Warnings On Unskilled And Unlicensed Cosmetic Surgery Practitioners

The International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS) has issued a warning to all seeking less expensive cosmetic surgical procedures, particularly outside their home country, and especially in the hands of unlicensed practitioners operating without board certification.

The International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS) has issued a warning to all seeking less expensive cosmetic surgical procedures, particularly outside their home country, and especially in the hands of unlicensed practitioners operating without board certification.

In light of recent deaths of women who travelled to other countries to have cosmetic procedures performed by uncertified practitioners, ISAPS is also calling for global changes in legislation to address these unnecessary and tragic deaths in an effort to ensure a higher level of patient safety.

Doctor Susumu Takayanagi of ISAPS explains, “Cosmetic surgery abroad can be incredibly risky because the standards vary from one country to the next. It is essential that patients find board-certified cosmetic surgeons, regardless of where they have a procedure performed. Patient safety is our highest priority. ISAPS membership is exclusive to board-certified surgeons who must be current members of their national cosmetic surgery society.”

Doctor Michael Edwards of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery adds,” Patients fall prey to unlicensed physicians because of the misconception that anyone with a medical degree can safely perform any surgical procedure. There is a need for countries to establish strict regulations controlling who can perform surgery procedures and the surgical setting in which they are performed to reduce surgical complications and deaths. “

Doctor Nigel Mercer of the British Association of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons advises, “Any patient who is planning to travel long distance for surgery must be made aware that they are putting themselves at additional risk over and above the risks that they would face finding a certified surgeon closer to home. If they insist on traveling to another country, they must choose a licensed surgeon who will provide them with service, post-operative care and advice, not just an operation.”