Picture for illustrative purposes only. ARCHIVE

The UAE’s highest court has introduced stricter rules for cosmetic surgeries, ruling that plastic surgeons will now face greater accountability if patients are harmed due to negligence—even if the patient gave consent. The landmark decision by the Federal Supreme Court came after a case involving a woman who died during a body reshaping procedure. Judges found that the surgeon failed to exercise “utmost medical care” and deviated from accepted medical principles. The court stressed that cosmetic surgeries, unlike life-saving operations, are elective procedures aimed at improving appearance. Because of this, doctors are required to exercise a higher duty of care than other medical practitioners. “The plastic surgeon’s responsibility is to achieve the desired goal of plastic surgery, along with providing the necessary care in order to heal the patient,” the ruling stated. The court further clarified that surgeons must not proceed if the risks outweigh the expected benefits. Consent alone does not absolve them of liability. The decision, issued on September 1 was made by the Administrative Chamber of the Federal Supreme Court, chaired by Judge Mohammed Abdulrahman Al Jarrah, with Judges Dawood Ibrahim Abu Al Shawareb and Dr. Hassan Mohammed Hassan Hind concurring. The ruling is expected to reshape standards for cosmetic surgery in the UAE, with experts saying it reinforces patient safety while setting a clear benchmark for medical accountability. ICA/Expat Media
For all the latest news from the UAE and the world, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and subscribe to our YouTube page