Whether it’s a tummy tuck, liposuction, or even a simple Botox or Dysport injection, any plastic surgery procedure you have today was once experimental. Through the hard work of medical researchers, doctors, and others these new procedures were developed, trialed, and established, a process that can take many years. Even today as new techniques are developed clinical trials are taking place in plastic surgery offices around the country, moving the plastic surgery industry forward and bringing the newest techniques to the public.
Not Everyone Offers Clinical Trials
Not all plastic surgeons or practices offer clinical trials. Some do and some don’t. At first thought you might think that this is simply a practice decision, similar to whether or not to offer coffee in the reception room, but in reality this decision runs much deeper. Let’s take a look at some of the factors involved on why some plastic surgery practices offer clinical trials while others do not.
- A Commitment to Clinical Excellence– When compared with the total number of plastic surgery practices out there, the number offering clinical trials is relatively small. Clinical trials are a lot of work for surgeons and are very extensive since they are conducted under Federal Drug Administration (FDA) rules and regulations and have gone through the process of having applications and protocols approved by the FDA. They require excellent record keeping, impeccable clinical standards, and increased monitoring of patient results.
- A Focus on Research– Before a clinical trial can ever begin many approvals are needed. Most trials require protocols approved from the FDA as well as an Institutional Review Board (IRB). Finding the right candidates for a trial can be difficult as specific criteria must be met before treatment can proceed. Without a passion for research and innovation surgeons are unlikely to have the drive to spend the extra time and effort that a clinical trial involves.
- Helping Things Move Forward– Clinical trials help move the plastic surgery industry forward, something our practice is very dedicated to here at H/K/B Cosmetic Surgery + MedSpa. Trials help develop new techniques, materials, and methods for enhancing the aesthetic industry. Not every plastic surgery practice is ready to be on the forefront of the industry.
Should You Choose a Plastic Surgeon that Participates in Clinical Trials?
Choosing a plastic surgeon is no simple choice and there are many factors that should guide your decision. We believe that participating in clinical trials is one way that our practice can stand out from the crowd and offer superior care to our patients. Not every patient (or even most for that matter) will participate in a trial, or even want to, but the fact that our practice is focused on advancing the aesthetic industry and providing superior clinical care to each patient is evident by our willingness to put in the extra effort that clinical trials involve and cementing our years of experience in this industry to result in better patient care delivered. Another “perk” patients can receive from a plastic surgeon that participates in clinical trials is the ability to receive the latest advances in plastic surgery. This gives patients the unique opportunity to access new treatments before they are widely available, with careful monitoring and care of course. Give us a call today and see the H/K/B Cosmetic Surgery + MedSpa difference. Participating in clinical trials is just one factor that sets our practice apart from the rest. We currently have two clinical trials open for tummy tuck scar revision (also good for Cesarean and hysterectomy surgeries) and the other one is for breast augmentation. Check out our website for more information on both of these clinical trials while we are still accepting screenings for enrollments.
