Cosmetic procedures can be risky

Cosmetic surgery performed by improperly trained surgeons can result in scarring, burning and in some cases even death. Researchers from 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. There is an overwhelming preponderance of untrained people getting their hands on these devices and using them. Top offenders are 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. People often suffer loss of pigmentation, particularly people of colour who received treatments from individuals who don't know how to set the laser level properly. There have also been cases of practitioners using grey market, untested, versions of materials injected into the skin to fill wrinkles. According to the ASDS, only a dermatologist should perform a cosmetic surgical procedure, rather than a family practitioner or gynaecologist. If a physician is only supervising the procedure, he or she should be on-site and available to respond to emergencies. Researchers advise buyers to beware of procedures offered at cut-rate prices. Those considering having a cosmetic surgery treatment should also ask what procedures are in place in case of an emergency. Consumers should also ask about the training of a person who will perform the procedure, complication rates with that procedure, and whether they can see before and after photographs of another patient who had a similar procedure.