Study reveals higher level of safety at accredited facilities

Originally from Smart Beauty Guide

Millions of people across the globe request cosmetic procedures each year, whether they’re looking to improve the appearance of their bodies following extreme weight loss or looking to make their face a bit more symmetrical with corrective surgery. While most individuals remain aware of the ramifications that may occur following their surgeries, some do not recognize the importance of investing in a board-certified plastic surgeon.

According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, nearly 2 million surgical procedures took place with board-certified surgeons in 2013, a number that has increased by 89 percent since 1997. As more people undergo plastic surgeries, a rising number have sought cheaper – but potentially lethal – procedures from non-certified doctors, including those found abroad or those performing operations outside of their specialties.

Prior to selecting a surgeon, patients should consider the following.

Check the certifications
It may be cost-effective to entrust a doctor who can perform a procedure at a discounted rate, but patients should be sure to check surgeons’ certifications prior to consultation. A recent study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that instances of A Streptococcus infections were significantly more prevalent in offices of doctors that were not required to abide by federal or state regulations. Researchers explained that the majority of these infections occurred following liposuction operations, as facilities were not kept up to certified standards and were more likely to cultivate and spread this condition.

Since medical professionals can perform procedures without being certified in a specific area, some doctors may have the ability to conduct an operation, but lack the expertise or materials to make the surgery as safe or effective as possible. One New York-based surgeon who was not affiliated with the study explained in a post on the Healthcare Professionals Network that the findings were important for patients and surgeons alike.

“This not only raises a serious concern for healthcare professionals, but also highlights the importance of educating patients to ensure their cosmetic procedure is performed at an accredited facility by a board-certified plastic surgeon,” he wrote for the source.

Staying safe before surgery
When researching the different options for plastic surgery, it’s essential to keep risks and complications in mind, as they may differ from person to person. Consulting with a board-certified surgeon who has a wealth of experience with a particular procedure is one of the best ways to ensure your surgery yields desirable results. All members of ASAPS on Smart Beauty Guide adhere to strict regulations on certification and accreditation when it comes to surgical experience and the safety of their facility.