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Cruising For A Bruising: The Hazards Of Cosmetic Cruises

Written by WD Staff, Skin Care Specialists on September 29, 2016 No Comments

Patients often ask during their appointments what our professional opinions are regarding trending procedures they have heard friends talking about or read about over social media. I was alarmed to recently learn of a trend of patients receiving cosmetic procedures while on destination cruise vacations. Yes, while patients are partaking in all-night buffets, throwing back a few cocktails and enjoying the pool aboard cruise ships, they can also dabble in cosmetic procedures.

Treatment offerings range from neurotoxins such as Botox or Dysport, dermal fillers such as Restylane or Juvederm, and even teeth whitening. An article from Angie’s List dated from 2009 notes that Norwegian Cruises was the first major ship line to offer these types of services. Here are some things to consider and a few pros and cons before you take the plunge on your next cruise vacation.

Who is doing the injecting?

Physicians are supposed to be administering the medical treatments. One cruise company noted all physicians must hold valid registration in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, South Africa, or European Union member country. Candidates must have completed a minimum of three years postgraduate training in internal medicine, family practice, or emergency medicine and at least three years of training in the aesthetic procedures by the companies that produce the products. Clients must book cosmetic procedures once on ship. These services are not available while at port. However, when I searched job description for medi-spa cruise physician requirements this is what was posted:

“Practice aesthetic medicine while traveling the world. The Medi-spa Physician manages his/her own aesthetic clinic in the spa and administers non-surgical cosmetic procedures such as BOTOX Cosmetic and Restylane. Whether you have experience with these safe and popular procedures or you are interested in gaining experience to integrate them into your own practice in the future, this is a great opportunity to practice aesthetic medicine. In addition to the hands-on clinical experience, learn valuable marketing and sales skills all while earning income and traveling the world. All doctors are required to attend a 3-day training course in Miami prior to employment onboard. The training course is conducted by company’s Medical Director, a board certified plastic surgeon with a Miami-based private practice. The training includes clinical training on the facial injectables and onboard sales and marketing strategies to manage a successful business onboard. All tools and information can be utilized on board and in your future medical practice. Medical Director provides a Letter of Recommendation at the end of your completed contract.” 

Pros of getting cosmetic procedures on a ship

No one on the ship knows who you are so there is some level of anonymity. When you get home friends and family just think you were relaxed on your vacation, not that you had anything done.

Cons of cosmetic procedures on a ship

There are many to consider.  Three days of training and you are ready to perform these procedures?  Dermatology and plastic surgery residents perform cosmetic procedures for three to four years before they graduate from their residencies.  Complications such as bruising, excessive bleeding, infections, and vessel necrosis are more likely in the hands of novice practitioners.

Another con, on the ship there is no opportunity for following up. If you are unhappy with your results, or if you had the best experience ever, you will not be able to go back to the same provider.  How do you request your records when you get home if something does go wrong and your local physician needs information to make a therapeutic medical decision?

Procedures such as photofacial and other laser treatments, as well as chemical peels such as TCA or glycolic peels, require the patient to refrain from the sun following the treatment in order to avoid hyperpigmentation. This may be quite difficult on a boat at sea.

Complications can occur with any provider at any time. But there is another level of unknown if you receive these same procedures with cruise ship physicians. So enjoy your vacation, but perhaps consider limiting your treatment excursions to a good massage instead.

 


WD Staff

A united group of skin care specialists from Westlake Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery, Austin's leader in Dermatology and Plastic Surgery. Articles posted under WD staff are authored through combined contributions from our entire team, including Plastic Surgeons, Dermatologists, Aestheticians, Physician Assistants, Aesthetic Nurses, and Patient Coordinators.


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