Surgery, both cosmetic and plastic, is more popular than ever. But as we become more caught up in the lives of the rich and famous thanks to TV and social media, it’s becoming increasingly common to see young people striving to look like the celebs they see on their TV screens.
While cosmetic procedures provide an opportunity for people to achieve their dream look, this increased demand has also thrown up a number of negatives; the main one being the rising number of injections that are now being performed by unlicensed surgeons. But how did we arrive here, what are the dangers and what can you do to protect yourself moving forward?
The Rise of Unlicensed Surgeons
There is increasing pressure on young people to look a certain way. It’s difficult for us to go a single day without seeing a celebrity or influencer on our news feeds, often heavily made up using the latest beauty products and enhanced by digital filters for the perfect look.
It’s only natural for more people to want to achieve these looks. And more demand equals more opportunities to make money. While this is great for experienced surgeons who offer treatments such as Botox and lip filler, demand for services like these can easily lead to a black market.
Recently we’ve seen a rise in the number of unlicensed surgeons performing cosmetic treatments, and the results can be disastrous.
Dangers of Using an Unlicensed Surgeon
No Insurance
One of the biggest security nets that comes with visiting a licensed surgeon is the protection you’ll receive in case anything goes wrong. If you experience any mishaps as a result of the negligence of a licensed surgeon, you’ll more than likely be entitled to compensation.
On the other hand, receiving compensation as a result of surgery performed by an unlicensed practitioner is a whole different ballgame. Unfortunately, this is a risk of using a surgeon who doesn’t have the needed qualifications and experience – something that you’ll likely be told if you were to take your claim to a solicitor.
Botched Operations
If your operation or treatment goes wrong, it won’t just leave you out of pocket. It will also leave you without the look that you were hoping for, which is ultimately the whole point of the surgery in the first place. One of the biggest draws to unlicensed surgeons is that they’ll generally offer services at a cheaper price compared to qualified surgeons. The trade-off is a far higher risk of botched services and poorer quality of results.
Health Implications
The most serious danger that comes with using an untrained or unqualified surgeon is the implications for your physical health as a result of a botched surgery. While a botched surgery will leave you without your desired look, it can also have an impact on your physical health.
Impacts range from minor to severe, with some Botox procedures leading to a loss of sight for some patients. There have even been reports of Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) procedures that have resulted in death.
Factors to Consider Before Choosing a Surgeon
If you are considering surgery, it’s imperative to weigh up your options beforehand. Choosing a surgeon who is both skilled and qualified will go a long way to ensuring you receive your desired outcome. Here are a few factors to look into before selecting a surgeon.
Reviews and testimonials
A qualified and experienced surgeon should have a portfolio of past patients who can vouch for their services. Most surgeons will have a website containing reviews and testimonials from people they have operated on previously. It’s also important to be aware of fake reviews as this can be a tactic used by scam surgeons.
Pricing
If you come across a surgeon who claims they can give you your desired outcome for a far cheaper price, be sceptical. If something seems too good to be true then it probably is. A top surgeon will likely charge a price that reflects the high-quality service that they’ll provide in return. Never try to reduce your healthcare costs by turning to unqualified practitioners.
Qualifications and licenses
The best way to verify a surgeon is to do a bit of research into their background. There are several websites where qualifications and licenses can be checked so you can verify any claims that you see on a surgeon’s website. It’s worth noting that in some American states, doctors are legally allowed to perform plastic surgery even if not credited by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. For this reason, it’s important to factor in past experience and testimonials.
This is different to the UK where surgeons are listed on the General Medical Council, so you can easily verify that a plastic surgeon in Manchester is a legitimate health practitioner.