Aesthetic surgery practice resumption in the United Kingdom during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Background: The global COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted all aspects of healthcare, including the delivery of elective aesthetic surgery practice. A national, prospective data collection was carried out of the first aesthetic plastic surgery procedures performed during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom. Objectives: The aim of this study was to explore the challenges aesthetic practice is facing and to identify if any problems or complications arose from carrying out aesthetic procedures during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Over a 6-week period from June 15 to August 2, 2020, data were collected by means of a proforma for aesthetic plastic surgery cases. All patients had outcomes recorded for an audit period of 14 days postsurgery. Results: The results demonstrated that none of the 371 patients audited who underwent aesthetic surgical procedures developed any symptoms of COVID-19-related illness and none required treatment for any subsequent respiratory illness. Conclusions: No COVID-19-related cases or complications were found in a cohort of patients who underwent elective aesthetic procedures under strict screening and infection control protocols in the early resumption of elective service.