Unscrupulous plastic surgeons still pose a threat to Kazakh citizens
In Kazakhstan, the demand for cosmetic surgeries is on the rise, with popular procedures including blepharoplasty, mammoplasty, liposuction, face lift, and nose reshaping. However, it's crucial to be aware of the risks associated with unlicensed medical activities.
The Importance of Verifying Clinic Legitimacy
To ensure you're receiving safe and effective plastic surgery services, it's essential to identify licensed clinics. Verifying clinic licensing with Kazakhstan's Ministry of Health or relevant local health authority is the first step. Legitimate clinics are typically certified and regulated at the state level, ensuring compliance with national medical standards.
Checking for Accredited Surgeons
Licensed plastic surgeons should have verifiable medical degrees and board certifications in plastic or reconstructive surgery from recognised institutions. Patients should look for surgeons who specialise in "plastic surgeon", "dermatocosmetologist", or "dermatovenereologist with a course in cosmetology".
Researching Clinic Reputation and Transparency
Legitimate clinics often display their experience, patient reviews, and transparent information about their facilities and procedures openly. They comply with international or national safety protocols. Avoid clinics that cannot provide proof of certification or have suspicious offers or unclear credentials.
Be Aware of Unsafe Practices
Fake cosmetologists and plastic surgeons often work with counterfeit products. These can be identified by the absence of inscriptions in the state and Russian languages on the packaging, and the doctor cannot provide registration certificates for these medications. Operations should be performed in qualified clinics or cosmetology cabins, not in hairdressing salons, nail studios, or other SPA-related establishments.
The Consequences of Unsafe Procedures
Common complications from procedures performed by fraudulent cosmetologists include eye trauma during eyelid formation, extensive necrosis after liposuction, unevenness, gel migration, allergic reactions to counterfeit botulinum toxin, and long-lasting papules after counterfeit mesotherapy products. The rehabilitation process can take months, or even years.
The Fight Against Illegal Activities
In the first half of 2022, the Committee for Medical and Pharmaceutical Control of the Ministry of Healthcare of the Republic of Kazakhstan uncovered 7 cases of illegal medical activities by organisations without a license and 7 instances where medical services were provided by individuals without a specialist certificate. The number of fraudulent plastic surgeons and clinics operating illegally is significant, according to renowned plastic surgeon Leon Deryabin.
The Future of Plastic Surgery in Kazakhstan
Since 2018, the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Aesthetic Medicine, and Laser Cosmetology has been operating at the Kazakh National Medical University named after S.D. Asfendiyarov, training 30 residents who upon completion will receive an official specialist diploma and the necessary knowledge to perform plastic surgeries safely and effectively.
In conclusion, it's crucial for patients to verify the legitimacy of plastic surgery clinics and surgeons in Kazakhstan to ensure their safety and the quality of the services they receive. By following the guidelines outlined above, patients can make informed decisions and avoid the risks associated with unlicensed medical activities.
- To guarantee the safety and efficacy of plastic surgery services, patients in Kazakhstan must confirm the licensing of clinics through the Ministry of Health or relevant local health authority.
- It's imperative to check if the plastic surgeon has a verifiable medical degree and board certifications in plastic or reconstructive surgery from recognized institutions.
- Legitimate clinics often exhibit their experience, patient reviews, and detailed information about their facilities and procedures openly, adhering to international or national safety protocols.
- Patients should be cautious of clinics that cannot provide proof of certification or have suspicious offers, unclear credentials, or perform procedures in unsuitable locations like hairdressing salons or nail studios.
