Under the knife: an analysis of the Medical Council of New Zealand's Statement on Cosmetic Procedures.

The lack of regulation in the field of appearance medicine has long been a cause for concern in New Zealand. As an industry, it has fallen outside the protective ambit of the regulatory framework that governs all other areas of medicine. This article examines the Medical Council of New Zealand's attempt to address some of the concerns that have existed by producing a Statement on Cosmetic Procedures. The author concludes that this statement goes a long way towards better ensuring consumer safety and wellbeing in this area. It also offers valuable guidance to practitioners in the areas of advertising and promotion, obtaining consent and providing care. The author does, however, propose and discuss several possible changes that could be made to improve the statement that has been produced.