Cosmetic Policies

The Derby and Derbyshire ICB Cosmetic Policies identify procedures that are widely considered to be primarily cosmetic, and as such deliver relatively small health benefits compared to other interventions. The policies outline procedures that are not normally commissioned, and those which are only commissioned when certain criteria are met to ensure that ICB fund treatment only for clinically effective interventions.

The policy is implemented by primary and secondary care healthcare professionals when advising and referring patients, and by providers when considering the treatment options for patients. Those making referrals should not refer to any provider for a treatment or procedure covered by this policy.

Providers should not suggest, recommend or otherwise offer excluded treatments or a procedure covered by this policy to any patient, unless it is clear the patient meets the appropriate clinical criteria outlined.

This policy should be read in conjunction with other policies and pathways, e.g.

  • Procedures of Limited Clinical Value (PLCV)
  • Interventional Procedures Guidance (IPG) Policy – Derbyshire wide
  • Musculoskeletal Clinical Assessment and Triage Service (MSK-CATS)

For further information on the Derby and Derbyshire ICB Referral Process for Cosmetic Procedures, please see link below:
Derby and Derbyshire ICB Referral Process for Cosmetic Procedures

NICE Guidance:

The role of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) is to improve outcomes for people using the NHS and other Public Health and Social Care services, by producing several different types of guidance documents.

  • Some of the NICE recommendations are made with more certainty than others. Where there is clear and strong evidence of benefit, NICE will use the word 'offer'. Where the benefit is less certain NICE will use the word 'consider'.
  • The ICB is allowed to take decisions which do not follow guidance (other than Technology Appraisal Guidance) if they have a good reason to do so and have considered the consequences of the decision e.g. quality of the evidence, availability of resources and competing priorities. All are valid reasons for not following published NICE guidance.
  • For more information about NICE guidance, please click on the following link: Developing NICE guidelines: the manual

For breast and surgical procedures please see the link on the left hand side

British Association Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS)
British Association Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS) have developed evidence-based advice to inform commissioning decisions on cosmetics procedures.


Psychological Impact:

DDICB cosmetic policies and position statements are not commissioned on the grounds of psychological impact.

Derby and Derbyshire ICB

Derby and Derbyshire ICB

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