From Restylane® To Facelifts – Checking Credentials Paramount When Choosing Cosmetic Plastic Surgery
Safety Tips from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons

For Immediate Release: December 15, 2003

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. – With the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) approval of Restylane ® on Dec. 12, and with other fillers on the horizon, the arsenal of cosmetic plastic surgery treatments to attack wrinkles, furrows and folds continues to grow. For those interested in these new treatments, it is paramount to consider the procedure as they would any medical treatment and check their physician’s credentials.

Whether considering injectables or facelifts, patients must determine that their physician is qualified to perform the procedure. Injectables such as Restylane and Botox ® are medical procedures that should be performed by a qualified physician who understands neuromuscular and facial anatomy as well as side effects of the product.

With the growing popularity of surgical and less-invasive cosmetic plastic surgery treatments – more than 6.5 million last year – comes the increase in unqualified practitioners stepping up to take advantage of the growing number of patients.

“More and more patients are seeking the care of a plastic surgeon to repair facial damage after being treated by someone who does not have the proper training,” explains Rod Rohrich, MD, president, American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). “In most states, a licensed physician can perform cosmetic plastic surgery without being board-certified in plastic surgery. Select a plastic surgeon who has a wide breadth of experience not only with injectables, but with surgery – one who will look at you comprehensively.”