QUALIFICATIONS IMPORTANT

■Do your homework


It's important for patients to investigate a doctor's qualifications before undergoing any plastic surgery procedures. There is a misconception among consumers that as long as a doctor is certified in a medical field that he or she is qualified to practice plastic surgery. This is absolutely wrong and it is dangerous for patients.

Suspect arrested in cement buttocks lift

Police in Miami arrested a transgender woman accused of posing as a doctor and injecting cement, mineral oil and flat-tire sealant into the buttocks of a woman seeking cheap cosmetic surgery. Police believe other victims exist but are too embarrassed to come forward. USA TODAY (11/22)     

■Illegal buttocks lift trend becomes more common


Authorities are seeing an increase in the number of women seeking treatment for complications after illegal silicone buttocks injections. Unlicensed, untrained practitioners have used hardware-grade silicone to enhance the breasts or buttocks of people seeking cheap cosmetic procedures. "Who would imagine someone would let someone else inject them with something from Home Depot? It's insane," said ASPS member Dr. Michele Shermak. Treating those injected with silicone can involve removing surrounding tissue. The Sun (Baltimore) (11/22)

■AMA delegates strengthen patient safety policies


The American Medical Association's House of Delegates endorsed policies to protect patients from invasive procedures performed by non-physicians at spas. Procedures such as injecting dermal fillers or Botox, and procedures involving lasers or intense pulsed light, should be considered medical, the delegates said. The AMA will develop awareness campaigns to alert patients to the dangers of so-called medical spa treatments. American Medical News

■Fill-by-night implant scams bring need for caution


The popularity of buttock-enhancement procedures has been accompanied by a spate of cases where unqualified practitioners have harmed women. Fat fillers are the typical procedure, but some people are turning to silicone that is not medical grade. "So, really, not only is it not good because it's not being done by a certified plastic surgeon, it's because it's being done at all," said ASPS President Dr. Malcolm Roth. ABC News (11/25)