Specialists Branching Into Lucrative Cosmetic Procedures to Offset Decreasing Reimbursement

More specialists are expanding their practices to include lucrative cosmetic procedures, which are paid for out-of-pocket by patients, according to a New York Times report.

According to the report, it's becoming more common to find physicians of any specialty branching into cosmetic procedures. Gynecologists are more frequently offering breast augmentation, ophthalmologists liposuction and family practice physicians Botox injections.

Certified plastic surgeons have challenged the practice, saying that specialists who perform cosmetic procedures without proper training are putting patients in danger. Malcolm Z. Roth, president of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, said the public should be protected from physicians who are not upfront about their board certifications.

Others say plastic surgeons are simply trying to protect their lucrative trade, and that procedures can be performed safely by a variety of specialists.

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