The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) recently released a statement warning patients to be cautious of “bargain” injectables or other treatments that are not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

“Some practitioners buy products that have not been approved for use in the United States, often from foreign discount vendors, which is a dangerous and illegal practice,” says Mark Jewell, M.D., ASAPS president. “Patients can, however, take some easy steps to make sure their plastic surgeon is qualified and has purchased FDA-approved treatments.”

According to a release on the ASAPS Web site: “Injectable treatments are medical procedures that require appropriate training and sound judgment in order to help protect patient safety. ASAPS recommends that patients avoid discounts that seem extreme and make sure their surgeon or doctor is credentialed. In addition, the Society recommends that all medical procedures be performed in appropriate facilities by a properly qualified clinician who has received specific training in the particular procedure. Patients should be wary of procedures offered in non-clinical settings such as shopping malls, private homes, office parties, and group social gatherings.”

To read the full release, visit www.surgery.org.