The Lebanese Society of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery (L.S.P.R.A.S) held its fourth international conference in Phoenicia Hotel under the patronage of Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Public Health, Mr. Ghassan Hasbani, represented by Doctor Joseph El Helou, as well as the President of the Lebanese Order of Physicians, Professor Raymond el Sayegh, with the support of the Association of Plastic Surgeons of Lebanese Descent (A.P.S.L.D) and the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (I.S.A.P.S). The three-day conference was presided by Professor Moustafa Hamdi, in the presence of the former president of the I.S.A.P.S and co-director, Professor Fouad Nahay, as well as 205 participants from 23 European and American countries.
L.S.P.R.A.S’ president, Doctor Elie Abdelhak, shed light on this year’s topics, which focus on the latest developments of science in breast reduction surgery, breast recovery after ablation, cosmetic surgery performed through small keyhole incisions, as well as the latest safe techniques in facial rejuvenation. The conference also aimed at educating doctors, exchanging expertise, and following up on the latest scientific advances in cosmetic surgery in the world.
President of the Lebanese Order of Physicians, Professor Raymond el Sayegh, reiterated during the inauguration event that “the L.S.P.R.A.S is part of the Order of Physicians”, praising the high competence of specialized cosmetic surgeons in Lebanon. Sayegh also reaffirmed the need to regulate the professional practice standards as well as the media appearances of doctors, from both scientific and legal aspects.
From his end, Doctor Joseph El Helou representing the Minister of Public Health, highlighted the importance of the “cooperation between the Ministry of Public Health, the Order of Physicians, and the L.S.P.R.A.S, when it comes to regulations, and closing down of non-certified cosmetic centers to ensure a better protection of both the patients and the health sector in Lebanon.”
The inauguration event also hosted a round table tackling the “unethical practices in plastic surgeries”, during which the L.S.P.R.A.S’ former president, Doctor Bechara Attieh, cited the Lebanese laws that impede doctors’ self-promotion, as well as false advertising and wrongful practices identified in Lebanon such as the aesthetical procedures carried out by cosmetic and beauty centers and promoted on social media platforms, or the cosmetic surgeries performed by non-specialized doctors.
As for Dr. Dany Touma, President of the Lebanese Dermatologic Society, he attributed the causes of the extending infringements of cosmetic surgery practices to the lack of laws, to the belief of some that medical aesthetic procedures are easy and can be performed without the required skills, and to the greediness for profit.
From his end, Dr. Abdelhak suggested several solutions for the thorny challenges that are faced, among which: the regulation of the professional practices, the prohibition of self-promotion, the rejection of complaints from patients who have resorted to unregistered plastic surgeons in the L.S.P.R.A.S, the forbidding of false advertising, and the prohibition of non-specialized in cosmetic surgery to perform cosmetic procedures.
Abdelhak also praised the joint efforts of the L.S.P.R.A.S, the Order of Physicians, and the Ministry of Health during the last years that highly contributed in limiting the infringements and led to closing down non-licensed cosmetic facilities.
Abdelhak concluded by advising Lebanese to verify the credibility of chosen plastic surgeons before consulting them, by visiting the L.S.P.R.A.S website (www.lspras.com), that lists all the names of the 100 certified and registered cosmetic surgeons in Lebanon. He concluded mentioning that no complaint has been received by the Order against the LSPRAS during the last three years.
On another note, the participating director of the conference session, Professor Foad Nahai, reminded the audience that “all countries including the United States, Canada, Germany, and Australia, are facing the same challenges in cosmetic surgery Lebanon is experiencing, hence the need of permanent work and efforts to ensure the protection and safety of the patient.”