Plastic surgery blog:Smelling good and puckering up could be dangerous

The chemicals in cosmetics have been under fire for quite some time. According to recent ABC news report both lipsticks and perfumes are raising concerns about the chemicals contained within them. According to the article the concern began with testing done by the FDA that showed traceable levels of lead in top name lipsticks. The FDA did point out that the lead levels were not dangerous but nevertheless the lipsticks did test positive for elevated levels of lead. Consumer advocacy groups are outraged by the nonchalant attitude of the FDA and feel as though no level of lead is acceptable. Perfumes also are known to carry chemicals that alone are considered dangerous.” There are no FDA standards in regulating the amount of chemicals in products, saidStacy Malkan, co-founder of Campaign for Safe Cosmetics. ”Companies don’t even need to know the chemicals that they are putting in their products. When these companies are asked about these chemicals, they argue, ‘it’s legal, so it’s OK,’” said Malkan. “That’s why we’re calling for the FDA to set a standard and give guidance to these companies for the best manufacturing practices.” It is not surprising that some people would find the regulation of chemicals in cosmetics  used primarily by women a necessary plight. Dr. Kim cautions patients against blindly believing that anything that bears an FDA approval is safe and effective. The FDA approval lets consumers and patients know that the device or product has passed the FDA standards at the time of testing. It is not an absolute. In cosmetic plastic surgery many devices have been presented to the market as alternatives to liposuction. Some are FDA approved and therefore patients could believe that they will work affectively for them. The truth is for procedures like liposuction that are extremely dependent upon the expertise and knowledge of the plastic surgeon, results can vary regardless of which method of liposuction is used. Dr. Kim encourages patients to consult with him and consider the best liposuction options for the patient based on long-term studies, his own success with his patients, and proven safety methods. FDA approval has its place, but nothing should replace the one-on-one conversation with an experienced ASPS plastic surgeon.