Five years ago, the field of cosmetic medicine was dominated by plastic surgeons and dermatologists—specialists in aesthetic anatomy who went through several years of intense training. Now, however, family doctors, obstetricians, and emergency room physicians are cashing in on the beauty business and performing cosmetic procedures after only one-day training courses.

“Dentists are doing Botox, and urologists are doing hair transplants and vein removal,” says Dr. Ellen Gendler, a Manhattan dermatologist. “Everyone wants to be a plasticologist.”

So what does this mean for the qualified and trained professionals who have dedicated their careers to cosmetic medicine? What does it mean for unsuspecting patients who go to non-specialists for plastic surgery procedures?

Doctor Disputes

Plastic surgeons and dermatologists call their new colleagues “noncore” doctors and are adamantly against the invasion into their field, arguing that cosmetic surgery requires several years of training, rather than a quickie-course.

Unfortunately, in the U.S., all licensed physicians are legally able to administer any treatment no matter how much training they've had. In the past most doctors stayed away from fields outside their domain—until now.

More and more medical associations such as the American Academy of Family Physicians are now offering classes on Botox injections, lasers, facial fillers, and other cosmetic procedures, which encourages unqualified doctors to turn to the business of beauty. But concerned plastic surgeons claim this trend poses serious risks to patients.

Patient Safety

Even more alarming than the increasing trend of non-specialists performing cosmetic procedures is that non-specialists are beginning to gravitate toward more-invasive surgeries such as liposuction or breast augmentation.

“You can't assume that everyone with a pilot's license can fly a 747 as well as a Piper Club,” says Dr. Stephen H. Miller, the president of the American Board of Medical Specialties. “When you use a generic medical license to practice other forms of medicine, there is an inherent danger to patient safety,” he adds.

According to professor of dermatology at Harvard Medical School, Dr. Alexa B. Kimball, studies have found that non-specialist physicians make more medical errors when diagnosing skin conditions than dermatologists do.

“When doctors practice out of their scope, you would anticipate problems to arise from inadequate training,” she said.

Future of Cosmetic Medicine

Many plastic surgeons fear that the problem will only get worse and confuse patients who sometimes fail to thoroughly research a doctor's training when choosing a cosmetic surgeon.

“Next thing you know, chiropractors will be doing liposuction and psychiatrists will be ‘head surgeons,' giving you Restylane with your Prozac,” says Oregon plastic surgeon and past president of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Dr. Mark L. Jewell.

So what can patients do to ensure safe procedures with maximum results? ALWAYS investigate a doctor's background and choose a surgeon who is a board certified member of the ASPS or ASAPS.

Considering plastic surgery? Please contact us today to set up a consultation with a highly qualified and experienced board certified plastic surgeon near you.