Cosmetic Surgery Consultants : : Savin' Lives Issue

Welcome to Cosmetic Surgery Today (CST). The ONLY, FREE e-zine focusing on quality, safety and more--covering information, news, and resources in the cosmetic/plastic surgery industry.

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COSMETIC SURGERY TODAY (CST)

Creating the Benchmark for Quality and Safety

Helping You Make Informed and Safe Decisions

December 18, 2000
Published by Pat Burgess/Cosmetic Surgery Consultants
© Copyright 2000

www.safecosmeticsurgery.com

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IN THIS ISSUE

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The Table of Contents is bookmarked for your convenience - You don't want no stinkin' scroll fatigue!

Peace-of-mind - Products/Services - Can You Afford Not To Check Out Your Doctor?
Publishers Desk - We're Savin' Lives Here!
Nip 'n Tip of the Week - Forehead Lift - What option is right for you? (Big Scar/Little Scars)
Don't Ya Hate It When...Ewww- You Think She Looks good?
Horror Stories - Lipo Sucks and Then you Die
Success Stories -Non-Surgical Breast Enlargement - Bountiful Beauties!
Online Poll - If You Could Have Only One Procedure-Ever, What Would It Be?
Feature Article - One Question Could Save Your Life
FAQ's - Pat Answers - Breast Augmentation Considerations
Before & After Pictures - Morph it Yourself!
Can We Talk? - Visit Our Message Board

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1. SPECIAL DEALS FOR YOUR PEACE-OF-MIND!

THE NUMBER ONE QUESTION…Can I Trust My Doctor / How Can I Check My Doctor's Credentials?
Now you can have peace of mind! Let us check your doctor and find out whether he has any disciplinary actions, or other license sanctions. $69.00 per doctor to access databases that the public DOES NOT have access to. Click here to learn more..... http://www.safecosmeticsurgery.com/medcheck.htm

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Is your plastic surgeon a "QUESTIONABLE DOCTOR"?
We'll look that up for you. Only $19.95 for a directory lookup this up for you! Click here to find out more...
http://www.safecosmeticsurgery.com/question_drs.htm

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Samui Villas offers Vacation Villa Rental of Private Ko Samui Holiday Villas and Luxury Beach Villas on Koh Samui - Thailand. The period from February to June is the time when samui Villas rental in Samui is in boom. Samui Villas resort are a superb Koh Samui accommodation for people looking to lose themselves in the beauty of Koh Samui's gorgeous beaches

THE BOOK, Cosmetic Surgery Without Fear, has launched thousands of beautiful new faces and bodies! Pat Burgess, the nations' leading cosmetic surgery consumer advocate and her book, have been featured on over 250 radio/TV shows, print stories and internet chats. This is the "must-have" guide for helping you through your cosmetic surgery process. Available in paperback or as an e-book. Order your copy today for $18.95 at:
http://www.safecosmeticsurgery.com/book/bookdes.htm

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NO SCALPEL PREVIEW OF THE NEW YOU!
Let us sculpt your face or body with a computer rendition of the new you. Click here to experience fun, fast and painless computer surgery! $49.00 is the best and cheapest cyber-surgery you'll find!
http://www.safecosmeticsurgery.com/before_after.htm

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PERSONALIZED TELEPHONE CONSULTATION
Have a confidential consultation with a CSC consultant. Ask questions, get answers, and maximize your chances of a successful surgical result! $175 for a full hour with a trained consultant, plus FREE book, Cosmetic Surgery Without Fear. Get the details here... http://www.safecosmeticsurgery.com/consult.htm

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2. PUBLISHERS DESK - We're Savin' Lives, Here!
Pat Burgess

All thoughts, suggestions, personal experiences, content contributions can be sent to: .Please let us know whether we may use your first and/or last name. You may also request complete confidentiality.

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I'm not going to bore you with all the techie mumbo jumbo that went into getting the first issue out, but it was a doosey. Well, OK just a few words to let you know that I'm now among those who can banter about words like "HTML coding", "data extraction", "e-mail filters", "autoresponders", and my favorite CONTROL-ALT-DELETE (I used that one a lot, BTW)!

I think it's my favorite because it begins with "CONTROL". And with these technical glitches, I was literally out of control! Who doesn't like control? Those who declare they are not control freaks--lie. In the universal scheme of things, we might not really have control over many of the more esoteric events, and probably would miss out if we did--like the not-so-chance meeting of two hearts or a calling to fulfill a soul's purpose. But when it comes to making some smart decisions about a most exciting medical decision, you DO have some control!

In this week's issue, we talk about one of the most important decisions there is to make about your cosmetic surgery--accreditation of the facility in which you will have your surgery. Most people never even ask about this and they don't know that it could be life threatening. We get so caught up as to who is going to perform our surgery that we forget to ask about where it will take place. As the first line in our feature article says." If Judy Loveless, Atlanta, GAhad known to ask one question, she might be alive today."

Hopefully that article will Have you make sure that the doctor you choose has gone through the voluntary accreditation process (if he/she has an office based operating room) that is crucial to a quality and safe experience.

I also want to thank ya'll, (not originally southern-but learning) for your support on the first issue. We received a lot of cyber-hi-fives, and some great feedback. So, on we go-- let's put on our thinking caps and have Safe Surg!

All the Best,
Pat

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3. NIP 'n TIP OF THE WEEK - Forehead Lift - What option is right for you?

If you have a tip you'd like to share, please e-mail us at .Please let us know whether we may use your first and/or last name. You may also request complete confidentiality.

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Every cosmetic surgery procedure usually has more than one surgical approach. That is why it is extremely important to know your options-- because one, or the other may be better suited for you.

Each doctor has varied training and techniques that he or she feel most comfortable with, and those methods may vary from doctor to doctor--another reason to get more than one opinion. Visit at least two or three, to gain consensus among two of your visited doctors.

Although there are modifications with each approach, there are basically two options for brow lift. The first is known as a "coronal" brow lift, where an incision is made across the top of the head, usually from ear to ear. The brow if lifted and the excess skin removed. The second is called an "endoscopic" browlift, where there are tiny incisions made just behind the hairline. The brow is pulled up and secured to create a more rested and youthful appearance.

Doctors are divided as to which approach is "better". It appears that the newer, endoscopic approach is gaining in popularity. The major reason is that the doctor can avoid a large scar, and keep the cranial nerves in tact, by using an endoscope to see where they are. This way, the numbness that results when nerves are cut, is avoided. Some doctors feel that a coronal lift lasts longer or takes care of "ptosis" (drooping brow) more effectively.

What's my opinion? I had the coronal brow lift, and if I had a choice, I would not do it this way again. At the time my doctor didn't perform this and I didn't know it was an option. Now, as I age, I risk the scar showing through. That to me is more disturbing than the numbness that I don't notice anymore. I haven't used the top of my head for anything recently (brain storage--heh) so I haven't felt any loss. However, if you don't have to cut it, why would you. I still have laxity in the brow area, and will probably need to have it done again when I schedule my next facelift. It didn't last as long as anticipated, which seems to be the only reason doctors prefer the coronal method in the first place. Certain doctors, like Dr. Alan Matarasso, a New York plastic surgeon, spoke of this in his article for the Nov/Dec. issue of Cosmetic Surgery Times. He doesn't see much reason to perform a full brow lift unless the brow is very heavy and low. Know you options. Figure out what's best for you.

TIP: If the only option your doctor gives you is a full, or coronal brow lift, where you will sport a large scar on your scalp--check out a second or third opinion.

If you have a tip you'd like to share, please e-mail us at . Please let us know whether we may use your first and/or last name. You may also request complete confidentiality.

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4. DON'T YA HATE IT WHEN...........Eeeww, you think she looks good?

DYHIW......someone thinks a particular actress or TV personality had a great job on their cosmetic surgery, and you happen to be horrified with the result? Whoa...how can there be such a disparity between what you and another person think is a pleasing outcome? Nowhere does the saying, "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder" ring more true.

If anybody wants to explore this phenomenon, I'd like to speak with you. I think it is fascinating, particularly because it makes it difficult to be sure that you are communicating clearly with your surgeon as to what you want to look like. Maybe there is a test, or a way to rate surgical outcomes with your doctor before you commit to surgery. Just brainstormin' here, so help out if you can.

If you have a gripe, concern, observation or vent, please e-mail us at . Please let us know whether we may use your first and/or last name. You may also request complete confidentiality.

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5. HORROR STORIES (and How to Avoid Them)
Lipo Sucks and Then You Die

To share your horror story, please e-mail us at . Please let us know whether we may use your first and/or last name. You may also request complete confidentiality.

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Tammaria Cotton, 43 and Judy Fernandez, 47, both died of complications from cosmetic surgery. In the beginning of this year, a report came out conducted by Dr. Frederick Grazer of Penn State University and Dr. Rudolph de Jong of the Thomas Jefferson Medical College, suggesting that liposuction may not be safe (statistically speaking).

The death rate (1 in 5,000 cases) was ranked higher than death from an automobile accident. Still, those of us with stubborn thigh and tummy fat are willing to risk those odds. How do you minimize those odds?

First, be sure the doctor you have chosen is a board-certified plastic surgeon, and SPECIALIZES in liposuction. Not all board-certified docs are skilled at liposuction. They may spend most of their time doing great breast augmentations.

Second, it was pointed out by Dr. Rod Rohrich of Dallas, TX that 75% of those deaths took place in a doctors surgical suite, or a non-accredited facility. (Read this week's feature article). So the first course of action is to check on facility accreditation.

Third, the amount to be extracted should be considered carefully with your doctor. Removal of more than 8-11 pounds of fat is considered high volume and should be conducted in a outpatient/hospital setting with an overnight stay for monitoring.

Fourth, with liposuction you should gradually feel better improving steadily after about the second or third day. If you begin to feel worse, weaker or sicker, you need to contact your doctor immediately.

Liposuction can be safe and effective if you do not trivialize the seriousness of the operation

To share your horror story, please e-mail us at . Please let us know whether we may use your first and/or last name. You may also request complete confidentiality.

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6. SUCCESS STORIES
NO PAIN BREAST GAIN - Non-Surgical Breast Enlargement

To share your success story, please e-mail us at . Please let us know whether we may use your first and/or last name. You may also request complete confidentiality.

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If it is true that there is a way to gain breast tissue without surgery--I for one will be sporting some bountiful beauties! I'm a little skeptical but willing to check it out. An article in Cosmetic Surgery Times, reports that Dr. Baker of Miami, FL has headed up a 15 month study using a "sports bra" type system to enlarge and lift breasts. All of the women using this system gained at least one full cup size. Now, that's substantial!

It works by placing a gentle, but maintained pressure to "stretch cells in a systematic and carefully monitored process". The idea behind it is that when cells have a constant force upon them, they respond by replicating themselves and creating new growth.

More than 200 women across the country are now in advanced clinical trials with this sports bra type system. We'll keep you posted as to when this might be available if it makes it through the rest of the scrutiny required to bring this to market. Would you try it? Let us know.

To share your success story, please e-mail us at . Please let us know whether we may use your first and/or last name. You may also request complete confidentiality.

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7. ONLINE POLL
If you could have only one procedure done-- ever...what would it be. Take our poll here at: http://www.safecosmeticsurgery.com/poll_121800.html

Last weeks poll revealed that the greatest fear for most of you was the qualification of the doctor.

Check out your doctor. The cost($69.00/19.95) is nothing compared to the heartache as a result of a poor physician choice. Check out your doctor's credentials with us at:
http://www.safecosmeticsurgery.com/medcheck.htm

If you have a topic you'd like to see polled, contact us at

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8. FEATURE ARTICLE

One Question Could Save Your Life

If Judy Loveless of Atlanta, Georgia, had known to ask one question, she might be alive today. The procedure she chose was laser resurfacing of her face, just to remove a few wrinkles. But Judy had a reaction to the intravenous sedation. The surgical center had neither monitoring equipment nor an anesthesiologist, and as a result no one knew that she had stopped breathing. When someone finally noticed, the necessary resuscitation equipment wasn't available on the premises. Tragically and needlessly, Judy died.

Horror stories involving cosmetic surgery are becoming frighteningly common. People go in for surgery looking fine, but they're supposed to come out looking better. Not coming out at all-- as in Judy's case--is a rarity, but it can happen.

We are so concerned with who is going to perform the surgery, many times we don't think about where it will be performed. When considering a surgical center for your beautification process, look for one where all three levels of certification have occurred: state certification, federal certification, and a voluntary, peer accreditation.

According to the Federated Ambulatory Surgery Association (FASA), approximately 50 percent of the surgery centers nationwide have chosen to go through the rigorous, voluntary, peer accreditation process conducted by one of several surgical facility accreditation entities. Two organizations performing these surveys are the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC) and the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Hospital Organizations (JCAHO). This means you have about a 50 percent chance of ending up in a nonaccredited facility for your surgery. Be sure to request copies of this certification when choosing a surgical facility.

If a doctor's center or outpatient facility has this certification, the operating room must be equipped with the kind of life-saving equipment not available to Judy and others who have succumbed to untimely deaths. By submitting to the voluntary certification, your doctor shows that he or she is safety and quality minded. Accreditation from either AAAHC or JCAHO usually involves a two-day site visit by peer professionals who determine whether the facility is worthy of a one-, two-, or three-year certification. Denial of certification requires a corrective action plan, and the survey process is repeated until expectations have been met. Certification costs both money and time, so if your surgeon has made this commitment, that should weigh very heavily in your decision to pursue surgery at that location with that doctor.

As for the other levels of accreditation, most surgical centers (approximately 90 percent) have gone through the federal inspection required to receive Medicare reimbursements. At this time, 41 states require licensure to operate an ambulatory facility.

To the prospective patient, accreditation should be high on the list of screening criteria when evaluating a doctor's credentials and deciding where to have surgery performed. AAAHC says, "Ambulatory surgical centers value accreditation as a measure of professional achievement and quality of care . . . and they welcome the survey as a constructive learning experience." In addition, AAAHC states that many third-party payers and professional liability carriers recognize and accept accreditation by AAAHC as meeting their requirements because of the standards of excellence inherent in the association's survey method.

What is the question, then, that could save your life and spare you unnecessary complications? Is this surgical facility accredited by one of the voluntary, peer organizations? If the answer is no, then go somewhere else.

Resources on the Web:
- www.aaahc.org
Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care
- www.myadvocate.com/home/fasa/home.html
Federated Ambulatory Surgery Association
- www.jcaho.org
Joint Commission on Accreditation of Hospital Organizations

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9. PAT ANSWERS - FAQ's (Frequently Asked Questions)
Breast Augmentation Considerations - There are Many

Q: I'm thinking about having breast augmentation surgery. I understand there are many considerations. Can you identify some?

A: Yes, there are many--about six different decisions have to be made

Implant Size (Volume)- More than 400ml is for women seeking larger implants
Fill to capacity or overfill - overfilling can lower the risk of deflation, rippling and sloshing
Implant surface - textured or non-textured - textured offers lower risk of displacement/higher risk of rippling. Costs more (approx $100 more per pair)
Implant shape - teardrop or round - most docs feel that they can achieve a natural look with round implants.
Implant location - under or over the muscle - under the muscle allows for less interference with mammogram readings.
Location of Incision - under the arm, around the nipple, under the breast, through the navel to perkier breasts we go! (personally, through the navel seems way too far to go! Plus, implants can only be placed over the muscle.)

For a great and thorough book on Breast Augmentation, pick up Dr. John Tebbetts book called The Best Breast Book

Have a question? Please e-mail us at

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9. BEFORE AND AFTER PICTURES - MORPH IT YOURSELF!

Just a little fun for you. You can morph my face in any direction you wish. Try it, won't break! You can check it out right here. Place cursor on picture and drag to see morph.

If you have pictures you'd like to share, please e-mail them as a JPEG file to . Tell us your name, city and state, what you had done and when.

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10. CAN WE TALK? Visit our message board at:

http://www.safecosmeticsurgery.com/wwwboard/board.htm

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This is an unmoderated board. Messages are posted in full immediately. Share your ideas and information with others who could benefit. Please be respectful with your posts. Feel free to discuss your experiences. We ask that you refrain from naming doctors directly, whether for a positive or negative experience. Without all the facts from all parties, we feel that this would be unfair and disrespectful.

Should you have a concern or praise about a doctor, please let us know.That will help us in our credentialing efforts. We may also be able to assist you in finding additional information not readily accessible to the general public.

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This newsletter and resulting community is creating the "Benchmark for Quality". Please help us with that process. Tell us what you want, you interests, thoughts, suggestions or comments. Please e-mail us at

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