Clinical Policies Directory TNRF1: Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery
These pages provide a web friendly version of the Treatments not routinely funded one policy (CLIN02 Treatments Requiring Individual Funding Applications TNRF1).
Go to Policies and Processes page (Clinical policies section) of this website to read the full policy.
Body contouring procedures
Apronectomy or Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)
Overview
Apronectomy or Abdominoplasty, also known as a Tummy Tuck, is a surgical excision of redundant skin around the abdomen.
Thresholds and eligibility
This procedure is not routinely funded.
Resources
Treatments not routinely published policy (TNRF1)
Additional information
If a clinician is able to demonstrate that their patient’s individual clinical circumstances are clearly different to those of other patients, they have the option of submitting an Individual Funding Request (IFR) application to the Effective Commissioning Initiative team at NHS Surrey Heartlands via the Blueteq database.
Simply put, the consideration is whether it is fair to fund their patient’s treatment when the treatment is not available to others.
Body contouring (Improving the shape and tone of tissue)
Overview
Body Contouring (shaping) is surgery to remove sagging skin and extra fat, and improve the shape and tone of underlying tissue.
Thresholds and eligibility
This procedure is not routinely funded.
Resources
Treatments not routinely published policy (TNRF1)
Additional information
If a clinician is able to demonstrate that their patient’s individual clinical circumstances are clearly different to those of other patients, they have the option of submitting an Individual Funding Request (IFR) application to the Effective Commissioning Initiative team at NHS Surrey Heartlands via the Blueteq database.
Simply put, the consideration is whether it is fair to fund their patient’s treatment when the treatment is not available to others.
Brachioplasty or upper arm lift
Overview
Brachioplasty is a form of body contouring. It is performed on patients with large amounts of loose or sagging skin on the upper arms.
Thresholds and eligibility
This procedure is not routinely funded.
Resources
Treatments not routinely published policy (TNRF1)
Additional information
If a clinician is able to demonstrate that their patient’s individual clinical circumstances are clearly different to those of other patients, they have the option of submitting an Individual Funding Request (IFR) application to the Effective Commissioning Initiative team at NHS Surrey Heartlands via the Blueteq database.
Simply put, the consideration is whether it is fair to fund their patient’s treatment when the treatment is not available to others.
Buttock lift
Overview
A Buttock lift is cosmetic surgery to improve the appearance of the buttocks.
Thresholds and eligibility
This procedure is not routinely funded.
Resources
Treatments not routinely published policy (TNRF1)
Additional information
If a clinician is able to demonstrate that their patient’s individual clinical circumstances are clearly different to those of other patients, they have the option of submitting an Individual Funding Request (IFR) application to the Effective Commissioning Initiative team at NHS Surrey Heartlands via the Blueteq database.
Simply put, the consideration is whether it is fair to fund their patient’s treatment when the treatment is not available to others.
Calf implants
Overview
Calf implants enhance the shape and look of your lower legs. Most people get calf implants as cosmetic surgery to make their legs shapelier.
Thresholds and eligibility
This procedure is not routinely funded.
Resources
Treatments not routinely published policy (TNRF1)
Additional information
If a clinician is able to demonstrate that their patient’s individual clinical circumstances are clearly different to those of other patients, they have the option of submitting an Individual Funding Request (IFR) application to the Effective Commissioning Initiative team at NHS Surrey Heartlands via the Blueteq database.
Simply put, the consideration is whether it is fair to fund their patient’s treatment when the treatment is not available to others.
Excision of redundant skin or fat (removal of loose and sagging skin)
Overview
Excision of redundant skin or fat is a procedure to remove loose and sagging skin often associated with loss of skin elasticity or weight loss.
Thresholds and eligibility
This procedure is not routinely funded.
Resources
Treatments not routinely published policy (TNRF1)
Additional information
If a clinician is able to demonstrate that their patient’s individual clinical circumstances are clearly different to those of other patients, they have the option of submitting an Individual Funding Request (IFR) application to the Effective Commissioning Initiative team at NHS Surrey Heartlands via the Blueteq database.
Simply put, the consideration is whether it is fair to fund their patient’s treatment when the treatment is not available to others.
Liposuction (suction technique to remove fat)
Overview
Liposuction is a surgical procedure that uses a suction technique to remove fat from specific areas of the body, such as the abdomen, hips, thighs, buttocks, arms or neck. Liposuction also shapes (contours) these areas.
Thresholds and eligibility
This procedure is not routinely funded.
Resources
Treatments not routinely published policy (TNRF1)
Additional information
If a clinician is able to demonstrate that their patient’s individual clinical circumstances are clearly different to those of other patients, they have the option of submitting an Individual Funding Request (IFR) application to the Effective Commissioning Initiative team at NHS Surrey Heartlands via the Blueteq database.
Simply put, the consideration is whether it is fair to fund their patient’s treatment when the treatment is not available to others.
Neck lift
Overview
A neck lift is a form of cosmetic plastic surgery involving tightening and removing skin from the human neck. The procedure addresses age-related wrinkling and creasing in this area, and provides a smoother, slimmer profile.
Thresholds and eligibility
This procedure is not routinely funded.
Resources
Treatments not routinely published policy (TNRF1)
Additional information
If a clinician is able to demonstrate that their patient’s individual clinical circumstances are clearly different to those of other patients, they have the option of submitting an Individual Funding Request (IFR) application to the Effective Commissioning Initiative team at NHS Surrey Heartlands via the Blueteq database.
Simply put, the consideration is whether it is fair to fund their patient’s treatment when the treatment is not available to others.
Plastic operations on umbilicus (bellybutton)
Overview
Plastic operations on the umbilicus are procedures that can be carried out to improve the appearance of the bellybutton.
Thresholds and eligibility
These procedures are not routinely funded.
Resources
Treatments not routinely published policy (TNRF1)
Additional information
If a clinician is able to demonstrate that their patient’s individual clinical circumstances are clearly different to those of other patients, they have the option of submitting an Individual Funding Request (IFR) application to the Effective Commissioning Initiative team at NHS Surrey Heartlands via the Blueteq database.
Simply put, the consideration is whether it is fair to fund their patient’s treatment when the treatment is not available to others.
Refashioning of scar
Overview
Refashioning of a scar can be carried out to alter its appearance.
Thresholds and eligibility
This procedure is not routinely funded.
Resources
Treatments not routinely published policy (TNRF1)
Additional information
If a clinician is able to demonstrate that their patient’s individual clinical circumstances are clearly different to those of other patients, they have the option of submitting an Individual Funding Request (IFR) application to the Effective Commissioning Initiative team at NHS Surrey Heartlands via the Blueteq database.
Simply put, the consideration is whether it is fair to fund their patient’s treatment when the treatment is not available to others.
Removal of excess skin following weight loss
Overview
This is a procedure which can be carried out to remove loose and excess skin after weight loss.
Thresholds and eligibility
This procedure is not routinely funded, in line with South East Coast Policy Recommendation Committee (PR 2009-09).
Bariatric Surgeons, GPs and other clinicians supporting patients in losing weight should document discussions with patients regarding the possibility of being left with excess skin after profound weight loss and inform patients that surgery to remove excess skin is not routinely available on the NHS. Where appropriate, this should be part of the consent process.
Resources
Treatments not routinely published policy (TNRF1)
Additional information
If a clinician is able to demonstrate that their patient’s individual clinical circumstances are clearly different to those of other patients, they have the option of submitting an Individual Funding Request (IFR) application to the Effective Commissioning Initiative team at NHS Surrey Heartlands via the Blueteq database.
Simply put, the consideration is whether it is fair to fund their patient’s treatment when the treatment is not available to others.
Submental lipectomy (tightens muscles under the chin)
Overview
A submental lipectomy removes fat and tightens the muscle sling under the chin.
Thresholds and eligibility
This procedure is not routinely funded.
Resources
Treatments not routinely published policy (TNRF1)
Additional information
If a clinician is able to demonstrate that their patient’s individual clinical circumstances are clearly different to those of other patients, they have the option of submitting an Individual Funding Request (IFR) application to the Effective Commissioning Initiative team at NHS Surrey Heartlands via the Blueteq database.
Simply put, the consideration is whether it is fair to fund their patient’s treatment when the treatment is not available to others.
Thigh lift
Overview
Thigh lift is surgery reshapes the thighs by reducing excess skin, and in some cases fat, resulting in smoother skin and better-proportioned contours of the thighs and lower body.
Thresholds and eligibility
This procedure is not routinely funded.
Resources
Treatments not routinely published policy (TNRF1)
Additional information
If a clinician is able to demonstrate that their patient’s individual clinical circumstances are clearly different to those of other patients, they have the option of submitting an Individual Funding Request (IFR) application to the Effective Commissioning Initiative team at NHS Surrey Heartlands via the Blueteq database.
Simply put, the consideration is whether it is fair to fund their patient’s treatment when the treatment is not available to others.
Upper arm reduction
Overview
An upper arm reduction can be carried out for people who have loose skin or sagging tissues which can occur after significant weight loss or as the skin of the upper arm loses its elasticity.
Thresholds and eligibility
This procedure is not routinely funded.
Resources
Treatments not routinely published policy (TNRF1)
Additional information
If a clinician is able to demonstrate that their patient’s individual clinical circumstances are clearly different to those of other patients, they have the option of submitting an Individual Funding Request (IFR) application to the Effective Commissioning Initiative team at NHS Surrey Heartlands via the Blueteq database.
Simply put, the consideration is whether it is fair to fund their patient’s treatment when the treatment is not available to others.
Breast surgery
Breast augmentation (increase breast size)
Overview
Breast augmentation is a cosmetic surgery technique using breast-implants to increase the size, change the shape, and alter the texture of the breasts.
Thresholds and eligibility
This procedure is not routinely funded.
This recommendation does not apply to patients undergoing breast reconstruction as part of treatment for breast cancer; South East Coast Policy Recommendation 2011-03. Patients requiring this procedure as part of a Gender Dysphoria care pathway approved by NHS England will be considered on an Individual Funding Request (IFR) basis.
Resources
Treatments not routinely published policy (TNRF1)
Additional information
If a clinician is able to demonstrate that their patient’s individual clinical circumstances are clearly different to those of other patients, they have the option of submitting an Individual Funding Request (IFR) application to the Effective Commissioning Initiative team at NHS Surrey Heartlands via the Blueteq database.
Simply put, the consideration is whether it is fair to fund their patient’s treatment when the treatment is not available to others.
Breast implant removal
Overview
Breast implant removal is surgery to take out breast implants. During the operation, a surgeon may also remove scar tissue or silicone from implant leaks.
Thresholds and eligibility
NHS Surrey Heartlands will consider a funding application for the removal of breast implant(s) where it is clinically indicated.
NHS Surrey Heartlands will not fund replacement implants.
Resources
Treatments not routinely published policy (TNRF1)
Additional information
If a clinician is able to demonstrate that their patient’s individual clinical circumstances are clearly different to those of other patients, they have the option of submitting an Individual Funding Request (IFR) application to the Effective Commissioning Initiative team at NHS Surrey Heartlands via the Blueteq database.
Simply put, the consideration is whether it is fair to fund their patient’s treatment when the treatment is not available to others.
Correction of inverted nipple(s) (nipples that are inverted)
Overview
Correction of inverted nipple(s) is a surgical procedure that aims to allow the nipple to stick out from the areola (the dark skin around the nipple).
Thresholds and eligibility
This procedure is not routinely funded.
Nipple eversion is not funded within the local NHS for any patient group. This recommendation does not apply to patients undergoing breast reconstruction as part of treatment for breast cancer; South East Coast Policy Recommendation 2011-07.
Resources
Treatments not routinely published policy (TNRF1)
Additional information
If a clinician is able to demonstrate that their patient’s individual clinical circumstances are clearly different to those of other patients, they have the option of submitting an Individual Funding Request (IFR) application to the Effective Commissioning Initiative team at NHS Surrey Heartlands via the Blueteq database.
Simply put, the consideration is whether it is fair to fund their patient’s treatment when the treatment is not available to others.
Mastopexy (breast lift)
Overview
Mastopexy is the plastic surgery for raising sagging breasts upon the chest of the woman, by changing and modifying the size, contour, and elevation of the breasts.
Thresholds and eligibility
This procedure is not routinely funded.
Mastopexy is not funded within the local NHS for any patient group. This recommendation does not apply to patients undergoing breast reconstruction as part of treatment for breast cancer; South East Coast Policy Recommendation 2011-06.
Resources
Treatments not routinely published policy (TNRF1)
Additional information
If a clinician is able to demonstrate that their patient’s individual clinical circumstances are clearly different to those of other patients, they have the option of submitting an Individual Funding Request (IFR) application to the Effective Commissioning Initiative team at NHS Surrey Heartlands via the Blueteq database.
Simply put, the consideration is whether it is fair to fund their patient’s treatment when the treatment is not available to others.
Surgical Treatment for Male Gynaecomastia (male breast reduction)
Overview
Surgical treatment for Male Gynaecomastia usually takes the form of liposuction or breast reduction surgery.
Thresholds and eligibility
This procedure is not routinely funded.
Resources
Treatments not routinely published policy (TNRF1)
Additional information
If a clinician is able to demonstrate that their patient’s individual clinical circumstances are clearly different to those of other patients, they have the option of submitting an Individual Funding Request (IFR) application to the Effective Commissioning Initiative team at NHS Surrey Heartlands via the Blueteq database.
Simply put, the consideration is whether it is fair to fund their patient’s treatment when the treatment is not available to others.
Facial procedures
Face lift
Overview
A face lift is a cosmetic surgical procedures that can be carried out to remove unwanted wrinkles by tightening the skin on the face.
Thresholds and eligibility
This procedure is not routinely funded.
Resources
Treatments not routinely published policy (TNRF1)
Additional information
If a clinician is able to demonstrate that their patient’s individual clinical circumstances are clearly different to those of other patients, they have the option of submitting an Individual Funding Request (IFR) application to the Effective Commissioning Initiative team at NHS Surrey Heartlands via the Blueteq database.
Simply put, the consideration is whether it is fair to fund their patient’s treatment when the treatment is not available to others.
Skin and subcutaneous procedures
Hair transplant/Hair graft/Hair replacement/Intralace hair system for abnormal hair loss
Overview
There are various methods for managing abnormal hair loss such as Hair Transplant, Hair Graft, Hair Replacement and the Intralace Hair System.
A Hair Transplant is a surgical technique that removes hair follicles from one part of the body to a bald or balding part of the body.
A Hair Graft is a strip of skin containing hair that can be transplanted to another part of the body.
Hair Replacement is the general term used for any procedure carried out to replace hair loss.
The Intralace Hair System is designed for moderate to severe hair loss, or thinning. It is constructed from a breathable mesh and integrated into existing hair.
Thresholds and eligibility
Procedures for this are not routinely funded.
Hair pieces and wigs for patients experiencing total hair loss as a result of alopecia totalis, cancer treatment, previous surgery or trauma are available from local NHS Trusts.
Resources
Treatments not routinely published policy (TNRF1)
Additional information
If a clinician is able to demonstrate that their patient’s individual clinical circumstances are clearly different to those of other patients, they have the option of submitting an Individual Funding Request (IFR) application to the Effective Commissioning Initiative team at NHS Surrey Heartlands via the Blueteq database.
Simply put, the consideration is whether it is fair to fund their patient’s treatment when the treatment is not available to others.
Irregularities of aesthetic significance (cosmetic procedures to improve appearance)
Overview
This captures all procedures that aim to improve aesthetic appearances rather than for functional reasons.
Thresholds and eligibility
Procedures for this are not routinely funded.
Resources
Treatments not routinely published policy (TNRF1)
Additional information
If a clinician is able to demonstrate that their patient’s individual clinical circumstances are clearly different to those of other patients, they have the option of submitting an Individual Funding Request (IFR) application to the Effective Commissioning Initiative team at NHS Surrey Heartlands via the Blueteq database.
Simply put, the consideration is whether it is fair to fund their patient’s treatment when the treatment is not available to others.
Repair of chronic tear of lobe of external ear
Overview
Repair of chronic tear of the lobe of the external ear would involve earlobe repair surgery which is a reconstructive plastic surgery that is designed to restore the appearance of earlobes.
Thresholds and eligibility
This procedure is not routinely funded.
Resources
Treatments not routinely published policy (TNRF1)
Additional information
If a clinician is able to demonstrate that their patient’s individual clinical circumstances are clearly different to those of other patients, they have the option of submitting an Individual Funding Request (IFR) application to the Effective Commissioning Initiative team at NHS Surrey Heartlands via the Blueteq database.
Simply put, the consideration is whether it is fair to fund their patient’s treatment when the treatment is not available to others.
Repair of chronic clefts due to avulsion of body piercing (torn skin due to body piercing)
Overview
The repair of chronic clefts due to avulsion of body piercing is a procedure carried out to repair skin where there has been a forcible tearing off of skin or another part of the body, such as an ear or a finger.
Any time layers of skin have been torn off to expose muscles, tendons and tissue, it is called an avulsion.
Thresholds and eligibility
This procedure is not routinely funded.
Resources
Treatments not routinely published policy (TNRF1)
Additional information
If a clinician is able to demonstrate that their patient’s individual clinical circumstances are clearly different to those of other patients, they have the option of submitting an Individual Funding Request (IFR) application to the Effective Commissioning Initiative team at NHS Surrey Heartlands via the Blueteq database.
Simply put, the consideration is whether it is fair to fund their patient’s treatment when the treatment is not available to others.
Skin grafts for scars (replacing skin to a body part of missing skin)
Overview
Skin grafts involve replacing or attaching skin to a part of the body that is missing skin. Skin grafts are performed by taking a piece of healthy skin from another area of the body (called the donor site) and attaching it to the needed area.
Thresholds and eligibility
This procedure is not routinely funded.
NHS Surrey Heartlands will fund this treatment for burns and as part of reconstruction following major trauma.
Resources
Treatments not routinely published policy (TNRF1)
Additional information
If a clinician is able to demonstrate that their patient’s individual clinical circumstances are clearly different to those of other patients, they have the option of submitting an Individual Funding Request (IFR) application to the Effective Commissioning Initiative team at NHS Surrey Heartlands via the Blueteq database.
Simply put, the consideration is whether it is fair to fund their patient’s treatment when the treatment is not available to others.
Tattoo removal
Overview
Tattoo removal is the process of removing an unwanted tattoo. The standard modern method is the non-invasive removal of tattoo pigment using Q-switched lasers.
Thresholds and eligibility
This procedure is not routinely funded.
Resources
Treatments not routinely published policy (TNRF1)
Additional information
If a clinician is able to demonstrate that their patient’s individual clinical circumstances are clearly different to those of other patients, they have the option of submitting an Individual Funding Request (IFR) application to the Effective Commissioning Initiative team at NHS Surrey Heartlands via the Blueteq database.
Simply put, the consideration is whether it is fair to fund their patient’s treatment when the treatment is not available to others.