A BBC Disclosure investigation has revealed that some cosmetic surgery providers in the UK are using surgeons who fly in from abroad to perform operations, leaving patients vulnerable when complications arise. The practice has come under scrutiny after a patient from Fife endured multiple failed nose surgeries by an Italian doctor who commuted to Scotland.
Catherine Roan, 41, underwent a rhinoplasty through Transform, a major high street cosmetic surgery chain. The surgeon, Antonio Ottaviani, flew in from Italy for the procedure. After the initial operation and three revision attempts over four years, her nose was left in a state described by an expert as resembling a bad car crash.
Ms Roan eventually found a surgeon in England who corrected her nose using part of her rib and fluid from her scalp. She won a medical negligence case against Mr Ottaviani but has received only 1% of the £100,000 awarded, as he has assets in Italy and has not paid. The BBC knows of at least six other women who have complained about his practices.
Mr Ottaviani told the BBC he did not want to be interviewed but said he had always been available when asked by Transform and had respected his agreement with Ms Roan. He cited patient confidentiality and noted that five or six unhappy patients out of 6,000 was a very small percentage. Disclosure found he was still flying into the UK to work at a private clinic in London.
The Royal College of Surgeons has said the regulation of cosmetic surgery is too weak, leaving patients unprotected and the NHS to pick up the pieces. Experts note that the UK and Scottish governments have failed to act on key recommendations from the 2013 Keogh Review, which called for a compulsory register of cosmetic surgeons. Instead, a voluntary certification scheme exists, with fewer than 30 surgeons signed up.
