The Physicians Coalition for Injectable Safety warns patients worldwide of the dangers of accepting Botox, Restylane or any other cosmetic injection or procedure from unfamiliar physicians during vacation, cruise or spa encounters.
"Cosmetic injections are highly satisfying, popular procedures when consumers elect to accept these treatments from a qualified, board-certified physician with whom the patient has a trusted and consistent relationship," says Coalition leader Mark Jewell, MD, of Eugene, OR. "Patient confidence in the physician is a critical factor for any medical treatment, whether cosmetic or medically necessary. Confidence is largely based on trust, relationship and previous experiences with a physician or his or her practice. A one-time encounter in a vacation setting deprives the patient not only of a relationship but also the opportunity to follow-up when complications or questions present potentially weeks or months after initial treatment."
"You must know your doctor. Whether on vacation or at home, patients must inquire specifically about a physician's board certification and license status, and his or her experience specifically with the treatment recommended for you," says Coalition leader Joao Carlos Sampaio Goes, MD of Sao Paolo, Brazil. "Board-certification, licensing and standards for safety in medical offices and reporting adverse events are unique to every destination. It is vital to know the country whose jurisdiction the procedure is performed under, and what standards are required and are practiced."
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"Whether on land or at sea you must inquire about the approval status of the injected agent, as well as your doctor's qualifications," says Coalition leader Ira D. Papel, MD of Baltimore, MD. "Each country has its own regulatory agency that approves pharmacological agents and devices. Ask specifically the approval status in the governing jurisdiction and in your own home country, and accept only genuine, branded and approved injectables." Consumers must be cautioned that in international waters there may be no governing regulation, and therefore no agency where adverse, potentially permanent events are to be reported.
The Coalition offers consumers these very simple questions to ask before considering any cosmetic injectable procedure:
-- Doctor: Is the injectable recommended by a qualified doctor who regularly treats similar conditions, in an appropriately licensed and equipped medical facility? Has the doctor examined the prospective patient before recommending treatment?
-- Brand: Is the injectable recommended approved by the U.S. FDA, in the U.S. and by equivalent agencies in the country of origin for cosmetic indications and is it appropriately labeled and packaged to reflect its authenticity and approval?
-- Safety: Is the setting a proper medically-equipped office, with safety and sterilization procedures? Has the physician evaluated conditions, recommended treatment, offered alternatives and clearly defined the potential outcomes including any complications?
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