All Safety News

• Patients sue non-doctors because of complications from cosmetic laser surgery 

  

  The number of lawsuits alleging cosmetic laser surgery complications is growing. Researchers from the University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA) began to question the credentials of those being sued, so they performed a study. The results showed that the lawsuits are frequently directed at non-physician operators, such as nurses, medical assistants, technicians and interns. Findings, published in JAMA Dermatology, were reported on by Aboutlawsuits.com. 

• Florida man arrested for performing non-licensed silicone injections 

  

  A Florida man was arrested this week for allegedly injecting people with silicone without a medical license, First Coast News reported. The silicone injections were administered in the buttocks, a common illegal practice used to enhance the body's curves.  

  Police officials told the news source that Orlando resident Matthew Schultz performed an estimated six silicone buttocks injections per day, collecting up to $1,200 for each procedure.  

• Patient Safety: How to Choose a Plastic Surgeon 

  

  You’ve decided on a plastic surgery procedure. You’ve talked to your close friends and family about it. Now, all you have to do is find a doctor. Sounds simple, but once you go online and search – you get confused. How do you find a qualified plastic surgeon and what are the right questions to ask during the consultation?  

  First, find out if they’re board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, which is recognized as the “gold standard” in physician certification. 

• It's only a bargain if the results are good 

  

  In addition to two-for-one restaurant bargains, websites such as Groupon, Lifebooker and Living Social offer deep discounts in cosmetic procedures such as Botox injections, chemical peels, laser hair removal and microdermabrasion. The problem is that unlike a restaurant meal or a yoga class, these treatments are medical procedures. Botox injections, for example, can cause medical complications when performed incorrectly or if the substance injected is compromised. 

• Warning signs that you're dealing with a back-alley plastic surgeon 

  

  You've probably read a fair share of news stories about individuals who suffer dire consequences after accepting the services of a back-alley plastic surgeon. Unfortunately, it's not always easy to identify these unscrupulous individuals, as they go out of their way to appear legitimate in order to get your cash. Here are a few warning signs that could help you know when you're in an unsafe situation: