Five Lessons to Learn from Plastic Surgery Gone Wrong
On those rare occasions when tragedy strikes in the world of plastic surgery, the media springs into action and soon everyone seems to be talking about it. Whether a patient suffers injury during cosmetic surgery in New York City or in a suburb of Miami—as happened recently to the young woman who’s in a coma following breast augmentation—it can touch off concern among plastic surgeons and patients alike.
We never comment on specific cases because there’s so much we don’t know. But these unfortunate occasions present opportunities to remind patients of five important steps they can take to help ensure their safety.
Always choose a plastic surgeon who is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. The certification process demands that each surgeon has at least five years of surgical residency training, with at least two of those specifically devoted to plastic surgery. In addition, the doctor must pass rigorous written and oral exams. Without this certification, your prospective cosmetic surgeon may have had no formal training in plastic surgery at all.
Take a close look at the credentials of the rest of your plastic surgeon’s staff, particularly the anesthesiologist. The more medical training an anesthesiologist has, the better. Insist on working with an M.D. anesthesiologist or a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist.
Check out whether a doctor you’re considering has had any complaints or lawsuits lodged against him or her. A good place to start is the Federation of State Medical Boards, where you can find a link to the board in your own state.
Investigate the facility where you will have your procedure. Find out what it takes for a facility to be certified by the Joint Commission or the AAAASF and make sure your hospital or ambulatory surgical center is approved by a reputable organization such as one of these.
Even if you’re considering a less invasive procedure such as BOTOX® Cosmetic, never work with an unlicensed provider. Noting the proliferation of recent problems in “retail or spa-like settings,” the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery issued a warning to consumers about this just a few days ago.
You often hear phrases like “cosmetic surgery is still surgery” from plastic surgeons. That’s because even when the goal is aesthetic, there are risks associated with cosmetic surgery in New York City, Miami and around the globe. Reputable plastic surgeons want you to do your homework.
Because it will help give you every chance of a good result from cosmetic surgery, this is homework you should welcome.
