The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery Association (ASDSA) was saddened to learn of the patient’s death by liposuction performed by a pediatrician as reported in the recent LA Times Article. ASDSA is dedicated to advocating for patient safety. We represent over 6400 board certified dermatologists who specialize in dermatologic surgery for cosmetic, oncologic, and medical conditions of the skin.
“ASDSA recommends that all patients seeking medical care get information and counseling by an appropriately trained physician,” said ASDSA President Seth Matarasso, MD. Per ASDSA’s position on practitioner misrepresentation, a specialist in an area of medical practice constitutes a physician who has successfully completed a residency and/or fellowship training program, in that area of medical practice, which is accredited by Accreditation Council of Graduate Medical Education, the American Osteopathic Association or the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.
Ambulatory liposuction performed under tumescent anesthesia was pioneered by dermatologic surgeons. This as well as many surgical procedures can be successfully done in an outpatient setting under local anesthesia by physicians who practice within their scope of education and training.