Posted by sb417 on September 12, 2004, at 23:38:58
In reply to Re: Stretch marks from weight gain...any ideas? » sb417, posted by Cass on September 12, 2004, at 17:13:45
Hi Cass.
Yes, it is so important to do lots of research before any medical procedure these days, but I think doing one's homework is particularly important with the cosmetic procedures. ANYONE with enough money can buy a laser. Even a psychiatrist can buy a laser, take a weekend crash course in how to use it, and set up a laser "surgery" practice. It's frightening! I do know of an excellent laser specialist in the New York City area who is one of the trailblazers in the field. He has done a lot of the original research. He is the only person I would go to for any kind of laser work. I had a few broken blood vessels on my face a few years ago, and I had him treat me with a laser. The spots are perfect now. I have no scars, no broken blood vessels and no evidence that anything was ever done. The area had to be treated a few times before it was "clear," but that was OK.
Although I have nothing against cosmetic surgery or cosmetic procedures, I am opposed to the fact that many doctors are abandoning their patients with real medical problems in favor of the cosmetic patients. The main reason for this is, of course, money. Doctors don't have to do any paperwork or deal with insurance companies for the cosmetic procedures. They make patients pay up front, before the procedure begins, and they make a lot of fast cash that way. I've been to several dermatologists whose practices have been almost entirely converted to cosmetic procedures, and they even sell their own cosmetics and facial lotions, etc.
I was discussing the proliferation of self-proclaimed laser specialists with a friend of mine, and she said, "Beware of the boy [or girl] with a toy." Research the doctor, research the procedure, and talk to lots of patients who've been through it. Also, don't choose a doctor because he quotes the cheapest price. On the other hand, the most expensive doctor may not be the best one for you either because it isn't necessarily true that "you get what you pay for."
poster:sb417
thread:388387
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/health/20040729/msgs/390164.html