Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery Blog – Harley Medical Group

The Texas Medical Board is today considering new regulations for the use of Botox and other line and wrinkle treatments.

According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery more than 2.4 million people had Botox last year, and with this figure set to increase further, experts believe the industry needs much stricter regulations.

Dr Lori Stetler, a dermatologist operating in Dallas, said: “As long as I’m the one purchasing it, right now I can delegate to whoever I want to.”

This system is one that Dr Stetler is not comfortable with, and she is behind efforts to make injectable treatments safer for patients. The board will discuss everything from the use of prescription drugs in cosmetic treatments, to the training of those administering the injectable fillers.

“There’s no set or approved curriculum or licensure or anything for that,” says Dr Stetler on the subject of training.

“I like the idea that they are looking into and hopefully will get rid of some of those people who are harming the public,” she said.

Brides-to-be are increasingly making cosmetic surgery and non-surgical procedures a part of their preparations, and Botox and laser hair removal are among the most popular treatments.

Cosmetic laser technician Kevin Shwenk believes it is because of the short downtime that hair removal and fillers are so popular, and while cosmetic surgeon Dr Wayne Perron agrees, he reports seeing a number of brides-to-be and husbands-to-be for surgical procedures.

Male chest reduction and liposuction are top of the list men’s requests he tells the Calgary Herald.

“They want to make sure they are able to take their shirt off and feel comfortable around the pool and beach,” says Dr Perron.

And while it is true that an engaged couple has a lot to think about in the run-up to the big day, achieving the perfect appearance seems to be taking precedence over finding caterers and booking the honeymoon.

Dr Perron says he sees often meets  engaged women a year before their wedding day to discuss liposuction that can help to sculpt their dream curves before they choose their wedding dress.

Consumers should be “suspicious of extremely low-price Botox” from unregistered clinics and practitioners, says Dr Claudio L DeLorenzi, past president of the Canadian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons.

Speaking on Australian television show Dr Oz, Dr DeLorenzi illustrated the point by comparing injectable treatments to purses.

“Unlike fake purses, fake injectables can really hurt you, or worse”, he said.

“Ask questions, check credentials, and do your homework. Real specialists have nothing to hide and will welcome your questions”, he added.

The US equivalent of the Independent Health Advisory Service (IHAS) Treatments You Can Trust register, the Physicians Coalition for Injectable Safety, has released three essential things that patients should be aware of when considering cosmetic treatments.

They are: do your research, ask about the brand name, and do not accept treatment if you don’t feel completely confident in the practitioner. Their advice follows the increased use of imitation Botox and other injectable treatments in unregistered clinics.

Experts from the Independent Healthcare Advisory Service (IHAS) have launched a fresh bid to stamp out those offering cut-price Botox to unsuspecting consumers.

The IHAS has already set up Treatments You Can Trust – a database service that offers consumers an easy way to find registered and reputable clinics offering injectable treatments. Experts from the organisation are now going a step further; meeting health workers and government representatives this week to agree measures that, when implemented, will help to cut down on the number of rogue Botox practitioners.

The action has been prompted by a boom in those visiting unregulated practitioners to get cheaper treatment and being left with lumps, bumps, and serious infections.

Sally Taber, director at the IHAS, told The Sun: “It is very dangerous. You are putting your lives in the hands of someone who does not know what they are doing or what could happen. We have seen a rise in unqualified practitioners masquerading as professionals.”

Botox and other dermal fillers should only ever be injected by doctors, nurses or dentists, in other words, experts that have been properly trained and regulated.

The Daily Mail reports that Desperate Housewives’ star Marcia Cross, known to fans of the show as Bree Hodge, has been spotted looking remarkably fresh-faced for her 48 years, prompting speculation the actress may have turned to cosmetic surgery in a bid to maintain her flawless porcelain complexion. (more…)

Desperate Housewives’ star Dana Delany, known to fans of the show as Katherine, has opened up about her use of wrinkle-smoothing dermal fillers in a bid to encourage other women to take proper measures to ensure they avoid putting their treatment in the hands of ‘cowboy clinics’ or people without proper training.

Speaking to Prevention Magazine, the actress urged men and women alike to better check the credentials of the clinic and practitioner they entrust to perform line and wrinkle-filling injectable treatments. (more…)