Consumer Alert: Minimally Invasive Cosmetic Procedures Should Not Be Taken Lightly

BOSTON -- Today, there are more ways than ever before to "get a little work done." From skin fillers to fat-reduction procedures, the options are endless for those looking to improve their appearance and boost their self-esteem. But with so many physicians and options from which to choose, consumers can be confused about where to start and who to trust to perform a cosmetic procedure.

At the American Academy of Dermatology's Summer Academy Meeting 2009 in Boston, dermatologist C. William Hanke, MD, MPH, FAAD, clinical professor at Indiana University School of Medicine in Indianapolis, offered advice to help patients determine if a cosmetic procedure is right for them, including questions to ask the physician to ensure a safe and effective result or outcome.

"The best advice I can offer consumers is not to be afraid to ask physicians direct questions about their credentials, training, and patient results with any cosmetic procedure," said Dr. Hanke. "If you are not satisfied with the answers to your questions or if a physician becomes defensive, then these are red flags and you should seek another opinion."

To help consumers in choosing a qualified physician for a safe and effective cosmetic procedure, Dr. Hanke recommends the following:

1. Look for a physician who specializes in the cosmetic procedure. Dr. Hanke cautioned that no physician is an expert at every cosmetic procedure. For example, some physicians specialize in laser procedures or liposuction, so Dr. Hanke suggested that consumers look for physicians with particular expertise in the procedure they are considering. Ideally, patients should request to see "before and after" photos of a physician's actual patients, rather than of another physician's work.

"To help them learn about the expected outcomes and downtime involved with a procedure, patients should ask their physician if they can speak with a patient who has undergone the procedure," said Dr. Hanke. "This might help them feel more comfortable about asking questions and to determine if a procedure is right for them."

The American Academy of Dermatology (Academy) also recommends that consumers ask physicians how many procedures they have performed, what results can be expected, how long the recuperation period is and what are the risks.

2. Consider the highly trained skills of a dermatologist for minimally invasive cosmetic procedures. Dr. Hanke explained that most of the minimally invasive cosmetic procedures available today were either developed or refined by dermatologists, such as tumescent liposuction (liposuction using tumescent local anesthesia on awake patients), soft tissue (skin) fillers, and cutaneous laser surgery which includes the removal of tattoos, unwanted hair, and vascular birthmarks, and the treatment of sun-damaged skin.

"Dermatologists specialize in minimally invasive procedures that do not require general anesthesia. This greatly reduces the potential for complications since the patient is awake during the procedure and recovery times are decreased," said Dr. Hanke. "These procedures offer patients an enhanced version of themselves, and most patients would rather have subtle results than a drastic change, which is indicative of a major procedure."