Undercover research from the UK-based consumer group Which? has found that some cosmetic surgery clinics in England and Wales are 'downplaying' possible surgery risks and using overly aggressive marketing tactics.

The undercover researchers visited 19 clinics during 2007 and had one consultation at each clinic, posing as prospective patients for a variety of cosmetic procedures, including liposuction, Botox and breast surgery.

Transcripts from the consultations were then analysed by cosmetic treatment experts.

According to Which?, some of the clinics described invasive surgery as 'scarless' or a 'minor procedure', non-medical staff assessed one researcher's suitability for surgery, while one clinic offered liposuction in an 'office setting' to avoid hospital costs.

Which? health campaigner Jenny Driscoll said: "There are risks with all cosmetic treatments, so when people go for a consultation, they should get accurate and in-depth advice from a medical professional, not a pitch from an unqualified salesperson.

"The Health and Social Care Bill is currently going through Parliament and Which? will be calling for the government to make sure that regulation of this industry is more robust."