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Warning to consumers: Know who's behind the needle

Recent case in California stresses the importance of procedures being performed by qualified physicians

Contact: Lisa Doty
847-956-9133, ldoty@asds.net
3/22/2006

ROLLING MEADOWS, Ill. – A recent case in California where a patient died following treatment with a non-approved injectable by an unlicensed practitioner is a red flag for consumers, says the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS). The Society urges consumers to check a practitioner's qualifications and credentials before undergoing any procedure to avoid the risk of complications from substandard treatment.

"While this is an extreme example of what the wrong product in the wrong hands can do, be prudent and selective when evaluating your options for any possible cosmetic procedure," said dermasurgeon Gary D. Monheit, MD, president of the ASDS. "These treatments are medical/surgical procedures that should be performed by a qualified dermasurgeon, who uses only FDA-approved products purchased directly from the manufacturers that follow strict FDA guidelines."

Dr. Monheit added that serious side effects, such as infection, scarring, pigmentation disorders and even death can occur following procedures performed independently by non-physician practitioners, who do not have the necessary medical training and qualifications to diagnose the condition, perform the procedure and adequately handle complications when they occur.

"It is critical to communicate as strongly as possible the documented risks of invasive cosmetic procedures performed by someone other than a qualified dermasurgeon," said Dr. Monheit.

Consumers should follow these tips from the ASDS prior to undergoing any cosmetic procedure:

Make sure a doctor is on site.
Check credentials to be sure the doctor performing or overseeing the procedure is board certified in dermatology or another specialty with equivalent training and experience.
Ask questions no matter how minor they may seem.
Be sure your medical history is taken.
Insist on having an initial evaluation by a dermasurgeon to determine if the treatment is appropriate for your skin type.
Talk about pain management options.
Ask to see the product. Many companies are now adding safety features directly to their products, so that you know what is being used and who manufactured it. For example, Allergan has added a holographic film to its BOTOX® vials with the Allergan name clearly visible to physicians and patients.

ASDS has created a Pre-Cosmetic Surgery Questionnaire which is available here.

Founded in 1970, the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery is the largest specialty organization in the world exclusively representing dermasurgeons, board-certified physicians who are specifically trained to treat the health, function and appearance of the skin and soft tissue with both medically necessary and cosmetic procedures. For more information on medical or cosmetic skin procedures visit asds.net.

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