This is a great blog post from the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. We’ve updated it for the Canadian beauty and skin marketplace.
With the proliferation these days of spas, salons and walk-in clinics offering cosmetic treatments at what seems like bargain-basement prices, it’s important to remember these treatments are medical procedures.
Serious side effects – including burns, scars and pigmentation disorders – can occur when consumers visit non-physicians or physicians who do not specialize in dermatology for treatments such as laser hair removal, deep chemical peels, acne therapy among others. Non-physicians don’t have the necessary medical training, and physicians who are not board certified in dermatology lack the qualifications to determine and optimally perform the best treatment or to handle any possible complications.
All cosmetic medical procedures should be performed by a qualified physician or under the close supervision of an appropriately trained physician. ASDS member dermatologic surgeons and Canadian Dermatology Association (CDA) members are not only board certified in dermatology, but also are trained and experienced in a wide spectrum of cosmetic procedures. In fact, dermatologic surgeons often are sought to correct the mistakes of inexperienced and unqualified practitioners.
Take advantage of the experience and knowledge of an ASDS dermatologic surgeon and member of the CDA when considering a cosmetic procedure. Be sure to follow these tips before undergoing any treatment:.
Get the seal of approval – Research prior to the procedure to ensure that the physician is board certified in dermatology. To find a dermatologic surgeon in your area, visit www.dermatology.ca and www.asds.net.
- If it’s too good to be true, it usually is – Don’t rely on price. Bargain-priced treatments may end up costing you in the long run if they cause harm, need correction or are ineffective.
- Who’s watching who? – For safety, your procedure should be performed by an ASDS and CDA member dermatologic surgeon . If you do choose a non-physician practitioner, make sure there is a supervising physician on-site to any questions or correct problems that may occur.
- No question is too small – Always ask questions no matter how minor they may seem. Good questions include the following:
- Is this treatment right for me?
- Who will perform the procedure?
- What if something goes wrong?
- What training does the staff have?
- Is this procedure or device appropriate for my skin type?
- How many procedures do you perform in a month?
- May I see before-and-after photographs?
- Make your history known – Before undergoing any procedure, make sure the physician is aware of your medical history, including medication allergies and previous surgeries.
- Trust your instincts – Don’t be afraid to walk away.
