WBRZ - Baton Rouge

How do you know if the medical procedures you see on TV or on the radio are true or not? This week on News 2 at 4 p.m. plastic surgeon Dr. Anthony Stephens clears the air and answers questions about highly advertised procedures many of you have been asking about.

A popular procedure is called The Lifestyle Lift. This is a technique that is highly advertised. It claims to be an alternative to a facelift. Dr. Stephens warns, before you get it, do your research. If you are going to consider getting it consult a board certified plastic surgeon first. Make sure they know what they are talking about.

"In my opinion in is a procedure that is minimal surgery, and minimal results. While it may work for some people it can be very unpredictable, and it is often less impressive than advertised," said Stephens.

Laser liposuction or smart lipo are procedures that claims to be less invasive and have a faster recovery time than traditional lipo by melting, destroying and removing unwanted fat while tightening the skin. Doctor Anthony Stephens says people who perform this procedure use a laser with traditional liposuction techniques. He says most plastic surgeons feel like the laser serves no benefit at all to the procedure. Stephens says in fact in can cause more harm than good because it is often used by surgeons in other fields who take a weekend course or a short course to learn how to do the procedure. While it may be surgeons performing the procedure, they are not a board certified plastic surgeon. "Believe it or not, that qualification makes all the difference. They must be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery," said Stephens.

To protect you, state lawmakers passed the "Truth in Medical Advertising Act" in August 2011. This protects the public and sets standards for doctors. It protects the public from deceptive advertising by unqualified physicians who hold themselves out to the public as being board certified.

Other qualified certifications include the American Board of Medical Specialists, or a board that is certified by them. Any surgeon who meets those qualifications has had 8 or more years of postgraduate surgical residency training, including the completion of a formal residency in plastic and reconstructive surgery. Members must pass rigorous and comprehensive written and oral examinations.

For more information about today's segment, watch the video attached.