The specialty of Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery is the only valid degree to practice this profession. Even so, there are several cases of intrusion, that is to say, of people who do not have this qualification and call themselves aesthetic surgeons, cosmetic surgeons or other misleading denominations that in reality do not exist.
With this reflection, Dr. Nélida Grande, Plastic Surgeon and member of Top Doctors®, assesses the latest data published by the SECPRE that associate the significant drop in interventions in this specialty in Spain, 18% in 2013, to intrusiveness and the crisis. “Relying on unqualified professionals is a danger for the patient”, reminds Dr. Grande. To ensure the references of the professionals, the SECPRE or the AECEP have on their respective web pages the contact information of all the members for each province. Similarly, the medical associations can provide information on doctors who have registered their qualifications.
Another clue to differentiate a good specialist from a fraudulent one is his or her work dynamics, says Dr. Grande. A good surgeon does not promise miracles or easy, effortless procedures. In addition, a real surgeon will advise against an operation that may be harmful to you in the short or long term, both physically and psychologically. He will also try to discourage someone with an unstable personality, with a distorted view of his own body or who enters the operating room influenced by his partner from undergoing an operation.
SECPRE is now fighting to tighten Spanish laws. While in France or Austria these cases of intrusion are considered criminal offenses, in Spain they are penalized with fines.
To reassure patients, Dr. Nélida Grande concludes that if the patient is duly informed about the surgeon’s training and chooses a professional with the required qualifications, a member of some of the prestigious societies and with ethics, experience and empathy, he will not run unnecessary risks by placing his trust in him, since, if a complication arises, it will be duly attended to.