LONDON, October 21, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- The British Association of Cosmetic Doctors has launched the first Post Graduate Diploma in Cosmetic Medicine specifically for doctors through Leicester Medical School. This is the only qualification specifically related to medical cosmetics and accredited by a medical school. With an estimated 1 million* injectable cosmetic treatments carried out every year in the UK, the Diploma represents a major step forward in Patients' protection and establishes cosmetic medicine as a medical speciality.

The Diploma offers cosmetic doctors a Postgraduate Certificate, Diploma and MSc and provides a comprehensive theoretical and practical foundation for doctors in the field of cosmetic medicine. It places strong emphasis on the ethical and legal considerations particular to cosmetic medicine, establishing competency in all commonly used cosmetic techniques to ensure the delivery of consistently high standards of care to patients in cosmetic medicine.

Dr Mike Comins, President of the British Association of Cosmetic Doctors, honorary lecturer in cosmetic medicine and a member of the Faculty, says:

The diploma is a giant step towards regulating cosmetic medicine because it's the only diploma accredited by a medical school specifically for doctors. It will help the public recognise and pick doctors who are trained in the procedures we offer, from topical skincare to advanced forms of liposuction. It may be cosmetic, but its still medicine. If you had a problem with your knee you would go to a qualified specialist and the same principle should apply to cosmetic treatments.

Consultant Plastic Surgeon, Rajiv Grover says:

I congratulate the British Association of Cosmetic Doctors on setting up this post graduate diploma, which will establish cosmetic medicine as a medical speciality in its own right and allow the public the safeguard that they can receive treatments from practitioners who are thoroughly trained in this field.

Former Chairman Dr John Curran, who wrote the core training standards for the diploma to create a clear pathway in cosmetic medicine, says:

Cosmetic Medicine has come of age with the launch of the first post graduate doctor only diploma. Gone are the days of people 'having a go' at treatments like Botox and fillers. The Government, regulatory authorities and the public expect doctors to be fully trained with a diploma that is peer-reviewed and validated at post graduate level. The diploma will become the gold standard for cosmetic medicine and will provide a safeguard for the public.

The British Association of Cosmetic Doctors is a not-for-profit organisation, established for the advancement, education and practice of cosmetic medicine in the UK. Members are GMC registered, undergo thorough background screening, training and certification. Information about specific procedures and doctors contact details can be found on http://www.cosmeticdoctors.co.uk, or by contacting the advice line at +44(0)800-328-3216.

* 2010 Mintel Survey

http://www.cosmeticdoctors.co.uk

SOURCE: The British Association of Cosmetic Doctors

CONTACT: Media Enquiries contact: Flipside PR, +44(0)20-7631-5180,charlotte@flipsidepr.co.uk, BACD: +44(0)800-328-3613