Asking the Right Questions Key to Cosmetic Safety

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In recent years, cosmetic surgery in the United States has skyrocketed. Unfortunately, so has the number of news stories reporting the sometimes-fatal damage caused by shoddy plastic and cosmetic surgery procedures.

Since 2003, numerous horror stories have surfaced about individuals who have died or suffered permanent damage because of fraudulent procedures. Given the underground nature of such practices, experts say its difficult to determine how often dangerous procedures are being performed.

Beware of Non-medical Settings

“I think that, especially in big cities, it's more common than you think, because I see a lot of patients who have been treated in hotel rooms, for example,” said Dr. Rhoda Narins, former president of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS).

Hotel rooms, beauty clinics, spas, private homes—in many cases, non-medical settings such as these are where potentially harmful cosmetic practices are taking place.

“I've seen several patients who had spa treatments and got comfortable there, and then they were offered non-medical grade silicone. They ended up having horrendous reactions,” Narins said.

Ask the Right Questions

Experts say the key to safe cosmetic surgery is asking the right questions.

“It's important to be a responsible consumer, to do your homework, to not be afraid to ask the tough questions. If you ask people legitimate questions in a non-offensive way, and they get angry or hostile with you, then you need to go find somebody else,” said Dr. John W. Canady, vice president of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).

Narins agreed.

“People shouldn't take chances with their health. When you inject something into your body, this is not the same as getting a massage. This is something that can seriously affect you, and for a long time.

Red Flags

She urged plastic surgery consumers to watch out for the following “red flags”:

  • Lack of credentials—Check the doctor's credentials and experience with the ASPS, ASDS, or the state medical board.
  • Cheap deals—“If a procedure has an unbelievable price that nobody else is offering, then you really have to slow down and examine why it's so cheap—why is it so out of line with the rest of the market?” Canady said.
  • Lack of medical support—Even the best surgeons need to be prepared to deal with potential reactions. A reputable practitioner will have the equipment and qualified personnel necessary to deal with any adverse reactions.

Considering cosmetic surgery? To learn more or to schedule a consultation with a board certified cosmetic surgeon near you, please contact us today.


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