Before committing to a cosmetic treatment, you’re well advised to check the plastic surgeon’s qualifications. Once you’re convinced of the surgeon’s accreditation look for proof that you’ll get the results that are being promised.

According to plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Otto Weiglein, you not only need to find out what you’re getting for your money, you need to be sure that the technology available is in line with the results you’re expecting. Unless the practitioner has the right technology or tools available, your particular concerns might be beyond the scope of the treatment tools. The doctor cautions consumers to be careful of individuals who have only one tool available yet suggest all problems can be addressed with that technology.

With 20 years of experience, Weiglein knows that it’s mandatory to offer a number of treatment options, even those that result in significant down time. For example, a facelift is not for everyone, he explains and laser resurfacing is not for everyone either. To accommodate different treatments and procedures, the doctor has all of the appropriate technology.

Some procedures are more effective than others, says Weiglein and less effective treatments might be promoted purely for the financial gain of the clinic.

“There are so many new technologies out there today that are being driven for revenue reasons and they’re not particularly effective but the promise is that you will have dramatic or better results and you will have no down time. That’s a seductive combination for a lot of people.”

It is possible to deliver expected results, Weiglein says, but not with the expected down time. Dramatic results usually require a longer down time which would keep the client off work and out of the social scene for several weeks.

Weiglein explains, “The problem with a lot of these technologies is that they tend to over-promise and under deliver. That frustrates a lot of consumers and we all tend to get tarred with that brush.”

He advises that consumers need to make sure the technology being used will net the results that are desired.

Consumers are likely to check out websites when researching solutions to skin problems. The doctor says that you can’t really compare the before and after photos since the image quality is usually poor. He suggests visiting the office and looking at actual photos of clients. There are several hundred available for viewing at his office and Weiglein is happy to refer potential clients to people who have had procedures. He recommends that consumers considering procedures follow up with both of these steps.

There’s plenty of information about procedures and various technologies available on Dr. Weiglein’s website at www.cosmedicacanada.com.