Is your Plastic Surgery Procedure on the FDA Approved List?

As new discoveries and innovations are made in the plastic surgery field, we find surgeons who claim to have the newest and greatest solution to fit your aesthetic needs. However, even if the procedure is in the initial stages of FDA approval, it does NOT mean it is guaranteed to pass, and it may not be safe to move forward until that is confirmed.

We find some of these treatments or techniques to have harmful discoveries and side effects just a few short years after the product was “soon to get FDA approval.” Our goal today is to educate you, not scare you, so before you become too apprehensive about moving forward with a procedure or treatment, here are a few things you should know to keep you from ending up on Botched.

What does FDA approval mean?

FDA approval means that an experienced team of knowledgeable individuals that test and review products to protect consumers has approved the use of a product.

What doesn’t the FDA do?

When a product is FDA-approved, you may need to research further to ensure that the procedure or treatment has been approved in the way your surgeon is suggesting that you use it.

Here are a few instances where doctors may not suggest a product or a procedure that has been FDA-approved:

• The FDA has approved silicone oil injections for acne scars, but you will find that most doctors do not recommend this treatment.
• Did you know that Botox was initially FDA-approved for neck spasms? It was not until 2002 that it was approved for use in correcting facial wrinkles, but was used for wrinkles long before this approval.
• When considering a neck lift, some patients point out two glands that stand out along the jawline. Regardless of the desire for a chiseled jaw, removing these glands can cause complications. The patient must understand that the doctor has to work within the constraints of the contour of the body and its organs.

It is important to not only consult with a certified doctor before you move forward with surgery but also be aware of its FDA status and potential side effects.