Get A Flawless Face and Perfect Skin

As the quest for the flawless face and perfect skin continues, some consumers have turned to salons, day spas, malls, and home/hotel-based “parties” to enhance their appearance at bargain prices.  While all cosmetic procedures are medical, some consumers are being influenced to believe that certain procedures are easy and free of risks or complications – leading some to seek non-traditional settings in which non-qualified or under-qualified practitioners are administering treatments.
To educate potential cosmetic patients about the red flags associated with these practitioners offering cosmetic treatments, Victoria A. Cirillo-Hyland, MD, a
Fellow of American Academy of Dermatology and a Fellow of American Society for Dermatologic Surgery recommends a few important Best Practices:

Best Practices
Choose a location carefully.  Beware of locations outside of a physician’s office, such as a salon or store-front in a shopping mall.  These locations often have no medical staff on-site or emergency care services in place should something go wrong.  Although a medi-spa may be owned or directed by a physician, they may only visit the facility occasionally.
Make sure the physician is always on site.  Most cosmetic procedures should be performed by a physician who is board-certified in dermatology or plastic surgery.  If the physician is supervising the procedure, make sure she is on-site and immediately available.
Check physician credentials.  Ask about background, training.  Are they a member of a medical specialty organization – are they board certified in Dermatology or Plastic Surgery?  Has their entire career been dedicated to treatment of the skin?
Discuss pain management options.  Discomfort or minimal pain may be associated with some minor cosmetic treatments. Ask about your options, and the benefits and risks associated with each.
Practices to Avoid
Go to someone’s home or a hotel room for a cosmetic procedure.  Never.
Rely only on price. You get what you pay for.  You only have one face.
Unaware of the physician’s specialty?   Ask, Board Certified in what Medical Specialty?
Afraid to ask questions?  Afraid to walk away?  If you are uncomfortable, find a more reputable practice.
Victoria A. Cirillo-Hyland, MD
Board Certified Dermatologist and Dermasurgeon
Cirillo Cosmetic Dermatology Spa