Raising the standard of cosmetic surgery across the United Kingdom through structured fellowship training, rigorous credentialing and an unwavering commitment to patient safety.
Years of Cosmetic Surgery Excellence Through BACS
Building on four decades of commitment to cosmetic surgery through BACS, setting training standards and advancing patient care.
Specialist Cosmetic Surgery Domains
Dedicated training pathways covering face and neck, body contouring, breast, limb and intimate surgery - each with specialist mentorship.
Month Structured Training Pathway
Combining pre-reading, didactic teaching, supervised clinical practice of 40+ procedures, logbook assessment and examination.
The British College of Cosmetic Surgery (BCCS) is committed to advancing safe and ethical cosmetic surgery practice through education, training, and evidence-based standards. We empower our members to uphold the higest levels of professionalism and patient care.
- BCCS Mission Statement
On This Page
Why the BCCS Was Established
Cosmetic surgery in the United Kingdom operates within a regulatory landscape that has historically lacked structured training pathways and consistent credentialing standards. Any doctor holding a medical licence can legally perform cosmetic procedures, regardless of whether they have completed specialist training in the field.
This gap in regulation has contributed to variable standards of care and an erosion of public confidence. The BCCS was established to address this directly by providing a structured, independently assessed route to demonstrating competence in cosmetic surgery.
The concept of the BCCS was envisioned and inspired by the lack of regulation in this field and the deficiency in structured training in cosmetic surgery, resulting in a loss of patient confidence in the process.
Our Vision
BCCS aims to establish a recognised accreditation process for cosmetic surgeons and develop a publicly accessible Register of Proficiency to enhance patient safety and public confidence. We strive to build transparent partnerships with UK regulators, government bodies, patients, and key stakeholders to promote accountability and improve safety within cosmetic surgical practice.
Fellowship Training
The BCCS administers certified fellowship programmes covering five core domains of cosmetic surgery: face and neck, body contouring, breast, limbs and intimate surgery.
Each fellowship runs for approximately 18 months and combines pre-reading, didactic teaching, supervised clinical practice, logbook assessment and formal examination. Fellows perform a minimum of 40 cosmetic surgery procedures in their specific area and are guided throughout by experienced cosmetic surgeons serving as mentors and programme directors.
What Fellows can Expect
Hands-on surgical training and practice management experience led by your fellowship director. You will observe your mentor interacting with patients, learn about treatment planning, specialised surgical techniques, and gain insight into the day-to-day logistics of running a cosmetic surgery practice.
Unlike other training programmes, you will train in a specific body area and be tested before receiving your completion certificate of proficiency.
Credentialing & Examination
The BCCS awards certification to surgeons who complete the full accreditation process, including written and oral examinations and the demonstration of surgical competence under observation. Our credentialing is area-specific, meaning surgeons are assessed and certified in the particular domain of cosmetic surgery in which they have trained.
This level of specificity sets BCCS certification apart from generalist qualifications. To qualify for the annual examination, candidates must present case logs and operative reports with surgical details, accompanied by before and after photographs providing evidence of high-quality cosmetic and aesthetic results.
PSA-Accredited Practitioner Register
The BCCS operates a practitioner register formally accredited by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA) as part of its Accredited Register Programme. This means that BCCS-registered practitioners have met independently verified standards for training, competence and professional conduct.
We work in close alignment with the General Medical Council and participate in a cross-register alerts system, sharing information relating to fitness-to-practise proceedings to ensure public protection remains at the centre of everything we do.
Regulatory Alignment
The UK Government is currently designing a new licensing scheme for the cosmetic surgical sector in England. The BCCS is actively engaged in supporting the design of these new standards and will review and update its own entry criteria to align with Government-mandated requirements once they are confirmed.
All conditions cited on this website regarding eligibility and entry standards are based on the BCCS’s Education and Training Competency Framework and upon the College’s published register entry requirements. These will be updated to align with any Government-mandated licensing requirements once determined.
Fellowship Training
Area Specific Credentialing
PSA-Accredited Register
Regulatory Alignment
Our Values
The British College of Cosmetic Surgery is committed to upholding the highest standards of patient safety, professional integrity, and ethical practice across all four UK nations.
Protecting the Public
Protecting the public and prioritising patient safety sits at the heart of everything we do.
Supporting Our Members
Providing professional support, education and guidance to members and fellows.
Promoting Self-Regulation
Promoting robust self-regulation in cosmetic surgery across all four UK nations.
Upholding the Code of Conduct
Ensuring members adhere to our strict Code of Conduct and taking action when standards are not met.
An Accessible Portal for Patients
Providing a clear and accessible portal for patients and the public to raise concerns within the cosmetic sector.
Responsible Surgical Practice
Reducing risks to patients while supporting responsible cosmetic surgical practice.
Where it Began
A group of surgeons from various surgical specialities inaugurated the British Association of Cosmetic Surgeons (BACS), united by their interest in cosmetic surgery as a speciality in its own right.
The Next Chapter
The BCCS was formally launched as a charity-governed college - the credentialing authority for cosmetic surgery in the United Kingdom.
Our Heritage
The BCCS builds upon a legacy that spans more than four decades. For over 40 years, BACS has been committed to the specialty of cosmetic surgery, ensuring its members have access to excellent training and continuously improve the quality of care delivered to patients.
The establishment of the BCCS represents the evolution of this mission: a dedicated college with the infrastructure, governance and regulatory alignment to set the standard for cosmetic surgery training and credentialing in the UK.
This heritage is not merely historical. It informs the rigour of our fellowship programmes, the depth of our examination process and the credibility our certification carries within the profession.
