A recent alert by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) announced that many of today’s consumers are not aware of the dangers and risks associated with aesthetic plastic surgery procedures being performed by unlicensed and unqualified practitioners. There have been recent reports from Nevada and Pennsylvania that document unsuspecting patients suffering disfigurement and, recently, two deaths when patients had their buttocks injected with unknown substances.
Injectable fillers including baby oil, silicone, and other substances with no known efficacy have been injected by unqualified practitioners into unsuspecting patients looking to enhance their face, breasts and body.
Do not let anyone inject anything into your body without knowing the qualifications of your practitioner. ASAPS suggests the following guidelines:
*Patients can check to see if the practitioner is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery by checking with the Board at: http://www.abplsurg.org or by calling 1-866-ASK-ABMS. Referrals to qualified surgeons can be found online at www.surgery.org, the website for the Aesthetic Society
*Cosmetic procedures are safely performed in accredited facilities
*In most cases, cosmetic procedures offered in non-medical settings, such as homes, hotels and beauty salons are not performed by qualified individuals and may involve the use of illegal or unknown substances.
*Patients should never choose a doctor solely on the basis of lower cost.
Remember – when you’re seeking plastic surgery, seek a board certified plastic surgeon
