Investing in cosmetic surgeons of the future - Vik Vijh

Investing in the future

I received my aesthetic plastic surgery training from some of the leading experts in the world and for that reason I feel passionate about teaching tomorrow’s cosmetic surgeons. Sadly, the field of aesthetic surgery can sometimes get bad press due to poor results or ‘horror stories’ because there are some practitioners out there who don’t have the right qualifications or training and this reflects in their work. When surgeons have completed their basic training and NHS registrar posts, they are effectively free to enter private consultancy even though, in reality, they haven’t had a great deal of hands-on experience in this discipline. This is because NHS spending cuts mean that less ‘cosmetic’ procedures, such as tummy tucks and breast reductions – and even procedures such as pinning back of prominent ears in children - are being carried out.

My passion for ensuring tomorrow’s plastic surgeons are adequately equipped to deliver a good quality service led to me pioneering a Cosmetic Surgery Fellowship, whereby a ‘Fellow’ – who is already a trained surgeon, has the chance to shadow myself and other highly reputable and experienced cosmetic surgeons in their day-to-day work for three to six months. This allows them to learn the nuances of cosmetic surgery. The high level of experience and guidance given by the programme is part of the reason why the post has been recognised by the Specialist Advisory Committee in Plastic Surgery, and counts towards the certificate of completion of specialist training. The project was made possible by Nagor, the UKs only breast implant manufacturer, which has provided funding. I think it’s important to support a UK business in these turbulent financial times.

Nagor is supporting other fellowships around the country –but there are few existing programmes out there. I hope, for the good of the industry and the satisfaction of patients everywhere, this kind of programme will become accessible to more and more surgeons wanting to specialise in plastics so we can drive standards up and keep them there.

Vik Vijh

Vik is one of the country’s leading reconstructive and aesthetic plastic surgeons. He is a consultant plastic surgeon in the NHS, covering Birmingham, the West Midlands and Herefordshire specialising in breast surgery, including reconstructive breast surgery, as well as skin cancer surgery and general plastic surgery. In the private sector, he serves the communities of London, Birmingham and Hereford, offering all forms of cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. In addition to his private practice, he is heavily involved in the training of reconstructive and cosmetic surgeons. Visit www.plasticsurgeryonline.co.uk