Although the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery predicted more patients would do their research when pursuing plastic surgery to avoid substandard plastic surgery results in 2012, recent news shows many patients are still searching for good deals rather than qualified surgeons. These recent stories about buttock enhancement with tire sealant, breast augmentation performed in hair salons, and illegal “pumping parties” are scary and can cause life-threatening side effects. They are also easy to avoid. Dr. David Whiteman uses his blog and social media outlets to educate patients seeking cosmetic surgery.
According to CBS News, a woman was arrested in Texas for performing illegal breast augmentation with an unidentified substance in her hair salon after one of her “patients” went into critical condition. In Philadelphia, another woman was arrested for illegal “pumping parties” after a patient who received injections for buttock augmentation was hospitalized when the injected substance traveled into her bloodstream and lungs, according to an article from the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. The Philadelphia woman was found with needles, Super Glue, cotton balls, paper towels, and a 20-ounce water bottle filled with an unidentified substance that was most likely used for injections. CBS News also reported that the Florida woman who was arrested last November for injecting toxic substances like glue and fix-a-flat to perform buttock enhancement is now facing charges after turning herself into the police in March. She will face charges for practicing medicine without a license and for seriously injuring patients due to unlicensed medical practice.
These stories are scary, but avoidable. The victims in these cases were more concerned with the price of plastic surgery than finding a qualified board certified plastic surgeon. Many factors determine the cost of plastic surgery, including the price of the particular procedure, hospital fees, anesthesiologist fees, etc. If the price for plastic surgery seems too deeply discounted, it probably is. Many plastic surgeons offer financing options like CareCredit® to help patients afford plastic surgery and avoid treatment by someone who is inexperienced and unlicensed.
Not only it is important for patients to choose an experienced board certified plastic surgeon, but it is also important for them to feel comfortable and be able to trust their plastic surgeon. Your plastic surgeon should listen to your needs and help you choose a procedure that will allow you to best meet those needs while keeping your desired results in mind. If you ever feel uncomfortable during a consultation, know you can walk away.
Last but not least, never let someone, even if they can prove they’re a board certified plastic surgeon, inject you with an unknown substance. Even if you are being injected with well-known substances like Botox® or Restylane®, make sure your provider is really using these FDA approved products properly. For example, Botox® and Dysport® are used to relax muscles on the forehead and between the eyes that cause wrinkles although there are many popular off-label uses. Do your research before your consultation.
Dr. Whiteman encourages plastic surgery patients to do their research before surgery and makes the research process easier through all of the information provided on his website. Visit his website to learn more about a particular procedure or schedule a consultation at Southern Plastic Surgery for even more information specific to your needs. If you haven’t already, connect with Dr. Whiteman on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ for plastic surgery news and updates.