New York,
NY (November 13, 2002) — The increasing popularity
of nonsurgical cosmetic procedures has led
to a growing complacency about where procedures
are being performed and by whom, according
to the American Society for Aesthetic
Plastic Surgery (ASAPS). It is the
ASAPS position that ancillary
procedures, such as skin resurfacing or Botox
injections, while not surgical, are medical
procedures and should only be done in appropriate
facilities under the supervision of a qualified
physician who has been trained in the particular
procedure.

• Medical History: Before
  any medical procedure is undertaken, a
  medical history should be provided in
  order to determine appropriateness. This
  is especially important to avoid allergic
  reactions and to identify underlying medical
  conditions that might pose risks.
  
• Alternative Treatments:
  One purpose of pre-treatment consultation
  is the thorough evaluation of each patient
  and the exploration of alternatives, including
  no treatment.
  
• Informed Consent: A
  discussion of the benefits and risks of
  any medical procedure is required for full
  informed consent. Nonsurgical procedures
  do not always result in less "downtime."
  A plastic surgeon can explain the pros and
  cons of various treatments.
  
• Appropriate Setting:
  Medical procedures require sanitary surroundings
  and sterile instruments, as well as authentic
  equipment and medications. Parties and
  group events may compromise results.
  
• Emergency Plans: Nonsurgical
  procedures may occasionally result in unforeseen
  consequences. Plans should be in place to
  handle these.
  
• Follow-up Care: Follow-up
  care is an important part of the doctor-patient
  relationship and is necessary to assure
  optimum procedure results.

It is ASAPS' position that all medical procedures
- surgical and nonsurgical - should be done
under the care of properly credentialed and
trained medical professionals.

The following is a representative list of
ancillary (nonsurgical) medical procedures:

Chemical skin peels, including:

• Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA)
  
• Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA)
  
• Phenol

Injectable treatments, including:

• Botox
  
• Collagen
  
• Fat
  
• Sclerotherapy (treatment of
  leg veins)

Laser hair removal



Laser treatment of leg veins



Skin resurfacing, including:

• Ablative Lasers (Carbon Dioxide,
  Erbium)
• Nonablative Lasers (N-Lite,
  Cool Touch and others)
• Intense Pulsed Light
  
• Dermabrasion
  
• Microdermabrasion