Considering the latest cosmetic surgery statistics from the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), Dr. Steve Laverson, a board-certified plastic surgeon in San Diego, CA, recently discussed the difference between a qualified plastic surgery boutique or office and a medical spa operating without a practitioner specifically trained in aesthetic surgery or medicine. Dr. Laverson adds that a doctor’s credentials should always be readily available to inquiring parties to reassure patients and reinforce a positive and stress-free experience, whether undergoing a breast augmentation, or less-invasive procedure such as BOTOX ® Cosmetic.

According to the most recent study from the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), almost 10 million cosmetic enhancement procedures were performed in 2009. BOTOX Cosmetic® injections were the most common nonsurgical procedure, with over 2.5 million procedures performed, while breast augmentation was the most popular surgical procedure, accounting for over 300,000 procedures. Overall, the ASAPS study on cosmetic surgery found that 85% of procedures performed in 2009 were nonsurgical.

At his San Diego plastic surgery practice, Feel Beautiful, Dr. Steve Laverson discusses the difference between a plastic surgery office or boutique and a medical spa that operates without a qualified practitioner. Dr. Laverson says the term “medical spa” is an ill-defined and potentially confusing entity, adding that medical procedures demand a high level of qualifications and specialized knowledge and expertise, with inherent risks and potential liability. “Spa procedures are low risk, and low reward in the sense that they are experiential. Beyond the duration of treatment, there is no long term effect. The two terms together represent an oxymoron of sorts.”

For cosmetic treatments, Dr. Laverson stresses the importance of certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery because the process of becoming certified demands the highest standards of professional care. Regardless of whether a patient is undergoing a less-invasive procedure such as BOTOX Cosmetic®, or a more complex surgical procedure such as facelift, liposuction, or tummy tuck, Dr. Laverson asks the following question to anyone considering cosmetic enhancement: if a surgeon doesn’t have the highest standards for their own training, what kind of standards do they have for your care?

Dr. Laverson owns and operates the first retail plastic surgery boutique in the United States, and the longest in existence, over ten years. His vision is to combine the professional expertise, safety, and quality results available exclusively from board-certified plastic surgeons with the convenience of a retail location. “All cosmetic enhancement businesses are not created equal. Although consumers cannot see, touch, hear, or feel the difference between board-certified plastic surgeons and other providers, the difference is very real. Selecting a board-certified plastic surgeon protects patients, and adds value to every service, in most cases without significant cost difference.”

Dr. Laverson named his practice “Feel Beautiful” rather than his own name to maintain focus upon his patients, not himself. The Feel Beautiful team understands that patients seeking help are not always good candidates for a procedure. If there are other nonsurgical ways to help them feel beautiful, even if it means passing on a procedure, these are often better choices. Although there are many procedure-oriented aesthetic businesses, Dr. Laverson focuses on results, stressing that plastic surgeons are physicians first, and must abide by traditional ethical guidelines. He adds that board certification is simply another element of that commitment, one that is important for the safest, most successful cosmetic surgical procedure at any plastic surgery practice or medical spa in San Diego, and across the U. S.

About Dr. Laverson

Steve Laverson, MD, FACS earned his medical degree from the University of Maryland in Baltimore in 1983. He then completed 10 years of postgraduate surgical study, including his general surgery training in Los Angeles and Plastic Surgery fellowship in New York. Dr. Laverson was certified by the American Board of Surgery and the American Board of Plastic Surgery, is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.

The Carlsbad Feel Beautiful Boutique is located on the beach at 2907 Carlsbad Blvd. in Carlsbad, CA 92008, and Dr. Laverson’s Encinitas Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery office is located at 11199 Sorrento Valley Road #202 San Diego, Ca 92121. He can be reached at 858-295-4001, or found online at either https://feelbeautiful.com/ or the Feel Beautiful Plastic Surgery Facebook page.