Why are oral surgeons allowed to do breast reduction surgery?

Unfortunately there some of these incidents every year. Our society has tried over the years to educate the public as well as lawmakers to prevent non-qualified surgeons/physicians from performing procedures they were not trained in. The best thing to do is ask important questions such as: "Are you board... more

State license boards do not limit procedures to a license.  This means that anyone can call themselves a "Cosmetic Surgeon", even an oral surgeon or dentist.  You need to be educated as a consumer.  You need to seek out the most qualified doctor to take care of you specific needs... more

Confidence and trust are the two main requirements in choosing the right plastic surgeon. However, there is one very important factor that often gets missed when emotions are running high and the goal seems so close within reach! Many states do not have laws that protect the consumers from false or misleading... more

There should be laws against doctors practicing surgery beyond their scope of training.  An oral surgeon has no formal training in plastic surgery of the breast.  As such, it is only ego and hubris that allows someone to think they can do this operation.  Foolishly and naively, they are taking... more

The issue that you bring up is known as scope of practice. Basically the issue boils down to who is appropriately trained to perform which invasive procedures. Some states are broad in their definition enabling any physician to be licensed to practice medicine and surgery. As a consumer, I would recommend... more

This is a good question and there really is no answer. Unfortunately, almost anyone can set up shop and unknowing patients fall victim to unscrupulous doctors (and non doctors). My best advice to you is to throughly research your doctors prior to seeing them. Go to the internet, message boards, talk to... more

Sadly, this story is a predictable outcome of a surgical procedure being performed by an un-qualified individual, most likely in an un-licensed setting. Unfortunately, the patient in this case did not do her basic homework to check the credentials of the "surgeon", and may have been lured in by a surgical fee... more

In America, there are many competing forces that act to influence which laws are passed: lobbyists from organizations, restraint of trade laws, etc. The lawmakers will simply not protect you from having any surgery done by any doctor or dentist, no matter how minimal their qualifications. By the time the... more

Unfortunately there is no law in any state that restricts the scope of practice strictly to a physician's board certification.  While there are some "pedigree" laws that require physicians disclose board certification,  unfortunately few consumers understand or recognize the authenticity of... more

I don't think I can add much to what has already been said, other than to say it happens and it can be very difficult for patients to know the exact training and qualifications of their surgeon. In general, surgeons who are properly trained with the proper credentials are more than happy to share them with... more