• 28
  • September
    2011

The rapid recent growth of plastic surgery has led to more doctors without proper training and skill to perform plastic surgery procedures. The lack of training and skill has contributed to a number of problems for patients including, scars, infections, gangrene and even death. One 40-year-old mother's decision to get cosmetic procedure resulted in a botched surgery and a medical malpractice case.

The 40-year-old mother went in for what was supposed to be a simple procedure, replace a pair of leaking breast implants for a new set. However, the plastic surgery was botched and according to the woman, "it looked like I had one big breast instead of town. And the pain was terrible." In addition, during the same surgery the doctor operated on a scar near the woman's eye without her permission. The unwanted procedure left the woman unable to completely close her eyes.

Unfortunately, the 40-year-old mother's story is not isolated and according to Dr. Anthony Youn, a board-certified plastic surgeon and contributor on msnbc.com, "there are tons of doctors performing plastic surgery procedures when they have little or no training and little to no skill." What can individuals do to protect themselves?

The president of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons says patients should treat a plastic surgery like they are shopping for a house. Patients should do their homework. Individuals considering plastic surgery should make sure the doctor they may use is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. A board certification in by the American Board of Plastic Surgery means the doctor is certified in plastic surgery and not another practice area like pediatrics.

Patients should also ask how many of the considered procedures the doctor has completed. Individuals should also ask about hospital privileges, ask to see pictures and ask about the doctor's reputation in the community.

Source: today.msnbc.msn.com, "Case of 'uniboob' a startling reminder to pick plastic surgeon with care," Diane Mapes, Sept. 27, 2011