Karen Klickmann(847) 240-1735[email protected]
Jennifer Gale(847) 240-1730[email protected]
Julie Bremer(847) 240-1743[email protected]EMBARGOED UNTIL OCTOBER 17, 2001
CONSUMER ALERT: A QUALIFIED PHYSICIAN IS THE KEY TO SAFE AND SUCCESSFUL COSMETIC SURGERY
NEW YORK (October 17, 2001) --The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) urges patients to select a qualified dermatologist for cosmetic surgery. The AAD recommends patients ask a series of questions and consider the training and credentials before they decide if a physician is the right choice for them.
Speaking today at the American Academy of Dermatology's Derm Update 2001, dermatologist Harold J. Brody, MD, Clinical Professor of Dermatology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, discussed the dangers associated with non-physicians performing cosmetic surgery as well as why selecting a qualified dermatologist is key to a safe and successful medical procedure.
"Today, many non-physicians are performing various cosmetic procedures outside their scope of training in spas, shopping malls and walk-in clinics," explained Dr. Brody. "While these locations may offer some convenience to consumers, the supervision of the person performing the procedure, as well as the training and equipment available to handle complications or medical emergencies, can jeopardize the health and appearance of the patient."
Over the last four years, the incidence of complications from non-physicians performing cosmetic procedures has risen dramatically. In a recent survey by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS), approximately 45 percent of dermatologic surgeons reported seeing an increase in the number of patients needing corrective treatment for burns, splotching, irreversible pigmentation and scarring resulting from various medical procedures performed by estheticians, cosmetic technicians and employees of physicians without appropriate physician supervision.
"I have seen many cases of cosmetic procedures gone wrong. These procedures were performed by non-physicians without appropriate physician supervision," said Dr. Brody. "In addition, staff members were not adequately trained in the procedure or knowledgeable about potential risks and complications."
To assist consumers in choosing a qualified dermatologist, the AAD recommends that before undergoing any cosmetic procedure, consumers should ask the following questions:
What are the doctor's credentials? Is he/she a board-certified dermatologist or other appropriately trained surgeon? Ask to see their credentials.
"Dermatologists are surgeons who have received extensive education and training and safely perform thousands of cosmetic surgery procedures with excellent results for their patients," explained Dr. Brody. The education and training for dermatologists and dermatologic surgeons involves at least four years of postgraduate residency training in a program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. The first year involves a broad-based, clinical emphasis that is similar to that of all medical specialties.
This year is followed by three years of intensive training in dermatology including dermatopathology and dermatologic surgery. Dermatologic surgeons may also participate in post-graduate surgical fellowships lasting one to two years.
Beyond this, dermatologists and dermatologic surgeons engage in continuing medical education (CME) throughout their careers (in fact, almost every state requires a minimum number of CME hours per year for relicensure).
How many of these cosmetic surgery procedures has the physician performed?
"Dermatologic surgeons have developed many of the advances in cosmetic surgery that we see today such as wrinkle filler, botulinum toxin and microdermabrasion," stated Dr. Brody. Dermatologists were also quick to appreciate the power and utility of the laser and developed most of the cosmetic laser procedures available.
What results can be expected? How long is the recuperation period? Ask to see before and after photos of the physician's previous patients.
"With any cosmetic surgery, the results achieved largely depend not only on the skill and experience of the dermatologist, but also on a patient's general overall health, age, healing capacity, and the specific skin problem," remarked Dr. Brody. A patient's realistic expectations also help contribute to a positive outcome.
What are the risks?
"The risks involved in most cosmetic surgery procedures are minimal," explained Dr. Brody. "However, there are inherent risks associated with any type of surgery, and these should be discussed with your dermatologist during the initial consultation."
Where is the cosmetic surgery usually performed?
"Because most cosmetic dermatologic procedures do not require general anesthesia, cosmetic surgery procedures are most often effectively and efficiently performed safely in the dermatologic surgeon's office, surgical suite, or outpatient surgical center," stated Dr. Brody. "This venue offers a safe, cost-effective alternative to the hospital."
What is the cost?
"As with any medical procedure, the cost will vary depending on the nature of the treatment," explained Dr. Brody. "It is important to ask up front how much the procedure will cost and how payment is required."
According to Dr. Brody, "The patient's safety is the No. 1 priority for any dermatologic surgeon. The overall care a patient receives from a dermatologist in his or her office is unparalleled to the walk-in clinics now set up in shopping malls and spas. A well-informed patient and a skilled dermatologist are always the best prescription for a successful outcome."
The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) was founded in 1970 to promote excellence in the field of dermatologic surgery and to foster the highest standards of patient care. The Society supports clinical and basic science research grants, provides professional continuing education of its members, and sponsors public education programs related to cosmetic, therapeutic and reconstructive skin surgery. For more information on dermatologic surgery procedures and referrals to board-certified doctors in specific geographic areas, please contact the ASDS Consumer Hotline, 1-800-441-ASDS (2737), during weekday business hours or log on at www.aboutskinsurgery.com
The American Academy of Dermatology, founded in 1938, is the largest, most influential, and most representative of all dermatologic associations. With a membership of over 13,000 dermatologists worldwide, the Academy is committed to: advancing the diagnosis and medical, surgical, and cosmetic treatment of the skin, hair and nails; advocating high standards in clinical practice, education, and research in dermatology; supporting and enhancing patient care for a lifetime of healthier skin. For more information, contact the AAD at 1-888-462-DERM or www.aad.org.
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