Dr. Andrew Mark Klapper helps cut through the marketing hyperbole, smoke and mirrors and B.S. of today's top headlines in Plastic Surgery. His honest commentary helps focus on what is useful and what is not.

Sunday, September 17, 2006

The Cry of Danger... Is it ENOUGH?

I find it ironic that the dermatologists are now speaking out about untrained physicians placing fillers... they feel it is unsafe for patients... This is exactly how I feel about dermatologists putting in Breast Implants(Dr.Sal Calabro for example of Howard Stern noteriaty). I applaud them for their comments on untrained physicians placing fillers and using lasers but if all it takes is a weekend course to put in breast implants or do liposuction where is their outrage there? Why is that okay?

Warning on plastic surgery risks
Reuters
Sunday, September 17, 2006 23:10 IST
NEW YORK: Undergoing cosmetic surgery performed by someone who’s improperly trained can result in scarring, burning and, in some cases, even death, a group of dermatologic surgeons warns.
The American Society of Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) has launched a public safety campaign in response to what it calls the “alarming national trend”of non-physicians performing procedures such as Botox injections, laser hair removal, microdermabrasion and chemical peels.
“What we’re seeing is an overwhelming preponderance at this point of these untrained people getting their hands on these devices and using them,” Dr Renata Hirsch, a dermatologic surgeon in practice in Boston and ASDS spokesperson, said. “Top offenders are these pseudo medi-spas.”
According to the ASDS, 41 percent of its members say they have seen an increase in patients seeking second treatments to repair damage from botched procedures performed by improperly trained individuals.
Hirsch said she has seen people suffer loss of pigmentation, particularly people of colour who receive treatments from individuals who don’t know how to set the laser level properly. There have also been cases of practitioners using “gray market,” untested, versions of materials injected into the skin to fill wrinkles. Also, Hirsch adds, a procedure may simply not work.
According to the ASDS, a physician should always perform a cosmetic surgical procedure -- and the physician should be a dermatologist, rather than a family practitioner or gynaecologist, Hirsch notes. If a physician is only supervising the procedure, he or she should be on-site and available to respond to emergencies. Hirsch also advises buyers to beware of procedures offered at cut-rate prices. “This is just one of those times when you just don’t want to get a bargain.”