On the same day as I was asked to write the abovementioned journal review, press headlines were rightly condemning the fact that a former Miss Argentina had died after a botched hotel room procedure to reshape her bottom. Today, as I write the review, the same press is covering the inquest on Denise Hendry, wife of Scottish football star, Colin Hendry, who died following liposuction treatment.

It was therefore with a sharp sense of focus that I began to peruse Reproductive Health Matters' (RHM's) coverage of the vital issues of cosmetic surgery, body image and sexuality. I say vital not only because of the abovementioned tragedies but because cosmetic surgery of all kinds is fast-growing – in the USA 12 million cosmetic procedures are done each year, while in the UK the comparatively small number of 100 000 procedures is still worth £1.2 billion and rising. Hence, such work clearly needs to be done advisedly, done ethically and done well.

All of which preamble is aimed at stressing that I am in complete agreement with the aim of this issue of RHM, and totally supportive of its concerns. I worry about the cultural expectations …