When shopping, it’s always best to search for a deal. During a time when the economy is still rebounding and people are still keeping an eye on their budget, searching for a bargain makes sense. It’s one thing to save a few bucks on groceries, but rock-bottom prices don’t guarantee quality. That is certainly the case when it comes to plastic surgery. The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery says there has been an increase in the number of botched procedures because patients are searching for the cheapest solution.
Dr. Anthony Youn, a plastic surgeon in Detroit, says he sees many patients that are unsatisfied with previous procedures. “In my metro Detroit practice alone, I’ve been horrified by dozens of botched jobs,” he told CNN. “One of my patients, a beautiful 25-year-old woman, was left with shark bite-sized divots all over her thighs and stomach after undergoing laser liposuction by a family medicine doctor.”
Botched procedures are making headlines. Several recent cases have landed people in jail, facing serious charges for performing procedures with little to no knowledge of plastic surgery. Plus, there are a growing number of spas and clinics that seem to pop up over night and offer a wide array of “makeover procedures.” But how can someone who isn’t trained in a certain medical field offer the service? Youn says, “Although state medical boards regulate who can obtain a license to practice medicine, they don’t restrict doctors from performing procedures outside of their training or specialty. Once they are licensed, there is no law against doctors performing any medical procedure they want to, as long as the patient consents to it.”
He went on to say, “As a board-certified plastic surgeon, Youn can legally perform a knee replacement or hysterectomy, procedures for which I am completely unqualified. This lack of regulation has allowed an increasing number of doctors of all types — including gynecologists, general surgeons and even emergency medicine physicians — to perform tummy tucks, liposuction, facelifts and breast enhancement.”
Young advises anyone considering plastic surgery to do his or her homework. Find a plastic surgeon that is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, the only plastic surgery board that is recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties.
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Tags: board certified plastic surgeons, cheap plastic surgery, plastic surgery
