretoria, South Africa, this week, the laws have been tightened on who can perform plastic surgery. Until now, there was a loophole in the law that allowed general practitioners to perform plastic surgery that they were not qualified to offer. There had been facelifts performed, and other cosmetic procedures, that lead to disastrous consequences.

The Health Professionals Council of South Africa (HPCSA) is now requiring that only those actually trained in plastic surgery be allowed to provide it. This category may include other specialists than plastic surgeons, such as eye surgeons. South Africa has a Medicines Control Council that issues recommendations conforming to the HPCSA’s ethical standards, and the Registrar, one Boyce Mkhize, is urging physicians to practice according to those standards.

Mkhize has stated that any doctor found working outside his or her scope of practice will be investigated and could incur a penalty, whether a caution, a fine, suspension, or being entirely struck off the roll of qualified physicians.

Other Restrictions Imposed

Mkhize has also announced that no more jejuno-ileal bypasses can be performed. That is an intestinal bypass that shuts off part of the digestive system so that less food will be absorbed. It was popular in the U.S. also, during the 50s, 60s, and 70s, but was discontinued because of the many problems that stemmed from it. In too many cases, bacteria caused infection in the closed-off intestinal loop.

Restrictions in the U.S.

It has long been the case in the U.S. that only a qualified plastic surgeon can perform plastic surgery. To become qualified, a physician must do extra training and be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Cosmetic surgery is a form of plastic surgery – it is basically plastic surgery done for cosmetic reasons instead of health reasons.

Dr. Rai is fully qualified and stays current with new cosmetic surgery developments. For more detail, please see his Training and Credentials page. You could also view the video on our Home page for more about his approach to each patient’s needs and goals.

If you would like to know more about the plastic surgery we offer at the Cosmetic Surgical Center in Dallas, Texas, please call or email our office today and we can schedule a complimentary consultation for you with Dr. Rai.