Cosmetic Surgery: Choose Wisely …It’s Your Body and Your Life!
Dr. William Hall, Scottsdale, Arizona, Cosmetic Surgeon Advises Prospective Cosmetic Surgery and Liposuction Patients to Research Surgeon Credentials and Follow Pre and Post-Surgery Rules
Scottsdale, AZ (PRWEB) June 26, 2010
Liposuction, otherwise known as lipoplasty is the most popular non-invasive cosmetic surgery procedure performed. But with every surgery, there are risks. After recent news reports of patient deaths who sought liposuction surgeries abroad, such as Lourdes Trinidad, the Chula Vista woman who died after getting liposuction in Tijuana, Dr. William Hall, Founder and Chief Surgeon of Infini Cosmetic Associates is reaching out to educate patients about the importance of verifying surgeon credentials and following the pre and post-surgery rules and guidelines to avoid complications.
More than a decade ago, Dr. William Hall opened his unique cosmetic specialty clinic and focused on the safest liposuction techniques to ensure patient safely. Hall has remained true to his mission – to become a lipo expert and specialist, and offer unparalleled surgical care for every patient.
Because of the refined micro-instruments and laser-assisted technologies introduced, liposuction surgeries have changed dramatically over the past ten years. Surgeries are now much safer and complication rates remain extremely low.
Regardless of the low number of incidents correlated with liposuction surgeries, recent death reports create a sense of urgency for prospective patients looking to improve their image in facilities located outside the USA.
“Let’s face it, the Internet has changed the way we seek everything from dating companions to surgeons,” Hall explains. “But you cannot always judge a mate or doctor by what you find online.”
For prospective patients who wish to save money by having a surgery done outside of the country, Hall offers some sound advice.
“When it comes to your body and your well-being, money should not be the main issue," he says. “People and patients do not only gamble with their bodies, they gamble with their lives when they decide to go to another country to save a few bucks – there is just so much more to it than that."
Hall is a disciplinarian when it comes to his practice and to the code of ethics that applies to being a surgeon. He explains that doctors have to put the capitalistic aspects aside and focus on the humanistic philosophies.
“To put it bluntly, as cosmetic surgeons, we are dealing with human vulnerabilities and their flaws, and the perceptions that come with it, and as surgeons we are supposed to offer safe solutions, while marketing physical perfection. It is so important for cosmetic surgeons to review every case as an individual surgery and to go over all of the precautionary measures, which includes pre and post-operation instructions.”
Hall disapproves of lipo assembly line operations and clinics that manufacture cosmetic procedures. He states that some clinics hire new physicians and surgeons who do not have the credentials or the experience to guide patients through the pre and post operative procedures. In addition, many larger cosmetic surgery clinics use patient care consultants to do most of the selling and closing.
Hall explains that patients must consider several crucial items before getting any cosmetic surgery procedure, including:
This is a no-brainer – money should never dictate your surgeon. You are hedging a bet on your body and your life if you cross borders to have surgery. Patients need to do their research. Make sure the surgeon has the proper credentials and experience. With travel and hotel expenses, calculate how much you are actually saving. Typically any patient is required to have a person escort them to the surgery and pick them up after the surgery is performed. This is standard procedure and it is in the best interest of the patient. He or she should provide the name of at least one person to contact in case of an emergency and that person should be the one caring for the patient after the surgery. In addition, it is always wise to provide the assigned caregiver with the post-operative care instructions, so everyone is informed and on the same page. Always – always inform relatives and loved ones of your intentions to have a surgery and let them know the specifics, date and location of the surgery. Before signing the consent form, read it carefully and realize that any time you are introducing anesthesia and substances (even Lidocaine) into your body, you are taking a risk, so educate yourself on the complications. Any time you go abroad or to another country for a surgical procedure, you should investigate laws that would apply in case of an emergency or an unexpected outcome. They vary and may not be in your best interest, depending. Cosmetic procedures are typically elective, which means they are an out-of-pocket expense for the patient, but there are many legal implications, especially when performed out of the country. If, in fact, malpractice is an issue, the same laws and rules do not apply outside of the United States, which is very difficult and painful for family members and loved ones in the case of an emergency or wrongful death. There may be no recompense for patients or family members if there are complications after surgery. Finally, every patient must be healthy and meet the medical criteria before having surgery. Most surgeons will be able to tell through a consultation and proper testing if a patient is in good-standing health – enough to have a surgical procedure. There are warning signs – and a good surgeon will take heed and decline the surgery if the patient is not healthy enough to endure the procedure.
Dr. Hall urges all prospective patients to consider all of the implications before any surgery, whether they decide to have the surgery locally or out of the country.
“As a care-giver, it breaks my heart to hear the bad stories, because I made my decision to go into this industry to improve lives and to make patients happier with the outcome,” Hall says. “I just ask people to apply the same principles and research with any big decision – whether deciding to by a house or a car or make improvements to your body. I mean, is there anything more important than you, your appearance and your health? The answer should be an unequivocal ‘No’!”
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