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Articles
True Stories of patients and employees in Atlanta:
an 8 part series on a branded facelift company
Branded Facelift Company penalized for Deceptive and Illegal Posting by NY Attorney General
–And How RealSelf Protects Our Community
Horror Stories Abound With Quick Fix
Lifts -Dr. Stephen Prendiville
M.D
Key Questions To Ask When Seeking Facial
Rejuvenation Or Cometic Surgery
-Dr.
Stephen Prendiville M.D
FAQ
’s With Dr Prendiville on Real Self
Embarrassed and Disappointed – I Fell For The Commercials
Stephen Prendiville, M.D. answers:
How is a Lifestyle lift different from a traditional face
lift?
The Emporer's New Clothes.... With a Twist
Stephen Prendiville, M.D. answers: What is a one-hour
facelift?
Slick Marketing, Quick Procedure
Stephen Prendiville, M.D. answers: What exactly IS the
Lifestyle Lift? No one will tell me
Do your research
Stephen Prendiville, M.D. answers: How long do the effects
of a Lifestyle Lift last?
The More Advanced the Aging Changes,
the More Extensive the
Procedure Needs to Be
Stephen Prendiville, M.D. answers: What is the difference
between a Lifestyle Lift and a mini lift?
Personal Experieneces on Real Self
http://www.realself.com/Lifestyle-lift/reviews
Horror Stories Abound With Quick Fix Lifts
-Dr. Stephen
Prendiville M.D
Women today are dealing
with more stress than ever before, making it even more important to do
something that helps them retain their beauty and keep that feeling of
youth.
In a sad comment on the times, there are many procedures out
there that are heavily branded and make claims of “affordable for
all”, “revolutionary techniques”, “miraculous
results” and “look 20 years younger” -- all in about one
hour!
The procedures, now branded and heavily marketed on
infomercials, have actually been around a long time. They are not revolutionary
and there is never any one size fits all when it comes to your face and
choosing plastic surgery. The only thing that is new, is the way these quick
fix lifts are marketed.
Some patients, may in fact have a good result
with this type of surgery, but most do not. According to the reputable website
www.realself.com (an information source for patients
seeking answers from a forum of physicians) only 29% are happy with the results
of their quick fix, lunch hour lift. This is a daunting statistic for a
procedure that can cost upwards of $6,000 and bills itself as affordable for
all.
In addition, a powerful eight part investigative series from the
CBS affiliate in Atlanta offers an eye opening look at these procedures and the
hype vs. the results. Anyone considering these quick fix lifts should watch
this series before they even considering it. For the eight part series
click here.
Horror stories abound with
patients reporting extreme scarring, pain and results not living up to the
promises. They also report being pressured into a quick decision --
“being sold” on it by a consultant vs. meeting with the physician
surgeon.
In essence, they are buying a procedure that has been pre-
sold to them before carefully scrutinizing and choosing the physician based on
their credentials and individual needs. When it comes to facial plastic
surgery, skilled physicians will tell you there is no one size procedure that
fits all.
The overblown advertising and promises of ‘youth in an
hour’ is dangerous and irresponsible. In my practice I am increasingly
seeing patients who are very disappointed in their results and require a
correction for their lunchtime or quick fix lift.
Always seek a
physician who is trained in facial plastic surgery. Many of these quick fix
lifts are offered by physicians who have taken a one day training course.
On the flip side, THE GOOD NEWS, is there are actually a number of highly
qualified facial plastic surgeons, who are offering extraordinary pricing on
facelifts and other procedures, customized to individual patient needs. In
addition, facial plastic surgeons offer the very latest technology and there
have been many exciting breakthroughs that get dramatic results with minimal
downtime.
In my practice, I specialize ONLY in faces. Fundamental to
my practice is the belief is that every face is beautiful and no two faces are
the same. Procedures must be customized and tailored to each patient’s
personal objectives. And the results should always look natural. Honesty is
key.
If you are considering a lunch time quick lift or any procedure
you have seen in an infomercial, you owe it to yourself to investigate
carefully and seek a second opinion. I think you will find many qualified
facial plastic surgeons who can give you better results for approximately the
same cost.
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Key Questions To Ask When Seeking Facial Rejuvenation Or
Cometic Surgery
-Dr. Stephen Prendiville M.D.
1)
Seek the opinion of a board certified Facial Plastic Surgeon (American Board of
Facial Plastic Surgery), or Plastic Surgeon (American Board of Plastic Surgery)
for facial rejuvenation. For breast and body procedures, seek the opinion
of a Plastic surgeon.
2) If you have elected to be seen in a
high volume, infomercial based company: a) don't be pressured into putting down
a deposit; b) carefully check the credentials of the surgeon. Is he or she a
Board Certified Facial Plastic surgeon? c) understand the procedure and follow
up care in detail. Who is there for you? c) seek another opinion before signing
up.
3) If you have made the choice to have surgery at a high volume,
infomercial based company, first find out what accrediting body (JCAHO, AAAHC,
ACHA, or AAAASF) has accredited the facility. If there is no accreditation, be
very wary. Accrediting bodies are designed to make facilities adhere to
standards of care, they are not beholden to a profit over care mentality. It is
better to surrender your deposit than to surrender your face...or your
life.
4) If you have had surgery in a high volume, infomercial
based company and you are not happy with your results, do not sign any waivers
which surrender your ability to take legal action. This is a common tactic used
by such entities.
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