Buyer Beware – If it sounds too Good to be True—It is!

Serving Chattanooga, Tennessee

In the May issue of Surgery News, William Kuzon, Jr., M.D. (Professor of Plastic Surgery at the University of Michigan) editorialized about the value of training in aesthetic surgery. His thoughts reflect how most of us who practice this discipline feel. To paraphrase Dr. Kuzon, aesthetic surgery requires the belief and skills to attempt to make "normal", "better". The surgeon must have a keen eye for surface anatomy and aesthetics, be sure about every detail of the procedure, and attend to the patient’s psyche. Aesthetic surgery pushes the surgeon to accept nothing but perfection, and the management of its complications requires a master to resolve the physical problem and calm the emotional turmoil that surrounds it.

Cosmetic plastic surgery has become a billion dollar industry in the U.S., and along with the allure of this kind of capital has come a host of charlatan practitioners and practices. A day does not go by now when some proposed super human feat of plastic surgery, or some tragic disaster is not visited upon us from our entertainment news programs. The intensity of advertising and salesmanship has led to a carnival-like atmosphere surrounding a surgical subspecialty which is among the most demanding to practice. A virtually continuous stream of new "miracle" procedures, endoscopic, laser-assisted, microwave, radio frequency thing-a-majigs enter the market constantly. How does the intelligent consumer cut through this fog of nonsense to get at the truth?

The first bit of advice I would give is that if it sounds too good to be true--- it is. Realistic expectations equate with adequate patient education. Next, as always, let the buyer beware. Don’t believe the magic that TV brings into your living room. Remember that most of these "medical" shows are marketed for the purpose of entertainment, not as fact finding expeditions for potential patients. There are countless treatments offered by everyone from surgeons to spas. To avoid disappointment, research is essential. Don’t expect an hour long spa type treatment to yield the same sustained and significant result that one might expect from the hands of a master surgeon performing tried and true procedures.

Additionally, sound judgment in a cosmetic surgeon is not heralded by phrases like, "no down time" or "painless and bruiseless". Thoughtful aesthetic surgeons will purposely play down the hype that surrounds their discipline. They want their patients to understand the benefits and risks that a surgical intervention can play in correcting the imperfection that they have identified. Choosing this physician can be confusing. Begin with board certifications. Plastic surgeons are certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery. Be mindful that (believe it or not) there are phony board certifications. Ask if the surgeon has privileges to perform surgery in your community’s best hospitals. Absence of hospital privileges is not a good sign. Inquire as to the doctor’s training. Most are very proud of their stripes and will freely discuss all residency experiences. Resident training is a highly supervised privilege. If your doctor is teaching other doctors, you should have confidence in your selection. An academic appointment to do so is not granted by universities easily. Moreover, always ask your primary care doctor for advice. We all know the surgeons to whom we would send our family members.

Education and expectations are the keys to satisfaction in today’s cosmetic surgery environment. Do your homework. Understand your undertaking, and you can steer clear of all cosmetic surgery fantasies.