Credentials to Look for When Choosing a Cleveland Cosmetic Surgeon
More and more often, we are finding articles published in the media about cosmetic surgery stories involving a wide variety of complications, due to the fact that they were performed by individuals without the proper credentials.
In a recent article reported in the Miami-Herald, a woman who paid a “doctor” for a cosmetic buttocks augmentation nearly died after the self-proclaimed cosmetic surgeon performed the procedure with household and automotive products. Since the arrest of the impersonator, the Miami Herald reported that more victims have come forward in this unfortunate case.
In the U.S., once a physician obtains his medical license, he may practice in any branch of medicine, even those outside his specialty. The high demand for cosmetic surgery has led numerous doctors with little or no specialized education or experience in plastic surgery to perform cosmetic procedures. In an effort to warn the public, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons recently launched a public safety campaign to educate the public.
Cosmetic surgery patients should be cautious and validate a physician’s credentials before scheduling a cosmetic surgery procedure.
Wearing a white coat and offering cosmetic procedures does not quality a doctor, nurse or medical technician to perform cosmetic surgery. Board certifications are available in numerous medical specialties. Make sure your doctor is board-certified specifically in plastic surgery. Just because a physician is board certified in another area does not mean he has the training and experience to successfully perform cosmetic surgery.