Do homework before getting surgery at mall

NEW YORK, July 27 (UPI) -- The number of cosmetic procedures performed in U.S. shopping malls, spas and walk-in clinics has risen dramatically in the past several years.

The American Academy of Dermatology urges patients to select a board-certified physician for cosmetic surgery and that patients do their homework and consider a doctor's training and credentials before having a procedure.

"Today, many non-physicians are performing various cosmetic procedures outside their scope of training in spas, shopping malls and walk-in clinics," Dr. Arielle N.B. Kauvar of the New York University School of Medicine said in a statement.

"While these locations may offer convenience, the limited training and supervision of the person performing the procedure, and the equipment available to handle complications or medical emergencies, can jeopardize the health and appearance of the patient."

Fifty-six percent of dermatologic surgeons indicated in a survey this year by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery that there had been an increase in the number of patients they had treated as the result of complications caused by a non-physician performing a cosmetic procedure.