Senior Investigating Officer Detective Chief Superintendent Mark Payne, spoke after Paterson was sentenced to 15 years in jail.
He said: “The procedures carried out by Ian Paterson on vulnerable patients were unnecessary and caused physical suffering, scars and wounds to the patients.
“Also, as a result of his greed and arrogance, many of the patients have suffered psychologically, believing they needed to undergo the procedures because they were at risk from breast cancer.
“Paterson was a renowned and experienced surgeon who instilled complete confidence in his patients and therefore abused his position of trust. Of the 11 victims he was charged with in relation to this case, none had breast cancer, and yet he led them to believe they were at risk.
“This was cruel and unnecessarily led to many people suffering and living in fear. Paterson was a controlling bully, who played God with people’s lives so he could live a luxurious lifestyle.
“This case has been long and complex, with my officers talking to hundreds of potential victims. We have had amazing support from these individuals and their families and I would like to pay tribute to their bravery.
“We have also had terrific support from the hospitals and staff involved who were also duped by Paterson, he deliberately misinterpreted his colleagues’ diagnosis so he could convince his patients they needed surgery. This case has also had a profound effect on their lives and reputation as well.”
