Do I Really Need a Specialist for Plastic Surgery? What’s wrong with wanting a deal on cosmetic procedures?

The now three year economic slump has undoubtedly pushed many Americans to seek alternate sources of income.  Unfortunately, it’s also pushed many medical professionals to branch out from their original fields of practice to offer more profitable procedures they are not always adequately trained to perform.  This observation is evidenced in a 2010 Aesthetic Surgery Journal article entitled, “Plastic Surgeons Losing to Non-Core Physicians on the Internet?”

The article summarizes a study compiled by the American Board of Medical Specialties in which the website traffic of 2,001 physicians offering cosmetic services were analyzed over the course of a year.  Of those physicians, the websites of board certified plastic surgeons attracted fewer views than those physicians who were not certified in cosmetic specialties, but did offer the services.  In addition, the number of people who viewed the non-plastic surgeon cosmetic procedure providers grew by nearly 50% while the traffic for board certified plastic surgeons only grew about 10%.

These statistics make the need for accurate patient education even more apparent than previously thought.  No doubt you’ve probably heard horror stories of facial rejuvenation patients receiving Botox® treatment from an under-qualified provider and ending up with side effects like a drooping eyebrow or unintended muscle paralysis.  Luckily, the effects of Botox® are temporary.  Surgical results, however, are forever.  Even though most patients seek care from a board certified plastic surgeon, the rate of revisionary plastic surgery for procedures like rhinoplasty (nose surgery) is on the rise.

It has always been my goal, and the reason I went on to become double board certified in both plastic and reconstructive surgery as well as otolaryngology (head and neck surgery), to help patients.  As appealing as the great deals and convenience seemingly offered by non-plastic surgeons providing facial plastic surgery and cosmetic skin treatments is, it’s the experience and the specialty that truly make the difference.

I encourage all facial plastic surgery patients, especially those patients thinking about surgical procedures, to educate themselves fully of their surgeon’s previous experience and qualifications.  You can learn more about the Atlanta cosmetic facial plastic surgery and facial reconstructive surgery procedures that I offer by visiting my website and continuing to read my blog.