Can You Trust Your Plastic Surgeon?

Years ago, the swarthy Argentine known as Dr. Daniel Serrano convinced a fair amount of famous faces to trust him with their visages, despite the fact that he's actually only qualified to be a nurse in the U.S. This unlicensed face-fixer then proceeded to inject Hollywood clients, including Lionel Richie's ex, Diane, and Priscilla Presley, with an industrial-grade silicone, which he had smuggled into the country, and which has not been approved for use on people here.

After being busted on conspiracy and smuggling charges in 2006, Serrano spent 18 months in prison. He was released from prison last week, but is currently under investigation by federal immigration officials, and may be deported. After TMZ.com broke the news that the Dancing with the Stars (DIS) contestant was a victim of "Dr. Jiffy Lube", Presley's spokesperson released the following statement on March 25: "Priscilla Presley was one of many documented victims of Dr. Serrano. Ms. Presley dealt with this matter years ago and everything is well."

Bogus plastic surgeons are not unique to Hollywood. Americans on the whole are spending more for cosmetic surgical procedures than ever before: $12 billion last year, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. If you’re planning on joining their ranks make sure you are entrusting your body, and money, to someone who is properly trained. Here's MainStreet's guide to protecting yourself against phony doctors. Because no one should have to face the difficult recovery from the work of a shady plastic surgeon.