Cosmetic surgery is popular. This fact causes some people to create their own make-believe medical experience and victimize innocent people. Recent studies show that most of the victims of unlicensed cosmetic surgery are everyday people, from those who are struggling to make ends meet to the considerably well-off looking on ways to improve their body while saving money.
There is an increasing number of Americans that fall victim to empty promises given by opportunists. The fact is, more people are more concerned with the result and cost of the surgery rather than the credentials and experience of the doctor. In this time of crisis, people are becoming more frugal but less careful. If you do not want to end up one of those botched surgery dramatic stories, always be careful and check the environment because you do not know it but you might be entering a dangerous game where your life is at stake.
What You Can Lose With Fraudulent Cosmetic Surgeries
Several people who fell victim to fraudulent cosmetic surgeries hide from the public because they cannot take the added embarrassment from their actions. There are others, however, that are courageous enough to come out of the public and show what cosmetic surgeries can do. You might see these cases on daytime talk shows but are really affected by their sad stories? If you are really considering cosmetic surgery, you should listen to what they have to say.
Some people have lost their ability to work, thus cutting their source of money. Sadly, there are those who do not choose to go out of work but are forced otherwise because of the fear of the public’s reaction. You can lose more than your money when you fall victim to these scams. In fact, there are people who lose their sanity. Often, these people turn to cosmetic surgery because they lack self-esteem. Unfortunately, what they lack may not be fulfilled but instead, worsened.
There are even celebrities who fall victim to these scams. This means that no one is safe and you can be a victim too if you are not careful. Fortunately, there are ways to avoid these scams and know if the doctor or the facility you picked is authentic.
Check For Accreditations
The first thing you must do is to check if the doctor is board-certified. A doctor’s certification is the best indicator of his or her experience and training in a specific surgical or medical expertise. However, you should also know what certification you are looking for in order to be completely sure. What you must look for is the ABPS or the American Board of Plastic Surgery certification. This certification is the only recognized board by the ABMS or the American Board of Medical Specialties.
After you have verified the doctor’s certification, ensure that the facility is accredited. Many cosmetic surgery procedures performed safely in a surgical center, an outpatient hospital or an office-based surgical facility. Currently, there is published information regarding the fact that accredited office-based surgical facilities have a safety record comparable to that of a hospital ambulatory surgery facility.
However, you must know that most office-based surgical facilities are not accredited and so your best bet are the hospitals.
Ask The Right Questions
When it is time for you consultation, do not forget to ask questions as much as possible about the procedure and the experience of the doctor. Consultation is an important part of any cosmetic surgery procedure. Do not forget to ask about the risks involved and the benefits of the surgery as well. Also, you must ensure that the doctor will discuss your medical history and possible existing medical conditions. These steps are important because they allow your surgeon to tailor each of your operations in order to achieve the best results.
Fraudulent Cases
There are several recorded cases of fraudulent cosmetic surgery procedures. One is a San Jose couple who were accused of performing at least nine botched surgeries without a license. Their surgeries were mostly performed in secrecy and in the couple’s kitchen, which was considered filthy even by non-surgical standards. More horrifyingly, the couple used everyday kitchen utensils and instruments to perform some of the most complicated cosmetic surgery procedure, including tummy tucks, liposuction and breast augmentation.
This is just one of the many cases of fraudulent cosmetic surgery. Although many have been caught, there are still others out there practicing illegal procedures and you should not fall victim to them.