Rules tightened for cosmetic surgery in Ontario

The body governing Ontario's medical profession has approved several recommendations to tighten the regulations governing high-risk cosmetic surgery and procedures.

The body said the move addresses concerns about the growing number of physicians in Ontario performing high-risk cosmetic procedures, especially those who are not licensed as plastic surgeons.

The recommendations come less than two months after a 37-year-old Toronto mother and real estate agent died after undergoing liposuction at a clinic.

While plastic surgeons are required to adhere to strict regulations and undergo licensing, little can be done to stop family doctors or general practitioners from calling themselves "cosmetic surgeons" and performing similar procedures under far less stringent guidelines.

Plastic surgeons require five years of specialized training to become licensed in the province, but any type of doctor can perform surgery.

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