A New York Times article describes a surprising new trend in plastic surgery: more doctors are expanding their services to include plastic surgery. The problem with this trend is many of the doctors aren’t trained in that area.
One woman’s story
A California woman decided to get plastic surgery, only to find out that her surgeon was a certified ear, nose and throat doctor, not a plastic surgeon.
“I had to use all my savings to get a real plastic surgeon to fix what he did to me,” said Joan, who asked that her last name be withheld to protect her privacy. “I have an M.B.A. I’m not stupid. But when the doctor has a nice clinic and all those diplomas and certifications on the wall, you think he knows what he’s doing.”
It’s happening more often than we think
Some analysts believe doctors are “moonlighting” as plastic surgeons because of the poor economy. The plastic surgery world can be extremely lucrative and some doctors are jumping on board this gravy train without the knowledge needed.
“A doctor may be good and well trained in his or her specialty, but it takes more than a weekend seminar to achieve mastery in plastic surgery,” said Dr. Joel Aronowitz, a plastic surgeon in Los Angeles who is also a clinical assistant professor at the University of Southern California.
Tips to find a credible surgeon
When considering plastic surgery it’s important to ask for references, before and after pictures of previous clients and make sure the doctor you are seeing is a board-certified plastic surgeon. This check list should be used for all cosmetic procedures, including Botox injections.
“Above all, I think common sense is in order,” Dr. John Santa, an internist and director of Consumer Reports’ Health Ratings Center said. “I would be suspicious of anyone who is operating way outside his or her specialty area, and always get a second opinion.”
