YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR

Plastic Surgery News, a publication of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, recently published an article describing the unethical practices of well known company called Lifestyle Lift. According to the article, this company was “charged with ‘astroturfing’ - publishing fake, online reviews of its procedure using employees who posed as independent consumers to express their ’satisfaction’ with the company and it’s product.” In fact, Andrew Cuomo, the Attorney General of New York stated on his website (http://www1.plasticsurgery.org/ebusiness4/OnlineCourse/CourseInfo.aspx?Id=12791) “this company’s attempt to generate business by duping consumers was cynical, manipulative and illegal.”

I am posting this blog because I am often asked by my patients seeking facial rejuvenation about the Lifestyle Lift procedure. In plastic surgery, as in life, you get what you pay for. While we are all looking to save money these days, your body and health are the few things which you only get one of and simply searching out the least expensive alternative can often have distastrous consequences. Among board-certified (American Board of Plastic Surgery) plastic surgeons, this company has a dubious reputation as one that refuses to do state exactly which techniques their physicians use to achieve their results, thereby potentially opening themselves to criticism as those of us who publish in scientific, peer-reviewed journals do all the time. Therefore, the company’s methods are suspect from the outset and stories like the one above are not that surprising. Buyer, and patient beware!