Bargain Shopping For Plastic Surgery Or Cosmetic Procedures Can Be Costly
Next time you go to your dentist to have your teeth cleaned, why not get a face-lift as well? As ridiculous as that proposition sounds, it’s happening as unqualified physicians, aestheticians, and nurse practitioners add cosmetic surgical procedures to their services to boost their profits.
All sorts of physicians, including dentists, ER doctors, internists, ophthalmologists and even podiatrists have reportedly been practicing outside their specialties by offering cosmetic procedures that should only be performed by board-certified plastic surgeons. And it’s not just doctors who offer these services. Shopping mall ‘med spas’ now are selling cosmetic procedures along with massages and mud packs. It’s becoming a dangerous problem, with patients suffering the costs, literally and figuratively.
It is estimated that up to 50 percent of a plastic surgeon’s business is now re-doing surgeries performed by other physicians. It’s far more expensive to have to re-do a cosmetic surgery gone awry and unfortunately, sometimes the damage is permanent.
Many people undergoing an aesthetic procedure believe the doctor performing is a board -certified plastic surgeon. They might even be told that the physician is “board-certified,” however, that does not mean he or she is qualified in plastic surgery.
Consumers have to be proactive in asking if the doctor being considered for their plastic surgery is actually qualified in that specialty. Patients must also consider whether a cosmetic surgery facility is equipped to a handle a medical emergency. If there’s a medical problem, the best these alternative facilities can do is call 911.
While any cosmetic procedure offered in a spa, hair or tanning salon should raise a red flag, patients should not be fooled either by expensive offices or even the latest in equipment. It is critical to do your research and find a reputable, experienced surgeon with positive patient feedback. Learn more about Dr. Shapiro’s double board certified qualifications and read patient reviews on RealSelf.com.
