With the increase in clinics and doctors offering liposuction, it can seem that it is a procedure that can be done by anyone with a medical degree. Nothing could be further from fact. A liposuction procedure should be approached with the same level of care and consideration as any other cosmetic surgery procedure, like a breast augmentation, tummy tuck or facelift.

Recently the news has featured a number of stories of patients who have died after having liposuction done by doctors, many trained in other medical specialties, who have had a few days of liposuction training. Most of these deaths occurred when the patient experienced known complications, and the doctor lacked the proper training, experience, staff and facilities to handle the situation.

If you are considering liposuction, or any other plastic surgery, make sure you are working with a board-certified plastic surgeon who is performing the procedure. There can be complications to any procedure. Don’t put your safety in the hands of an inexperienced doctor.

For help, see our Plastic Surgery Questions.

Plastic Surgery Tourism: it evokes images of beautiful people in beautiful settings, basking and relaxing on a destination vacation where they also receive plastic surgery. And, it’s enticing: disappear on vacation for a week or two and return more toned, more sleek…more beautiful. And, frequently at a purportedly lower cost than having the surgery performed in the U.S.

But there is a dark underbelly to this idyllic “vacation.” A recent U.S. study by the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS), published in the August issue of Aesthetic Surgery Journal, found that complication rates for surgeries performed under these circumstances are alarming. The article, titled “Complications from International Surgery Tourism,” showed an increase in post-surgical complication rates in patients returning from surgery overseas.

“We see travel agencies brokering surgery for their clients with surgeons they have never met. The patients have no assurance that their surgeon is properly trained or qualified to perform the procedure they will undergo, and all too often little attention is paid to post-surgical care,” says Catherine Foss, Executive Director of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS).

The US study supports the findings of a UK study presented three years ago by ISAPS member Professor James Frame (UK) during the Medical Tourism Association meeting in San Francisco. Dr. Frame reported a 20% complication rate in patients returning to the UK after surgery abroad. Many were serious enough to require hospital care.

There is a misconception that anyone with an MD can safely perform any surgical procedure, but not all MDs are even surgeons, let alone plastic surgeons. You should always ask if your cosmetic surgeon is board certified, trained to perform the specific procedure you are considering, and experienced in the procedure. And, make sure you perform due diligence to verify the answer you received. Members of medical boards typically have a profile at the Board’s website. For example, below is Dr. Ali’s profile at the American Society of Plastic Surgeons website.

www.plasticsurgery.org/md/drali.html

Clearly this study shows a growing need to educate patients about surgical safety. Some complications have very poor or no resolution, and these results can never be corrected. No surgery should be taken lightly, and traveling abroad for plastic surgery can lead to poor outcomes, often with little or no recourse for additional treatment.

For more information, see Patients Have a Right to Safe Surgery.

In this third of our four-part blog, we discuss facial treatments, another effective product in the arsenal against the aging of skin. Facials not only reinvigorate the skin and help to replace lost collagen, they can also help people with chronic skin conditions like acne, oily or dry skin.

Anti-Aging Products: Facials, Peels and Masks

These products are very effective for de-stressing and deep cleaning the skin. A good peel or facial also reduces the signs of aging by stimulating collagen production, detoxing the skin and softening lines and wrinkles. Many times facials, peels and masks are done in conjunction with one another during a single visit for maximum effect and healing. Your Aesthetician can help you determine which procedure, or combination of procedures will give you the best results.

Next: Face Lifts and Mini Lifts

There are a myriad of anti-aging products on the market. But, what causes aging skin and what do these products actually do?

Collagen beneath the skin provides volume and gives shape to your face. When we are younger, our skin is “plumper” and more elastic. At about age 30, collagen begins to break down, resulting in wrinkles, lines and folds that get worse over time. There are several cosmetic products on the market to help minimize these lines and wrinkes.

Anti-aging Products: Creams and Serums

A wide range of products exist in cream or serum form that you can apply daily and/or nightly. Depending upon the product, these perform some combination of cleaning, hydration, anti-oxidation and replacement of collagen. Formulations are different for different skin types and ages, so it is best to discuss your unique needs with an Aesthetician, who can help you understand what is best for your skin.

Next: Anti Aging: Dermal Fillers

Are you considering plastic or reconstructive surgery but are concerned about scars? Dr. Ali talks about scars and how they are minimized using proper technique.

Dr. Ali talks about minimizing scarring

And, what is the scarless technique for breast augmentation? It might not be quite as good as it sounds. Hear what Dr. Ali has to say about this technique.

Dr. Ali discusses the “scarless technique”