If you are considering any kind of cosmetic procedure, choosing a board certified dermatologist could be the most important decision you make in your life.

Sure, we all want Jennifer’s derriere, Angelina’s lips and Madonna’s cheekbones and in this “penny-pinching” economy, women are at an even greater risk to sign up for the best deals available. Consumers should be aware that there is no bargain when it comes to cosmetic procedures and that basement deals can result in scars and for some, even death.

We caught up with Dr. Bruce Katz, board certified dermatologist and director of the Juva Skin and Laser Center who offered us advice on what to look for and ask when considering cosmetic procedures.

“Recently I’ve seen an increase in patients coming to me in desperation to help reverse their botched procedures,” says Katz. “Cosmetic procedures are medical procedures and should always be performed in a medical office or hospital setting by a board certified dermatologist – I often propose the question, would you let a foot doctor perform brain surgery at a friend’s house?”

Dr. Katz suggests the following tips for patients looking to undergo a cosmetic procedure.

• Do Research – There are many people claiming to be a board certified dermatologist. Look beyond the degree on the wall in their office. Call a professional dermatology association to ensure that this physician is indeed a board certified dermatologist trained to perform the specific procedure.

• Ask Questions – Be sure to ask about your specific procedure and how many times they’ve performed the procedure and over how long a period of time and how often. Also, ask to see before and after pictures of patients that have had the procedure.

• Be Wary of “Deals” – If a deal is too good to be true, chances are it is! Get multiple consultations and compare costs. If one cost is significantly lower than the others then it should be ruled out.

• Go with Your Instinct – Do not make excuses for how you feel before a cosmetic procedure or blame your feelings on nerves. If something does not “feel right,” then you should speak up and cancel the procedure.

• Avoid Cosmetic Parties – Don’t rely on other people’s research! If you are attending parties where cosmetic procedures are performed, chances are you haven’t had a chance to confirm that they are a board certified dermatologist and trained in that procedure.

• Don’t Be Fooled – Many spas claim to have a board certified dermatologist to perform cosmetic procedures. Don’t be fooled! These “ghost doctors” may only visit the spa once a week and may not be present during your procedure. Ask questions during the consultation about how often the dermatologist is on site.

• Don’t Be Embarrassed – Speak up! If you experience a botched procedure, you should contact a board certified dermatologist immediately. Waiting could result in further damage and even death.

Thank you to Dr. Katz for the words of wisdom. We hope to hear from you again soon.