Look younger, feel better, but you must do homework
Look younger, feel better, but you must do homework

By Juan Brou, M.D.

Published: August 4, 2008

Less invasive aesthetic procedures that promise incredible results ... they're all the rage at the growing number of "medical spas.” Yet each procedure brings some risk financially and physically for the consumer.

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So how do you decide where to spend your money, what treatments are effective and how to find a practitioner you can trust? Do your homework.

Technological advances and a multibillion-dollar market bring a flood of new treatments promising quicker results, less pain and shorter down time. Yet many have not been scientifically proven effective. Instead, their success largely depends on the intensity of their marketing campaigns and media attention garnered.

Competition for your cosmetic dollars is fierce. Doctors are pressured to have the "latest and greatest” medical equipment when only time will tell if that equipment is really effective; and when that time comes, we've moved on to still newer equipment.

Many more medical practitioners, pressured by the steady reduction in medical reimbursement, are deciding to supplement their income by dabbling in the cosmetic world without specialized training.

The American Board of Medical Specialties is a nonprofit organization formed in 1933 to oversee and regulate the certification of medical specialties. Before ABMS, any doctor could claim to be a specialist in any field. Today, ABMS certification involves rigorous training and examinations for medical specialists to ensure the highest standards of education, ethics and care.

Of the 24 specialties recognized by ABMS, only four have emphasis in cosmetic care. These are dermatology, plastic surgery, otolaryngology (ear-nose-throat) with its subspecialty of facial plastic surgery, and ophthalmology with its subspecialty of oculoplastic surgery. No other specialties have training in cosmetic or aesthetic medical issues. Organizations such as the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery or the American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine are not recognized by the ABMS because they do not fulfill the rigorous certification process.

Board certification is required by hospitals. Without it, doctors may resort to performing surgical procedures in their offices or in substandard conditions with unapproved operating rooms. Choosing a physician who holds hospital privileges and whose credentials are in good standing ensures continued care in a hospital setting should it become necessary.

Experience is critical. Check the number of years in practice, number of cases done and track record or results.

In the world of aesthetic procedures, artistic talent also is important. So seek recommendations from several past patients. When patients are satisfied, they won't hesitate to make a positive recommendation.

Meet with the specialist to discuss your goals and how he/she can help you achieve them. A good doctor will reassure you when you're making good choices and discourage you if you're not. A dishonest doctor will rush to perform any requested procedure whether beneficial or not.

Bottom line: Don't let advertising or special pricing drive decisions that impact your appearance and your health. Poor results may cost you a lot more to correct and can have lasting effects.

Brou is a board certified plastic surgeon in Oklahoma City.

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