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

Main Category: Cosmetic Medicine / Plastic Surgery
Also Included In: Dermatology;  Public Health
Article Date: 28 Jul 2007 - 0:00 PDT

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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
http://www.aad.org