Tips for Avoiding Failed or Fraudulent Cosmetic Surgery
Cosmetic surgical procedures are increasingly being performed in walk-in clinics, spas and even shopping malls, according to a recent news release by the American Academy of Dermatology. The group warns that although these locations are convenient, clinicians operating there are typically inappropriately trained and supervised, and lack the ability to perform cosmetic procedures successfully. A 2007 survey by the academy revealed that 56% of board-certified dermatologic surgeons had treated patients who presented with symptoms of a botched cosmetic procedure performed elsewhere by a non-physician. The organization recommends that you ask the following questions of any clinician before undergoing a cosmetic procedure:
- "What are the doctor’s credentials?
- Is he/she a board-certified physician or other appropriately trained surgeon?
- What training does the staff have?
- How many of these cosmetic surgery procedures has the physician performed?
- What results can be expected?
- How long is the recuperation period?
- What are the risks?
- What is the cost?"
- "Take Time Out to Check Board-Certification: A doctor's board-certification is the best indicator of his or her training in a particular medical or surgical specialty. Look for certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), the only Board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) to certify doctors in the specialty of plastic surgery.
- Take Time Out to Check Facility Accreditation: Cosmetic surgery can safely be performed in a hospital, a surgicenter or an office-based surgical facility: Current published data show that accredited office-based facilities have a safety record comparable to that of hospital ambulatory surgery settings. However, the majority of office-based surgical facilities are not accredited. Another advantage of selecting an ASAPS member is that all ASAPS surgeons operate in accredited, state-licensed or Medicare-certified facilities.
- Take Time Out to have a Thorough Informed Consent: The consultation is an important opportunity for questions to be asked and answered. It should include a candid discussion of risks as well as benefits of the surgery. A thorough consultation also involves a review of medical history including any existing medical conditions. All these factors assist the surgeon in custom-tailoring each operation to best meet the needs of individual patients.
- Take Time Out to Get Marked Up: Ask to have the surgical site marked with a permanent marker and to be involved in marking the site. This means that the site cannot be easily overlooked or confused (for example, surgery on the stomach instead of the breasts).
- Take Time Out to Check on Follow-up Care: Good surgical care does not end with the surgery. Patients should inquire about follow-up visits and about the doctor's policies should surgical revisions be necessary."