The worst part of this whole thing is that I completely recognize the pattern: some investors (not medical personnel) own these centers and are most concerned about the bottom line. They hire doctors to perform the procedures, effectively turning the doctor into a technician, rather than the professional clinician he/she should be, and they use non-clinical staff to "educate" patients (ie, SELL) about the procedures.
The most telling part of the article about that poor woman's death in Bellevue is what happened when a reporter went back to that same center months later, and was told there had never been a serious complication from their liposuction procedures:
- In late October, KING TV sent a producer into Sono Bello in Bellevue, which is where Aura had her liposuction done. The producer asked the patient care consultant, "Have you had serious complications?" The consultant replied, "no, no, no, not here."
- This was five months after Aura Javellana died.
I'm concerned about a public who still doesn't get the difference between a board-certified doctor and a board-certified plastic surgeon or the difference between a plastic surgeon and a cosmetic surgeon. I'm concerned about the commercialization of the practice of medicine. And I'm concerned when patients aren't properly educated (and are even misled) prior to undergoing a surgical procedure.
I think that it is a shame the individuals do not do their "homework" when searching for a medical professional. I certainly am glad that I did, and that I found you. I look forward to a long, and healthy, professional relationship. "Thank You" Dr. Kavali...
ReplyDeleteC Conyers
Chris--THANK YOU so very much for your kind words. It's comments like yours that make my career so much more than a "job".
ReplyDeleteI am sorry this woman lost her life but I take exception with denigrating a profession because of the actions of a few.
ReplyDeleteMy father lost his life from the mistake of a cardiologist. He had an allergic reaction to angiogram dye. An autopsy revealed an allergic reaction and enlarged heart from scarlet fever as a young man.
I say this with all sincerity. Should I denigrate all cardiologists? Should I insist on seeing a thoracic surgeon instead of a cardiologist because of losing my father?
The American Academy for Cosmetic Surgeons certifies and governs cosmetic surgeons. Cosmetic surgery for the most part is minimally invasive.
For a facelift, I'd see a plastic surgeon because the skill required is greater. For less invasive procedures, I’ve seen cosmetic surgeons.
There is a need for the skills and talents inherent in every profession. Let’s not throw the baby out with the bath water.
Aria--I'm sorry about your father. Your story just reinforces my statements: sometimes bad things happen, even when everything is done right.
ReplyDeleteI would like to say, though, that there is unquestionably a difference between a "cosmetic surgeon" and a "plastic surgeon". Plastic surgeons have years of training in their specialty, while a cosmetic surgeon may have only taken a weekend course (or less) to do the same procedures.
Cosmetic surgeons are not just doing "minimally invasive" procedures--they are doing tummy tucks, facelifts, breast lifts, and nearly every other plastic surgery procedure. I'm glad you would choose a plastic surgeon for your facelift, but why wouldn't you also choose one for your liposuction or breast augmentation, etc?
The American Academy of Cosmetic Surgeons will allow ANY doctor to be a member--just pay the dues. They are NOT a 'board' in the sense of providing "board-certification".
If a doctor wants to be a plastic surgeon, he or she should complete a full residency in plastic surgery. But don't become a cardiologist and then decide you want to do cosmetic surgeries after taking a weekend course.
Dr. Kavali, your lack of professionalism here astounds me. Do you really have any idea how these clinics are operated? Sure, there are investors, but the clinic in Atlanta is staffed by two highly regarded plastic SURGEONS. Perhaps you should look through your glass house prior to tossing around so many stones.
ReplyDeleteYour office was one of my first stops when looking to get my liposuction done. Guess what...your prices are as lofty and inflated as your ego is. I went to Sono Bello and had an amazing experience from start to finish, and I save a considerable amount of money in the process. I have also heard that these guys are now an accredited surgical center right on site. They don't have to go across the street and use someone else's equipment or facility or staff. When you get to that point, perhaps then you can toss some more stones around. I do thank you, though. Without your ridiculous pricing structure, I would have never found Sono Bello.
Best wishes and hopes that you someday develop a sense of professionalism,
RM
RM--
ReplyDeleteThank you for your opinion. I'm glad you had a safe experience for your procedure.
I do take issue with your comments regarding pricing in my office. We are neither the most expensive nor the least expensive provider of plastic surgery procedures in the metro Atlanta area. If anyone is looking for "discount" plastic surgery, they won't find it in my office. But they certainly won't be gouged, either.
Dr Kavali,
DeleteI met with you last week and felt really comfortable with you and your practice, which was not the same that I got with Sono Bello. I am still trying to decide if I want to go through with ANOTHER procedure after not being well informed with Sono Bello (ultimately my fault for not doing my research better but felt pressured when talking to the "salesperson" at SB. I have not felt any pressure with you or anyone at your office in fact quite the opposite, you encourage me to take my time to make the best decision for myself.
After seeing this article and realizing that my experience was not unlike others I would like to know the best route to take to complain about how I was misinformed about what type of procedures would be best for me.
If I decide to do a second procedure I feel confident that you would be the best for me. My husband and I are talking about what I should do and hope to make a decision in the next couple of months. Thank you for your honesty AND taking the time to meet with every prospective patient BEFORE any decision made or any money is spent. Thank you!