Cosmetic Surgery – Buyer Beware 

With increasing popularity, cosmetic surgery is being performed by unqualified practitioners in non-accredited facilities. Medical spas have non-physicians performing cosmetic treatments with limited background knowledge and little supervision. This troublesome landscape is gradually changing.

Many physicians are jumping at these cosmetic procedures to add elective revenue to their practice. Unfortunately, a weekend course is not adequate to prepare doctors, nurses or aesthetians to perform cosmetic procedures.

Appropriate training allows plastic surgeons to select the proper procedure and perform the procedure in an accredited facility.
We have all seen reports in the media of deaths following liposuction or tummy tucks performed by physicians with inadequate training or using an inappropriate facility. 

Many states have passed legislation to help promote patient safety. Accrediting agencies are making facilities safer as well. 
Board certification has become a marketing term. Unfortunately, no system is in place to categorize board certification. There is no board of cosmetic surgery. Only plastic surgeons have extensive training in cosmetic surgery. They have five to seven years of surgical training and a tremendous background in surgery all over the body.

Now, more than ever, it is important to seek out the best credentials for patient care and safety. Careful analysis will lead patients to board-certified plastic surgeons that are members of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

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Breast Augmentation in 2007

The FDA has approved silicone gel-filled breast implants, but a few strings are attached. Manufacturing companies are required to conduct post-approval studies and continue core studies for ten years. 

Patients must be properly informed of the risks associated with silicone gel implants. This is partially accomplished through implant packaging and labeling. Women need to be advised that MRI exams of the breast will be used to evaluated implant leakage or rupture. A baseline MRI is recommended at three years after implantation and then every two years. Costs related to these studies may not be covered by health insurance.

The FDA will also monitor possible relationships between silicone gel implants and autoimmune diseases, lactation, neurological disease and other adverse outcomes.

Women now have the choice of saline-filled or silicon gel-filled breast implants. Plastic surgeons can help guide women to make informed decisions about breast augmentation. 

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