It’s nothing short of inspiring to see so many mothers, daughters, fathers, sons, spouses, friends, and coworkers come together at the American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer® to honor and remember every person who has faced breast cancer. Saturday we all witnessed a commitment in one another to fighting breast cancer until it is no longer a life-threatening disease. You could feel the difference we are making, the history we are making, and the strides we are making against breast cancer. Together we were over 1500 participants strong, we raised over $120,000 and climbing and we honored 162 survivors!
We can’t thank you enough for helping make this year’s walk such a special day for every person who was fortunate enough to participate. Thank you for helping us save lives!
Skin Deep : A Face From an Infomercial
By CATHERINE SAINT LOUIS
NY Times Published: June 3, 2009
IT used to be that a cosmetic surgery patient who was tired of sagging
jowls would discreetly ask for names of reputable doctors who did
face-lifts. A surgeon, building a practice as word of mouth about his
skills spread, became, in effect, his own brand.
But now face-lifts themselves are being branded. Certain minimally
invasive procedures are marketed directly to patients in a
one-size-fits-most approach. Patients pick an operation — usually after
seeing it touted online, on TV or in magazines — and are referred by a
national organization to a doctor.
Two procedures sold this way are the Lifestyle Lift, which an ad in
Family Circle describes as “revolutionary” and a way to “remove
wrinkles, frown lines and sagging skin” in about an hour; and the
QuickLift, which also benefits from nationwide marketing that promotes
a short recovery and only local anesthesia.
Because these procedures, priced at $4,000 and $5,900, contrast with
more extensive face-lifts requiring general anesthesia and usually
costing more, they have become popular: More than 100,000 patients have
received the Lifestyle Lift alone since 2001, according to the company.
But some surgeons think branded face-lifts are problematic. It is not
the procedures themselves that disturb critics — many plastic surgeons
and otolaryngologists (head and neck surgeons) offer their own
quick-recovery face-lifts. But some doctors are concerned that patients
may be so persuaded by advertising that they don’t seek a second
opinion or investigate the full range of options. Consumers may pick a
minimally invasive procedure when the results they seek may require
more complex — and expensive — intervention.
“What’s new is this is plastic surgery being marketed to the public as
a widget,” said Dr. Brian Reagan, a plastic surgeon in San Diego.
“People are buying, so buyer beware.”
Who Can You Trust and Where Can You Go For Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery?
By: Dr. Leonik Ahumada, representing the group of (Dr. Asokan, Dr. Rogers, and Dr.Nijher)
Thirty years ago virtually all surgery was performed in hospitals with lengthy in hospital stays. Today many procedures can be performed safely and efficiently in an outpatient setting. Outpatient services are provided by ambulatory surgical centers. These centers were first opened in the 1970’s and since that time have developed into high quality, costeffective alternatives to inpatient hospital care. These centers can be within a hospital (performing inpatient and outpatient procedures) or free standing facilities that concentrate on outpatient procedures only.
