Botched Cosmetic Procedures Under Fire, What to Look Out For

For those of us wanting to look a little more youthful, some procedures-including cosmetic fillers to breast implants-are coming under fire.

In fact, a report from various health departments warns that the lack of regulation on some of these procedures is a "crisis waiting to happen," and some companies in particular have been attacked for putting profits before patients.

A report from the Global Industry Analysts Inc predicted that U.S. cosmetic procedures would reach $15 billion by 2012, with approximately $3 billion for cosmetic products. Researchers now estimate that the number of much higher. 

As some procedures, from breast implants to botox have disfigured and even killed some patients, health professionals and consumers alike around the world are curious to wonder if these procedures are really worth the risk?

Broadly speaking, the dangers are relatively low-although depending on the surgery, the more time, the greater the risk. After all, cosmetic surgery is still surgery and carries with it, the risk of an infection. On similar circumstances, implants can rupture, etc.

Even non-surgical procedures can go wrong. There are examples of people being blinded in one eye after dermal fillers or of the filler migrating or becoming lumpy. Burning or scarring of the skin can happen during laser hair removal, and there is an added risk of disappointment if the procedure does not produce the desired effect.

Medical providers point out that it's important that any cosmetic procedure be performed by a licensed healthcare provider and not a salesman.

Here are some other tips when choosing to have a cosmetic procedure. 

• Legislation to classify fillers as prescription only
• Formal qualifications for anyone who injects fillers or Botox
• Register of everyone who performs surgical or non-surgical cosmetic interventions
• Ban on special financial offers for surgery
• Formal certificate of competence for cosmetic surgeons
• A breast implant register to monitor patients
• Patients' procedures must be approved by a surgeon not a salesperson
• Compulsory insurance in case things go wrong
• A pooled fund to help patients when companies go bust - similar to the travel industry