Coalition warns patients about injections on vacation whether on land or at sea
NEW YORK, June 5 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Physicians Coalition for Injectable Safety (http://www.injectablesafety.org) today warns patients worldwide of the dangers of accepting Botox(R), Restylane(R) 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."
"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:
To learn specifically the FDA approved brands of cosmetic injectables and their benefits, and to see video of live, appropriately administered injectables as well as real patient stories from injectable parties and more visit www.injectablesafety.org and http://www.realself.com/injectable-safety-campaign.
About Us
The Physicians Coalition for Injectable Safety is an alliance of specialty physician organizations including the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, and the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. The mission of the Coalition is to provide the public with unbiased and necessary information on injectable cosmetic treatments, appropriate injectors and where to safely access cosmetic medical procedures. Our goal is to promote treatment supervised by properly qualified and trained, board-certified doctors and to promote only the use of U.S. FDA-approved, appropriately administered product. More information can be found at www.injectablesafety.org.
About ASAPS
The 2400-member American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), founded in 1967, is the leading professional organization of plastic surgeons certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery who specialize in cosmetic plastic surgery. With 2,100 members in the U.S., Canada, and many other countries, ASAPS is at the forefront of innovation in aesthetic plastic surgery around the world.
About AAFPRS
The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery is the world's largest specialty association that represents over 2,700 facial plastic and reconstructive surgeons throughout the world. The AAFPRS is a National Medical Specialty Society of the American Medical Association (AMA), and holds an official seat in both the AMA House of Delegates and the American College of Surgeons board of governors. AAFPRS members are board certified surgeons whose focus is surgery of the face, head, and neck.
About ASOPRS
The American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery represent surgeons qualified in plastic surgery of the eyelids and surrounding facial structures. Fellows of the Society are board certified in ophthalmology, have completed fellowships in ocular surgery (currently two years), and perform aesthetic, plastic, and reconstructive surgery of the face, orbits, eyelids, and lacrimal system.
About ISAPS
Founded in 1970 at the United Nations in New York, ISAPS represents 1650 members in 85 countries and is the leading authority in international aesthetic plastic surgery. Members must pass stringent admission criteria and are all board certified or the equivalent in their home country. More information can be found at www.isaps.org.
SOURCE Physicians Coalition for Injectable Safety
