In a perfect world, every claim could be taken at face value. When a doctor offers you cosmetic procedures, you most likely assume that that doctor is a plastic surgeon. Unfortunately, more and more cases are proving that this isn't always the case. According to a recent article in the New York Times, many doctors are dabbling in cosmetic practices in order to make some extra cash, but their patients are coming out of surgery less than satisfied. One woman moved from New York to Los Angeles in 2010 and decided to freshen her appearance with a tummy-tuck. She met with a doctor and scheduled the surgery. The doctor did not tell her that he was not a plastic surgeon; his degree was in otolaryngology (ear, nose, and throat surgeries.) After the surgery, this woman was left with a heavily scarred abdomen.

It cost her thousands of dollars to fix the damage, and she had to pay an expensive certified plastic surgeon to get the job done right. This LA resident believed that any doctor with a nice clinic and so many certifications knew what he was talking about. According to the New York Times, this otolaryngologist isn't the only doctor who is dabbling in other practices. Due to the decline of insurance reimbursements, many medical professionals are turning to cosmetic procedures to make extra cash. Most plastic surgery operations are paid for out-of-pocket, making them a tempting profit for doctors. The Times says that it is now common to see gynecologists offering breast augmentations, ophthalmologists conducting liposuctions, and family practitioners issuing Botox.

If these doctors were skilled in the craft of cosmetic surgery, then it may not be so bad. They normally offer cheaper rates than plastic surgeons. Unfortunately, most patients come out of surgery dissatisfied, and others are disfigured. One plastic surgeon in Arizona says that she corrects sloppy surgeries on a weekly basis. This is a new trend; a few years ago correcting surgeries were rare. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons cautions citizens to be very careful before choosing a doctor for any cosmetic operation. People should demand to know their doctor's certifications so that they are assured that they are going under the knife with a professional in control.

Many doctors will claim that they are "board certified," in order to persuade their customers that they are well taught and able to perform a cosmetic surgery. To be board certified means that the doctor has spent at least three years in residency in a specific concentration and taken extensive written and oral tests. There are 24 different boards who will certify a physician in a specific practice area. About 80 percent of all doctors are certified in this way. However, there are no laws which require a doctor to only practice in the subject that he or she has been trained in. In fact, only Texas, Florida, and Louisiana even require doctors to say what practice area they are certified in. All other states only require that a doctor list that they are "board-certified." US law does not regulate what areas a doctor practices in, and these physicians are not required to report cosmetic surgery complications.

These actions could prove very dangerous to US citizens. An increasing number of people are flocking to medical malpractice lawyers in search for justice because of poorly done cosmetic procedures. Some of these people were even injured by the surgeries, or incapacitated. Not only are the doctors unqualified, but one lawyer states that they often perform operations in less-than-ideal locations, like tanning salons or medical spas. One University of Southern California plastic surgeon says that it takes more than just a three day seminar to master plastic surgery. These doctors spend a little time studying up on procedures and then advertise their dexterity in plastic surgery. Some of them learn their skills by attending weekend classes, or taking a plastic surgeons' cruise. These teachers are not certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, which means that the classes are not rigorous, nor are they detailed enough to ensure that the participants have a mastery of cosmetic surgery technique.

Since there is no insurance involved, these cosmetic surgery situations are a bit of an open territory issue. The Consumer Reports' Health Ratings Center suggests that all patients use common sense when selecting a doctor for a cosmetic procedure. Also, people can inquire about doctors at state medical boards. These boards can inform you of any disciplinary actions that can be taken. Also, some states have a directory which can determine whether or not the doctor is licensed for surgeries. If a doctor seems suspicious, get a second opinion. Any sort of tummy tuck, breast augmentation, liposuction, Botox injection, etc. should be only performed by a certified and professional plastic surgeon. If you are a victim of a wrong practitioner plastic surgery, then you should contact a medical malpractice lawyer to discuss your case.