Liposuction Procedures: Only 8 Percent of Body Weight
“Specialist” level or higher required to perform cosmetic surgical procedures
- Nursing staff permitted to conduct laser sessions under specific conditions
- Mandatory submission of an accredited psychological report for patients exhibiting symptoms of psychological disorders prior to surgery
- Physicians held professionally liable for complications and deaths resulting from the procedure
The decree defined cosmetic interventions and procedures as surgeries and interventions aimed at improving the human form or physique based on the individual’s desire and request, in accordance with accepted medical rules and standards. It also approved lists of cosmetic procedures across the specialties of plastic surgery, dermatology, ophthalmology, otolaryngology (ENT), general surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, maxillofacial surgery, and vascular surgery.
The decree restricted cosmetic surgical procedures to physicians at the level of specialist, senior specialist, or consultant, who hold a Board certification or its equivalent, or stipulated that such procedures be performed under their supervision, in accordance with the controls specified for each specialty.
Regarding liposuction, the decree required that the physician possess adequate training and experience to manage the procedure and its potential complications, with the necessity of explaining the procedures and risks to the patient and obtaining their consent. It also mandated a pre-operative assessment by an anesthesiologist, documented in the medical file.
The decree permitted liposuction to be performed in same-day surgery centers, provided that the volume of aspirated fat does not exceed 5 liters. It also stipulated that the volume of fat removed must not exceed 8% of the patient’s body weight without clothing. In cases where the aspiration volume exceeds 5 liters in a single procedure, the patient must be hospitalized for a period of no less than 24 hours.
Concerning laser treatments, the decree permitted nursing staff to conduct sessions under specific controls, including obtaining a license from the Radiation Protection Administration and acquiring an accredited training certificate, with the procedure performed under the supervision of a licensed specialist physician.
The decree required that the patient be examined by the specialist physician before each session, with device settings adjusted according to the patient’s condition, alongside documenting the assessment and informed consent in the medical file.
The decree placed special emphasis on the patient’s psychological aspect, obligating the physician to obtain an accredited psychological report prior to performing a cosmetic procedure on a patient who exhibits symptoms or suffers from psychological disorders that may affect their ability to make sound medical decisions. These include body dysmorphic disorder, depression, and schizophrenia.
Conditions requiring evaluation include body dysmorphic disorder, schizophrenia, severe depression, eating disorders, borderline personality disorder, and any other psychological disorder that may impact the patient’s decision-making.
The decree stipulated that the report must be issued by a senior psychiatrist or higher, and must include a comprehensive assessment of the patient’s mental state, their capacity to make decisions, their suitability for anesthesia, and the necessary precautions for follow-up. The report’s validity must not exceed three months from the date of the procedure.
In the event of complications, the decree organized the mechanism for handling them in both the public and private sectors, holding the performing physician professionally liable for complications and deaths resulting from the procedure in accordance with regulatory provisions. It also obligated private facilities to prepare the necessary medical reports and submit an incident report to the Medical Licensing Administration.
