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Family Physician Jailed For Assault After Botched Cosmetic Procedures.Editorâs note: Media reports of non-ABPS-certified physicians who have left patients injured after going beyond their core training to perform cosmetic surgery procedures, have unfortunately, become all too common. However, recent weeks have seen an encouraging uptick in courts cracking down on those who have reached beyond their skills and subsequently put the public at risk. Two of the following cases present instances in which physicians without core training in plastic surgery performed cosmetic procedures with disastrous results. In one, a family physician whose license had already been restricted to disallow facial surgery continued to perform several facial procedures that went awry, leading to his eventual guilty plea to an assault charge. Another details the case of a radiologist accused of substandard and damaging liposuction resulting in a lawful search of his home and office by his stateâs medical board. The third case outlines a court ruling holding a publisher responsible for fraud after a deceptive Yellow Pages® ad led to a patients disfigurement after a liposuction procedure. A Canadian family physician who ignored a College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) â imposed restriction prohibiting him from performing facial surgery was sentenced to nine months in jail late last year. Vincent Cheng, 43, Ameliasburg, Ontario, pled guilty to two counts each of aggravated assault and assault causing bodily harm for performing facial cosmetic procedures on two women that resulted in complications. Cheng received a restriction against performing facial surgery by the CPSO in 2004, after several patient complaints were lodged against him beginning in 2000. The criminal charges of aggravated assault and assault causing bodily harm resulted after two patients confirmed to police that they never would have consented to surgery by Cheng in 2005 had they known his license was under restriction, according to Ontario Police Detective Sgt. Mark Allison. âIn Ontario, you actually can âconsentâ to an assault, which involves the use of force,â Allison says. âFor instance, two guys in a fight give their implicit consent. But these two women would not have consented to the surgical activities had they known about Chengâs restriction; therefore, they couldnât consent to the âassaultâ â the use of force. It becomes âaggravatedâ because the assault resulted in maiming, a wound or disfigurement.â Police launched their investigation after the two patients complained that Cheng- whose medical license was permanently revoked by CPSO in October 2006- performed a blepharoplasty and breast augmentation, respectively, in his office-based facility that left them with complications requiring correction by plastic surgeons. âHe knew he wasnât suppose to be doing these (procedures) because the CPSO was clear in its intent when it handed down his license restrictions,â Allison syas. While serving as plastic surgery division chief at the University of Toronto, PSEF President Peter Neligan, MD, Seattle ( who was recently named director of the Center for Reconstructive Surgery at the University of Washington Medical Center) was asked by the CPSO review the case. Dr.Neligan also served as a witness for the prosecution during sentencing. To fulfill the CPSO roel, he requested 25 random charts that he pored over before a face-to-face meeting with Cheng. âI found from the charts that his documentation was completely inadequate, and thatâs dangerous,â Dr. Neligan says. âFor example, in liposuction cases he didnât document the amount of aspirate and how much fluid he had administered-and these were but the tip of the iceberg.â âDuring our meeting I asked him about training, but the only plastic surgery training he had was as a medical student rotating on the plastic surgery service. I said, âIn other words, youâve had no training in cosmetic surgery?â He agreed that was the case. And his lack of knowledge of basic anatomy was frightening.â During sentencing, Canadian Justice Richard Byers criticized Cheng for âbecoming so greedy he became an outlaw,â according to an article by the Osprey News Network, owned by the Sun Media Network, Ontario. The article noted that Byers also criticized the CPSO for what he called its lack of oversight of Cheng: âI get the sense that the people in charge-the College- knows about this problem [of rogue physicians], but they canât get their act together to deal with it,â Byers said. CPSO spokesperson Kathryn Clarke says the College is working to strengthen patient safety in part by submitting proposals to the Legislative Authority of Ontario-similar in function to U.S. state legislatures-to give the College the ability to accredit office-based surgical facilities, as well as disallow physicians from advertising services for which they are not formally trained. âWe would like the ability to go into facilities to see how physicians are performing, look at their equipment and the personnel they work with and see how the facility is set up,â Clarke Says. âWe also would like the authority to prohibit physicians from using the title âsurgeonâ or the word âsurgeryâ in their advertising if they arenât board-certified as such,â she adds. âPatients need to have the right information.â In December, the Legislative Assembly of Ontario introduced the legislation as an amendment to the Regulated Health Professions Act of 1991. Clarke says these proposals would have been introduced regardless of the Cheng case. âHe wasnât specifically linked to this,â she says. âHis behavior certainly was in the background, but it wasnât the sole reason for moving forward with our initiatives.â Dr. Neligan agrees with the Collegeâs approach of submitting its own legislative proposals to better protect patients. âIt needs to do this if itâs going to prevent regulation from government-meaning having its oversight functions controlled by people other than physicians,â Dr. Neligan says. âPhysicians should be making sure that they are protecting their patients.â Radiologist âliposuclptorâ leaves county after home, office searched. A Beverly Hills-based radiologist who performed liposuction procedures and used the modified aspirate to per his diesel fuel SUVs has reportedly left the country after the Medical Board of California conducted a search of his home and office on Nov. 14. Search warrants targeting Alan Bittner, MD, were executed following several patient complaints, according to the Canyon News (Beverly Hills, Calif.). the Medial Board declined to release details of the case. The Los Angeles Daily News reported Dec. 29 that several patients filed civil suit in 2008 against Dr. Bittner, medical director of Beverly Hills Liposculpture, for allegedly allowing his girlfriend-who does not hold a medical license-and an assistant to perform liposuction procedures that left the patients disfigured. The Medical Board and San Francisco District Attorney filed suit against Dr.Bittner in 2003 for posting information on his website that was not based in truth, according to a Medical Board spokesperson, who declined to specify the alleged infraction. She added that Dr. Bittner corrected the information, and that no further action was taken against him at the time. On his website (www.dralanbittner.com), Dr. Bittnerâs website reports that he has left the United States for South America, in order to volunteer at a small clinic. âI am going back⦠to volunteer with a small clinic that is very similar to where my medical career began decades ago, where I can help those most in need,â according to the website. Dr. Bittner gained attention last year for reportedly using liposuction-derived fat to power diesel vehicles although the practice of using human medical waste as fuel is against California law, according to Discover magazineâs online version (www.discovermagazine.com). Misleading Yellow Pages ad leads to lipo âdisaster,â fraud ruling An Oregon woman who underwent a liposuction procedure in 1997 by a dermatologist she believed was ABPS-certified-based on the physicianâs deceptive Yellow Pages® advertisement-suffered a plastic surgery âdisasterâ that led to a $1.32 million fraud judgment against publisher Dex Media Inc. The decision was upheld by the Oregon State Supreme Court in late 2008. At issue was Dex Mediaâs failure to properly consider âreasonable foresee abilityâ for consequences related to its printed material. The patient, M.M. Knepper, settled out of court in 2005 with the dermatologist Timothy Brown, MD for $175,000, according to the State Supreme Court decision obtained from the Oregon Judicial Department Appellate Court Decisions website (www.publicatoins.ojd.state.or.us). Dr. Brown used a Yellow Pages advertisement to announce that he was âboard certifiedâ â but it did not refer to his certification in dermatology-which prompted Knepper to choose him for a tumescent liposuction procedure that resulted in chronic pain and misshapen skin. ASPS Life Member Lloyd Hale, MD, who testified as an expert witness on Knepperâs behalf in 2002, described her outcome as an âuncorrectable disasterâ. The State Supreme Court ruling affirmed the $1.32 million jury verdict against Dex for allegedly publishing the advertisement that misrepresented Brownâs qualifications with knowledge that the information contained within was inaccurate. In fact, the DEX sales representative convinced Dr. Brown to drop the reference to his dermatology certification in the ad, as well as place it under the heading, âSurgery, Plastic and Reconstructive,â the court document states. However, Dr. Brown began performing liposuction only after receiving some limited informal training in how to perform that procedure,â according to the document. Knepper testified that she never would have consented to the procedure by Dr. Brown had she known that he was ABPS-certified. Her pain and misshapen skin could not be corrected even after two follow-up procedures by Dr. Brown. Dex attorneys argued that fraud was not present in this case, because there was no evidence the injury to Knepper was âa reasonably foreseeable consequence of the defendantâs conductâ â that there was no way to establish that by printing the ad, the publisher should have known that the adverse result was possible. The state Supreme Court rejected that argument. âDex had reason to expect that⦠and adverse result was more likely if Brown, rather than a board-certified plastic surgeon performed the liposuction,â it stated. Dex also based its claim of innocence on the plaintiffâs failure to prove that it âacted maliciously, with the intention to harm another, or in reckless regard of consequence.â This, too, was rejected by the court: âThis is not a case of the unwitting publications of an advertisement that turns out to be false. It is, instead, a case in which the publisher took a knowing and active part in the perpetration of the fraud. âAn advertisement that misrepresents a medical providerâs qualifications self-evidently creates a risk that a consumer who seeks treatment from the provider in reliance on that misrepresentation will suffer an adverse result that would not have occurred if the providerâs qualifications had been as represented,â the court stated. 11-Mar-09 10:00 AM
El Paso Magazine - Best Doctors Of 2009 Dr. R. Dale Reynolds, M.D. Dr. Reynolds is a native third generation El Pasoan. He was trained in Houston in the largest medical center in the world under internationally renowned plastic surgeons. While he is best known for his excellent cosmetic work, he still volunteers his time as the director of both cleft lip and palate clinics in the El Paso region. Dr. Reynolds is the only private practice plastic surgeon to provide this service for our community. This allows underprivileged kids to stay close to home instead of traveling hundreds of miles for treatment. His ability as a pen and ink artist and excellent training translates into a combination of science and beauty like no one else can. His staff treats each patient with warmth and personal attention. Dr. Reynolds has an office on the Westside and the Eastside of town to better serve you. Dr. Reynolds is the El Paso Times choice for plastic surgery articles and was selected as Best of the Best 2008 by Whatâs Up magazine. He is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and will be honored with induction into the American Society of Aesthetic Surgery in April 2009. 3-Feb-09 9:00 AM
Gynecomastia At Reynolds Plastic Surgery Center Of El PasoGynecomastia is a medical term that comes from the Greek words for "woman-like breasts." Dr. Reynolds is a renowned plastic surgeon in El Paso, Texas, experienced in providing cosmetic surgery (and breast reduction) for men. Though this oddly named condition is rarely talked about, it's actually quite common. Gynecomastia affects an estimated 40 to 60 percent of men. It may affect only one breast or both. Though certain drugs and medical problems have been linked with male breast overdevelopment, there is no known cause in the vast majority of cases. Dr. Reynolds Offers Breast Reduction for Men Breast reduction for men can help those who feel self-conscious about their appearance. The procedure removes fat and/or glandular tissue from the breasts and, in extreme cases, removes excess skin, resulting in a chest that is flatter, firmer, and better contoured. We offer a wide variety of options to give you the best results possible. When you come to our office, we will sit down and discuss your needs and desires and, through computer simulation, formulate a plan that is best for you. Call Dr. Reynolds today at 915-532-6662 or contact the office to set up an appointment to discuss if gynecomastia surgery is right for you. Learn more about cosmetic surgery and breast reduction for men â read Dr. Reynoldsâ article on the subject.
Before And After Photo GalleriesOnly in El Paso: Plastic Surgery to Help You Achieve the Look You Desire For those seeking the best options in El Paso for plastic surgery, Texas-based Dr. Richard Dale Reynolds offers procedures at his office that are able to reshape normal structures of the body to improve a patient's appearance and boost his or her self-esteem. Among the many offerings of cosmetic surgery at his El Paso, Texas office, Dr. Reynolds features the following: Facial Refinement, which is the removing of excess fat, tightening of underlying muscles, and re-draping of the skin (more) Breast Augmentation, which is plastic surgery that is designed to enhance the size and shape of a woman's breast (more) Body Sculpting, a cosmetic surgery procedure that can help sculpt the body by removing unwanted fat and skin, and liposuction (more) ... Please select an area: Face | Breast| Body
Featured PagesHome Page Reynolds Plastic Surgery Center of El Paso offers plastic surgery procedures for a variety of cosmetic and reconstructive needs. Before and After See images of plastic surgery before and after the procedure. Breast View pictures of patients before and after breast augmentation surgeries. Body Browse our body contouring photos to see examples of our work. Face Reynolds performs plastic surgery for the face. Rhinoplasty See examples of rhinoplasty before and after the procedure. Breast Procedures Reynolds Plastic Surgery provides El Paso breast augmentation and other cosmetic procedures. Breast Enlargement We perform procedures in El Paso for breast enlargement surgery. Breast Lift Over the years, skins loses its elasticity – reduce sagging with a mastopexy. Breast Reduction Surgery Large breasts can cause a number of medical problems –...
Breast Reduction Surgery In El PasoWomen with very large breasts may experience a variety of medical problems caused by the excessive weight as well as back and neck pain, skin irritation, skeletal deformities, and breathing problems. Bra straps may leave indentations in shoulders and unusually large breasts can make a woman - or a teenage girl - feel extremely self-conscious. Often, only a breast reduction surgery can solve these problems. Breast reduction, technically known as reduction mammaplasty, is designed for such women. The procedure removes fat, glandular tissue, and skin from the breasts, making them smaller, lighter, and firmer. It can also reduce the size of the areola, the darker skin surrounding the nipple. The goal is to give the woman smaller, better-shaped breasts in proportion with the rest of her body. Personalized Reduction Mammaplasty Consultations Reynolds Plastic Surgery Center in El Paso, Texas specializes in state-of-the-art surgical techniques, addressing your specific needs and desires after a detailed, personalized consultation. Dr. Reynolds uses the latest computer simulation to formulate a breast reduction surgery that works with your body. The doctor and his staff are always available to answer your questions or concerns regarding a reduction mammaplasty – simply schedule a breast reduction surgery consultation or call 915-532-6662 to speak with one of his helpful assistants. We also invite you to learn more about Dr. Reynolds’ industry expertise in reduction mammaplasty techniques: TX Health Magazine Discusses Breast Augmentation with Richard Reynolds, M.D. of Reynolds Plastic Surgery Center of El Paso.
Ultrasonic Liposuction In El PasoAn emerging tool in body contouring, ultrasonic liposuction (also known as ultrasonic assisted liposuction or UAL) uses sound waves to disrupt fat cells and offers an effective solution to excessive fat. It’s combined with conventional suction assisted lipectomy to obtain maximum results in certain areas. The UAL procedure is often used in conjunction with tumescent liposuction to achieve optimal results. Ultrasonic liposuction essentially liquefies (or melts) fat cells in a given area before it is removed via suction. Because it causes minimal blood loss and little bruising, the UAL procedure is the preferred method for removing fat from areas such as the neck, stomach, “love handles,” ankles, and chin. The UAL Procedure While most patients appreciate the faster recovery times and better tissue retraction, there is the danger of seroma, or the appearance of excess fluid where the fat has been removed. Aside from this, ultrasonic liposuction is able to treat dense, larger pockets of fat at one time. And because it tightens the skin as Dr. Reynolds removes the fat, the UAL procedure is an alternate solution for those with baggy skin. Dr. Reynolds, whose office is located in downtown El Paso, will sit down and discuss your needs and desires with you, formulating a UAL procedure plan that is best for your body. Dr. Reynolds and his knowledgeable team members are always available to answer your questions – contact the center to schedule an ultrasonic liposuction consultation or call 915-532-6662 to speak with one of his assistants. Receive the care and expertise you deserve at Reynolds Plastic Surgery Center of El Paso.
Our El Paso Lip Augmentation ServicesFull lips are an aesthetically pleasing feature in most cultures, especially in the United States. We offer several options for lip augmentation including fat transfer, alloderm, collagen and restylane. We offer a wide variety of surgical and non-surgical services to give you the best result possible. When you come to our office, we will sit down and discuss your needs and desires. Using computer simulation, we will formulate a plan that is best for you. Perma Facial Implant - As seen on The Doctors TV show Dr. Reynolds is the first plastic surgeon in the El Paso area to offer permanent lip augmentation with the new groundbreaking Perma Facial Implant. The Perma Facial Implant is made of soft, solid silicone elastomer using an injection molding process to produce a naturally contoured implant with a smooth, non-porous surface. The implant cannot rupture or deflate, and may be removed at any time. Unlike other permanent lip augmentation implants, the Perma Facial Implant's smooth...
FDA Approves Radiesse Facial Filler For Two New Aesthetic IndicationsNEWS RELEASE FDA APPROVES RADIESSE FACIAL FILLER FOR TWO NEW AESTHETIC INDICATIONS Long – Lasting filler from BioForm Medical Approval for Treatment of Facial Wrinkles and Folds; and for the Correction of HIV- Associated Facial Wasting San Mateo, CA- December 27, 2006. BioForm Medical, Inc., a privately – held medical aesthetics company today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Radiesse, the next- generation cosmetic dermal filler, for the long – lasting correction of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and fold such as nasolabial fords. Radiesse also received a second FDA approval for the long- lasting correction of facial fat loss (lipotrophy) in people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Radiesse is the first filler with advanced calcium- based mircrosphere technology that not only provides volume replacement to wrinkles, folds and sunken depressions but also stimulates the body to produce new collagen;...
FDA Approves Silicone ImplantsFDA Approves Silicone Gel-Filled Breast Implants After In-Depth Evaluation Agency Requiring 10 Years of Patient Follow-Up After rigorous scientific review, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today approved the marketing of silicone gel-filled breast implants made by two companies for breast reconstruction in women of all ages and breast augmentation in women ages 22 and older. The products are manufactured by Allergan Corp. (formerly Inamed Corp.), Irvine, Calif., and Mentor Corp., Santa Barbara, Calif. “FDA has reviewed an extensive amount of data from clinical trials of women studied for up to four years, as well as a wealth of other information to determine the benefits and risks of these products,” said Daniel Schultz, M.D., Director, Center for Devices and Radiological Health, FDA. “The extensive body of scientific evidence provides reasonable assurance of the benefits and risks of these devices. This information is available in the product labeling...
US Cosmetic Trends For MenAt Reynolds Plastic Surgery we like to keep current with industry trends. Here is an article we found interesting and have been passing around the office. Now, we would like to pass it on to you. "Cosmetic Surgery Losing Stigma for U.S. Men, Rises 17% in 2007 By Michelle Fay Cortez Feb. 26 (Bloomberg) -- American men, favoring Botox injections and liposuction, underwent 17 percent more cosmetic procedures in 2007 to more than 1 million treatments, according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Operations and less-invasive procedures among women still outnumbered those in men by 10 to one, and men mostly eschewed a buttocks operation that's gaining popularity, the society said yesterday. Botox, the biggest product from Irvine, California- based Allergan Inc., generated $1.21 billion in sales last year, a 23 percent gain, counting cosmetic and medical..." To read the full article, please visit www.bloomberg.com 26-Feb-09 3:00 PM
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