Buttock or thigh lifts and correcting male baldness will not be available on the NHS in this region.

Liposuction will not be used either if it is simply to correct the distribution of fat.

The operations are included in guidelines -- outlining when people can undergo cosmetic surgery on the NHS -- which have been released to GPs by Airedale Primary Care Trust. It was decided to issue the guide following a rise in the number of requests for cosmetic surgery in the area.

The list was compiled by the Clinical Priority Group, which meets to consider cases requested for treatment which fall outside the usual contracts referral from GPs.

Between 30 and 40 per cent of referrals to the priority group are in relation to cosmetic surgery. However, they turn down more than half of what is requested.

Medical director Dr Maggie Helliwell said at the latest primary care trust meeting: "These guidelines have been produced to try to be more clear about what we think is reasonable criteria in relation to plastic and cosmetic surgery. There is a service on the NHS but it needs to be evidence-based and have clear reasons why we should fund the procedure."

The guidelines clearly outline what cosmetic surgery procedures are available on the NHS.

A clear distinction is made between cosmetic surgery -- where there is dissatisfaction with normal body image -- and reconstructive surgery, which is required to correct deformity caused by significant trauma or diseases.

It follows national guidance on plastic surgery from the Department of Health's Modernisation Agency.

Among the general principles drawn up by the plan are that cosmetic surgery will usually be excluded from NHS provision in the absence of previous trauma, disease or congenital deformity.

The reversion of treatments originally performed outside the NHS will also be banned.

However, in certain circumstances plastic surgery may be approved if the individual would gain a much higher than average benefit from the treatment and there would be additional benefit through the avoidance of social care.

Gender re-assignment surgery will be considered case by case.

Dr Helliwell added: "Cosmetic surgery is not routinely carried out by the NHS although exceptions can be made for exceptional cases that meet certain clinical criteria. Patients who believe they may be eligible should discuss their case with their GP, who will have copies of the guidelines."