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Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon or Gynecologist?

More and more physicians having minimal experience in cosmetic procedures are offering to perform such procedures within the settings of their office. Having a non-expert perform such a treatment increases the risk of complications while simultaneously diminishing the likelihood of the treatment's success.

Gynecologists, general practitioners and ophthalmologists are examples of the wide range of doctors now offering such services. So why are so many physicians with no background in cosmetic techniques becoming more interested in offering aesthetic treatments?

One reason is that patients interested in receiving aesthetic services usually pay for these services out of their own pocket because most health insurance companies don't cover such procedures. This is attractive to many physicians because it may take some effort to collect payment from an individual's health insurance company.

However, this same economic benefit to doctors may also potentially result in a conflict of interest. While most physicians do not openly promote their aesthetic services, there still may be subtle enticements (e.g., waiting room literature) which motivate patients to inquire about these services.

There is also the question of whether or not the physician possesses the level of expertise and knowledge to perform aesthetic procedures. Many of these doctors may only be given a single day, or less, of training to learn cosmetic techniques.

Physicians not having the necessary training may not know what to do should a complication arise. A minor complication, which could have been easily corrected by a relatively simple treatment, may become a major issue requiring specialized medical treatment or even surgery.

Even worse, some serious dermatological conditions may be mistaken for a cosmetic issue by those doctors having insufficient experience in either cosmetic procedures or dermatology. According to a study performed by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) dermatological surgeons are reporting a rapid increase in the number of skin cancers that were incorrectly diagnosed as a cosmetic issue by physicians not having the appropriate experience in aesthetic and dermatologic procedures. If a non-experienced doctor uses a laser to remove a skin cancer that they misdiagnosed as an age spot, then the skin cancer will return in a likely more advanced stage.

All of the above considerations points to the importance of having a qualified plastic surgeon perform any aesthetic treatment that one is considering. Always seek a professional having experience in aesthetic methodologies. Refrain from using a general practitioner or gynecologist even if you have a long history as a patient with a particular general practitioner or gynecologist.

Make sure that the physician that you will be using is a member of a professional organization representing plastic surgeons. Two such noteworthy societies are the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS).

The ASPS has been in existence since 1931 while all members of the ASAPS have been certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). Both of these societies can also place you in contact with a qualified professional located near your place of residence.

Be wary of using a doctor who has not been certified by the ABPS to perform a cosmetic procedure. Just because a physician belongs to a professional organization having the word "cosmetic" or "aesthetic" in its name does not mean that the physician has been certified by the ABPS.

It may be tempting to let one's guard down when looking for a doctor to perform a cosmetic procedure. Nonetheless, it is imperative to remember that these services carry with them associated medical implications. Therefore, the importance of using a qualified professional having extensive experience cannot be understated.

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