The number of Americans seeking aesthetic procedures is skyrocketing. According to the American Academy of Aesthetic Physicians, treatments such as chemical peels, laser procedures, and Botox and wrinkle-filler injections have increased more than 700 percent since 1997. And why not? New technology has cut costs, procedure time, recovery time, while improving results.

While procedures such as laser skin rejuvenation are very safe in trained hands, horror stories about cosmetic laser surgery gone wrong abound. Yes, it is laser surgery! Lasers produce a controlled burn to induce collagen formation or other desired effects. In Texas so called medical spas are sprouting up faster than Starbuck’s; most offer laser procedures. But the term “medical spa” is deceiving. Just because the word medical is in the title does NOT mean that the technicians have any medical background at all.

In the State of Texas both a barber and a cosmetologist need 1,100 hours of training before they can be licensed, yet there is no definition of appropriate training or standard of care for treating patients with lasers. Pretty much anyone can use a laser on you legally in Texas as long as a doctor has bought the machine and the procedure is performed “under the direction” of a medical doctor. But that’s no guarantee that a doctor is even on site!

It’s crucial that you check the credentials and experience of anyone offering cosmetic treatments. At a minimum you should ask your aesthetics provider about his or her experience on the machine being used, how many patients he or she has used it on, and if you can speak with past patients about their experiences.

As you are researching aesthetics/cosmetic procedures, red flags to look for include:

• No doctor on site. Be wary of facilities that operate under “the direction of a physician” as it implies that the facility is operating under a “ghost doctor” – those who back a facility but rarely walk through its doors.
• Technicians who are not willing or able to discuss the risks associated with your chosen procedure. All procedures come with some inherent risks. Beware of those who claim otherwise.
• Avoid a facility that does not ask for your medical history.
• Check for complaints against the facility with the Texas State Medical Board.
• For injectables, beware of pricing that is significantly lower than the going rate in Houston. Some unscrupulous doctors could be watering down the injectable or using products from overseas.
• They don’t ask you to sign a consent form.
• A facility that will quote you a price over the phone without first seeing you.

The bottom line is you want to put your face in the best, most qualified and experienced hands possible. If it appears too good to be true, it most likely is. There is no cosmetic Holy Grail. Just because a friend has had this procedure it does not mean that the same procedure is right for you. Be sure to consult a doctor for an individualized treatment plan.

 Categoried under:  Aesthetics Safety