This month's Marie Clare magazine has a fascinating article on the proliferation of unlicensed professionals performing cosmetic medicine. While the article talks extensively about  individuals with no medical training who unscrupulously offer cosmetic procedures, it also discusses the increasing number of medical professionals outside the core cosmetic specialties of plastic surgery and dermatology (physicians, dentists and nurses) who are offering cosmetic procedures.  As per state and federal laws, any physician can put up a shingle to practice outside of their specialty. While this may be unwise, it is NOT illegal. It is perfectly legal for your gastroenterologist to perform your liposuction.  My professional opinion is that this is INCREDIBLY poor medicine and highly dangerous.  Taking a weekend seminar or on-line training does not prepare a person to perform cosmetic procedures or inject botox and fillers.  Fillers, Botox, cosmetic surgery - these are very specific treatments that need to be perfomed appropriately and safely by appropriately trained professionals.  Buyer beware!
 (If you are looking for a referral, you can check the website of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons.)

Over the next few days I would like to discuss two articles that recently caught my eye. The first was published in last week's New YorkTimes and discussed a new night cream by a prominent cosmetic company that claims to "synchronize" your skin's "clock genes" to enhance the repair process. While clock genes in skin were recently discovered, it is unclear if they can be "synchronized" and if so, what effect it will have on the appearance of the skin.  The article points out that because this is not an FDA approved medical treatment, it can be marketed only as a cosmetic product.   Although it is being marketed only as a cosmetic product, the company can, however, make this kind of claim with only minimal scientific evidence to support it.  Patients should speak to their plastic surgeon or dermatologist before selecting any products that claim to have great therapeutic effects. Unfortunately, truly effective products take years of research, development and peer-reviewed testing as well as a significant financial investment to bring to market. Don't be fooled by the advertising and claims that cannot be supported by accepted scientific studies. Buyer beware!