Cosmetic Treatments Gain Popularity as Holiday Gifts, AAFPRS Reports

With the holiday season becoming a peak period for cosmetic procedures, the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) offered three tips for patients in selecting their physicians.

In a press release, the AAFPRS suggested the following:

TIP #1: EDUCATE YOURSELF 
The best patient or Santa is informed. Do your homework on procedures and treatments before visiting the surgeon so you are armed to have an informed conversation when you get there. 

TIP #2: SELECT A SPECIALIST
When you select a facial plastic surgeon you are putting your trust, face or loved one in that physician’s hands. It is imperative that the surgeon you choose is highly credentialed to ensure the best possible outcome. Select a board-certified physician, who specializes in plastic surgery of the face, head and neck. 

TIP #3: BEWARE OF ONLINE DEALS
While it may be tempting to get a discount on aesthetic procedures, exercise caution and avoid blindly purchasing online deals. AAFPRS members caution consumers to stay away from these offers, citing them as potentially unethical and inappropriate without prior evaluation and consultation from a licensed healthcare professional. In addition, the AAFPRS strongly warns against the rise of do-it-yourself (“DIY”) injections or treatments purchased online or through social media. Without a trained medical expert, patients put themselves at serious risk for infection, scarring, skin necrosis, and permanent disfigurement. Injectable treatments should always be safely administered by a licensed, board-certified physician specializing in plastic surgery of the face, head and neck—or under the direct supervision of such a physician. These treatments should never be performed outside a medical setting or by an untrained individual, as the risks far outweigh any perceived convenience or cost savings.

“December and January are always especially busy in our offices,” said Anthony Brissett, MD, FACS, president of the AAFPRS. “Many patients schedule procedures during the holidays because they have time off work to recover. It’s a practical way to combine self-care with the convenience of a break, ensuring they can heal comfortably without interrupting their professional or personal schedules.”