The abrupt closure of SK:N, a leading name in the cosmetic surgery industry, has left many patients in a difficult situation, underscoring the importance of careful research when choosing a provider

The shutdown has particularly affected patients who had recently undergone procedures at The Harley Medical Group (HMG), another well-known entity in the field. With the sudden closure, many patients found themselves without access to their surgeons or support staff for critical follow-up care.

This lack of professional guidance has raised serious concerns about patient safety, especially for those experiencing post-surgery complications. Additionally, the closure has created uncertainty for patients who had prepaid for treatments or were scheduled for upcoming procedures, leaving them in financial and emotional distress.

One of the most troubling aspects of this situation is the lack of communication from SK:N to both its staff and patients. An anonymous HMG practitioner expressed frustration, revealing that staff were informed of the closure with little notice and were left to turn away clients who showed up for appointments. This chaotic and secretive handling of the closure has only added to the anxieties of those affected.

Annabelle Baugh, founder of the Cosmetic Surgery Advancements (CSA) website and Consultant Directory, highlighted The Harley Medical Group as an example of the risks within the cosmetic surgery industry. She criticised the group for prioritising profits over patient care, pointing to their use of PIP implants, which were cheaper but later found to contain substandard materials.

These implants, eventually banned, were known to be unsafe by reputable plastic surgeons long before the scandal broke, illustrating the dangers of financial motivations in the industry.

Her own journey into cosmetic surgery advocacy began after discovering her Allergan breast implants were recalled due to their association with Breast Implant Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL), a rare cancer recognised by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Motivated by her own experience, Annabelle created the CSA site and consultant directory as a reliable resource for women facing similar risks. She also co-authored “The Beginner’s Guide to Cosmetic Breast Surgery” with Mr. Douglas McGeorge, providing practical insights into choosing reputable surgeons and managing expectations throughout the surgical process. However, she remains deeply concerned about lax regulations, especially since some leading cosmetic surgery websites allow any surgeon to market themselves as cosmetic surgeons, regardless of qualifications.

Mr. Douglas McGeorge FRCS (Plast), a director of his own cosmetic and plastic surgery clinic, supported Annabelle’s mission to challenge profit-driven websites promoting inadequately trained cosmetic surgeons. He warned that the appeal of cosmetic surgery should not overshadow the importance of thorough research, emphasising that choosing a provider based solely on reputation can have serious consequences.

In an official statement, SK:N acknowledged the impact of its closure but offered little reassurance to those affected. This lack of a clear exit strategy highlights the problematic nature of an industry where financial stability and ethical practices are not always guaranteed. The absence of stringent regulatory oversight allows companies like SK:N to operate with significant autonomy, often at the expense of patient safety.

** Since the closure of SK:N and The Harley Medical Group, Cosmetics Holdings SPV Limited have completed the acquisition of both. They provide contact details for patients with immediate enquiries.

STEPS YOU CAN TAKE

By following these steps, patients can protect their rights, seek appropriate care, and potentially recover financial losses. For patients affected by such closures, there are several steps to take for help:

• Contact Regulatory Bodies: Report concerns to the General Medical Council (GMC) and the Care Quality Commission (CQC), which can investigate the situation and uphold patient safety standards.

• Seek Legal Advice: Consult a solicitor specialising in medical negligence or consumer rights to explore compensation or recover prepaid funds.

• Consult Another Qualified Surgeon: Seek follow-up care from a vetted surgeon, using platforms like the CSA Consultant Directory to find qualified professionals.

• Contact Financial Institutions: If treatments were paid for via credit card, initiate a chargeback or refund process. Contact insurers if applicable.

• Join Support Groups: Engage with online forums and advocacy groups for emotional support and practical advice.

• Report to the Media: In cases of significant malpractice, sharing the story with the media can raise awareness and pressure regulatory bodies to take action.

• File a Complaint: Even if the company has closed, filing an official complaint can be useful for legal proceedings or recovering funds.

• Stay Informed: Keep track of updates from regulatory bodies, clinic administrators, or legal advisers to take timely action.

Tel: 0333 240 7070

Email: patientinformation@skngroup.co.uk