Consumer Alert From The American Academy Of Dermatology: Questions To Ask For Safe And Successful Cosmetic Surgery

The number of cosmetic
procedures performed in shopping malls, spas and walk-in clinics has risen
dramatically in the past several years. Unfortunately, patients who choose
to have these procedures performed in such locations may be forgoing safety
for convenience of location and bargain prices. The American Academy of
Dermatology (Academy) urges patients to select a board-certified physician
for cosmetic surgery. The Academy recommends patients do their homework and
consider a doctor's training and credentials before they decide if a
particular physician is the right choice for them.


Arielle N.B. Kauvar, MD, FAAD, clinical associate professor of
dermatology at New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, knows
the risks involved when a cosmetic procedure is not performed by a
qualified physician.



"Today, many non-physicians are performing various cosmetic procedures
outside their scope of training in spas, shopping malls and walk-in
clinics," explains Dr. Kauvar. "While these locations may offer
convenience, the limited training and supervision of the person performing
the procedure, and the equipment available to handle complications or
medical emergencies, can jeopardize the health and appearance of the
patient."



Some people may have medical problems or take medications that may
increase the risks of side effects. Non-physicians may not be knowledgeable
about these conditions.



In a 2007 survey by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery
(ASDS), 56 percent of dermatologic surgeons indicated that there had been
an increase in the number of patients they had treated as the result of
complications caused by a non-physician performing a cosmetic procedure.
Burns, scarring and skin discoloration were some of the most common
complications experienced by patients who had procedures performed by
non-physicians.



"I have seen many cases of cosmetic procedures gone wrong. These
procedures were performed by non-physicians without appropriate physician
supervision," said Dr. Kauvar. "In addition, staff members were not
adequately trained in the procedure or knowledgeable about the risks and
complications."



To assist consumers in choosing a qualified dermatologist, the Academy
recommends that before undergoing any cosmetic procedure, consumers should
ask the following questions:



What are the doctor's credentials? Is he/she a board-certified
physician or other appropriately trained surgeon? What training does the
staff have?



"Ask to see their credentials. Dermatologists are surgeons who have
received extensive education and training and they safely perform thousands
of cosmetic surgery procedures with excellent results for their patients,"
explained Dr. Kauvar.



The education and training for dermatologists and dermatologic surgeons
involves at least four years of postgraduate residency training in programs
accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education
(ACGME). This includes at least one year of training in internal medicine,
pediatrics, general surgery, or another ACGME-approved broad-based program,
followed by at least three years of intensive training in dermatology
including dermatopathology and dermatologic surgery. To become
board-certified, dermatologists also must pass a certifying examination
given by the American Board of Dermatology, a member of the American Board
of Medical Specialties.
















Dermatologic surgeons also may participate in post-graduate surgical
fellowships lasting one to two years. Beyond this, dermatologists and
dermatologic surgeons engage in continuing medical education (CME)
throughout their careers (in fact, almost every state requires a minimum
number of CME hours per year for relicensure).



How many of these cosmetic surgery procedures has the physician
performed? What results can be expected? Ask to see before and after photos
of the physician's previous patients.



"A physician should be up front and honest about the number of specific
surgeries they have performed," stated Dr. Kauvar. "In addition, the
physician you choose to perform your procedure should be willing to share
before and after photos of cosmetic procedures he or she has performed,
when available."



How long is the recuperation period?



"With any cosmetic surgery, the results achieved largely depend not
only on the skill and experience of the physician, but also on a patient's
general overall health, age, healing capacity, and the specific skin
problem," remarked Dr. Kauvar. A patient's realistic expectations also help
contribute to a positive outcome.



What are the risks?



"The risks involved in most cosmetic surgery procedures are minimal,"
explained Dr. Kauvar. "However, there are inherent risks associated with
any type of surgery, and these should be discussed with your physician
during the initial consultation."




Where is the cosmetic surgery usually performed?



"Because most cosmetic dermatologic procedures do not require general
anesthesia, cosmetic surgery procedures are most often effectively and
efficiently performed safely in the surgeon's office, surgical suite, or
outpatient surgical center," stated Dr. Kauvar. "This venue offers a safe,
cost-effective alternative to the hospital."



What is the cost?



"As with any medical procedure, the cost will vary depending on the
nature of the treatment," explained Dr. Kauvar. "It is important to ask up
front how much the procedure will cost and how payment is required."



"The patient's safety is the top priority for any physician," noted Dr.
Kauvar. "The overall care a patient receives from a physician in his or her
office is unparalleled to the walk-in clinics found in shopping malls and
spas. A well-informed patient and a board-certified physician are always
the best prescription for a successful outcome."



Headquartered in Schaumburg, Ill., the American Academy of Dermatology
(Academy), founded in 1938, is the largest, most influential, and most
representative of all dermatologic associations. With a membership of more
than 15,000 physicians worldwide, the Academy is committed to: advancing
the diagnosis and medical, surgical and cosmetic treatment of the skin,
hair and nails; advocating high standards in clinical practice, education,
and research in dermatology; and supporting and enhancing patient care for
a lifetime of healthier skin, hair and nails.


American Academy of Dermatology

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