Top 10 ways to tick your plastic surgeon off.

Dealing with a plastic surgeon that you'd like to heckle just a little? Take the opportunity to get your groove on with some payback. In no particular order:

1. Ask the staff at the front desk what gender they are.
2. WHEN FILLING OUT YOUR PAPERWORK WRITE WRITE EVERYINGING IN UPPERCASE. TWICE. WHEN FILLING OUT YOUR PAPERWORK WRITE WRITE EVERYINGING IN UPPERCASE. TWICE.
   
3. After filling out your paperwork, staple the pages in the middle of the page.
4. Reply to everything your surgeon says during your consultation with "that's what you think."
5. If you're left alone in the consultation room take the opportunity to turn the exam table 180 degrees so that if faces the wall.
6. Ask your plastic surgeon mysterious questions and then scribble answers in a notebook. Mutter something about "psychological profiles."
7. In the memo field of your checks, write "for sexual favors."

Ok, there are only seven. If you've got some good ones leave them in the comments.

Medsurge. Advances?

First, I've never had any real interaction with Medsurge Advances. However, I know a number of physicians who have.

Medsurge Advances have made a number of comments on this site which I applaud. It can't be easy defending your business form what are mostly anonymous sources and as I've always said, you should take all opinions with a grain of salt. Certainly there have been a number of cases on this site where commenters have posted under false names and obvioulsy been pushing a certain agend for their medical spa program, consultants, or technology.

That being said, I hazzard to guess that this poster has had some insight into what's happened at Medsurge Advances:

Here is a summary which should confirm many other posts and may dispute some others. It is definitely not biased towards MedSurge, but it definitely is all an inside look.

At one time, they had over 100 employees. Now, they have less than 40. They have gone through 3 or 4 layoffs.

They have customer service which historically didn't have the tools, parts or experience to fix all of their offered equipment properly.

They have struggled financially for almost two years and many employees have left due to the financial instability. Many customers have inquired about the stability of the company with specific concern as to who will fix their equipment if MedSurge goes out of business.

Consulting was created as a way to sell more lasers and this sometimes conflicted with helping the customer or giving him good advice. Sometimes this meant the sales rep had final say on the business plan (not the paid consultants) which left customers with over-inflated revenues to make them comfortable purchasing absurd amounts of equipment. Don't get me wrong, many of these consultants have helped a great number of medspas, but there is only so much you can do after you have purchased way too much equipment. This didn't occur with every customer. The sales reps were also guilty of convincing the doctors to think that grand openings would net them huge sums of money (which was not always the case) and sometimes would promise more than MedSurge would offer in the way of consulting. There were doctors that netted $70k plus on grand openings, but it was definitely not normal. The consultants had to take the blame for sales reps over-inflated pitches (even if they did their job well).

The equipment is mostly antiquated (with one new exception and more new pieces on the way). The MedioStar was a decent machine with bad software. The software took over a year to fix and most still don't have the upgrade applied in the field. Please note that this mostly resulted in low power (not burns). The Aramis never really worked. Many of these wouldn't last two weeks out of the box. The D-Actor was sold with little proof that it had any effect on cellulite. They never had a white paper performed before they started selling it.

They did have a spa in Plano, Tx. It was shut down due to lack of profitability. It was not a medspa, but a sort of hybrid fitness center medical spa.

It would be interesting to see if there is any recourse to MedSurge concerning the failing doctors. I think there is a decent amount of recourse for equipment that fails if each doctor approaches it correctly. For most doctors, it seems that they run out of money before they can go after MedSurge. It is hard to come up with money for a law suit after you burned $10 to $20k per month in cash on a failing practice that didn't last 18 months. Most doctors (as mentioned on this blog) just purchased too much equipment. In the end, however, it is my opinion that most doctors did not do their homework before they leaped into a medspa. The doctor is the one signing papers showing that he owes $500k in leases. There may be blame on both sides. I guess time will tell if anyone launches a law suit against MedSurge concerning the sale of a "bad business model".

Things at MedSurge are much different now than they were a year ago. For one, they don't sell the consulting services like they used to. They are more focused on this laser lipolysis machine and some other new equipment that is coming out. This means they are more like an equipment distributor than the hybrid distribution/consulting strategy they used before. The change had to take place (in my own opinion) because the medpsa market was completely oversaturated and there was just not much room for any more profitable spas until 20-30% of them went out of business. Hopefully their new equipment will work great and nobody else will get hurt financially with the medspa fiasco.

Do your homework and get at least 3 references on these new pieces of machinery. If they come out with a new piece of equipment that works and customers like it...you can probably get a good deal compared to competition. I hear they have some very interesting equipment coming out soon. Also, don't buy anything unless it has been properly researched. They have a few vendors that build equipment without thoroughly testing for its clinical efficacy. Sometimes this creates a machine that performs great in a lab, but very poorly in the field (references references references). Beware of their customer service. They do try to have customer service, they just sometimes don't have the resources. They have a lot of people that care about doctors...few of them happen to be sales reps or the top management (i.e. some people that post regularly on this site in favor of MedSurge), however. As with any business agreement...don't believe any verbal promises from their reps; get all agreements in writing (signed by someone outside of their sales department) and you should be fine.

Questions should always be asked about their financial stability. They have started selling a lot of new machines and have lowered their headcount dramatically. Hopefully they are now stable and can support their customers. Don't assume...ask them!

Many people were hurt in this industry in the last two years, not just MedSurge customers. In some markets, there were medspas across the street from other medspas. It didn't help that many of their customers took on a lot of debt, but until 2007, I don't think anybody realized the direction the industry was headed. You can still make money on aesthetic medicine. You can still make money in medspas. It is just much harder than it used to be. I believe MedSurge (for whatever reason) has seems to have adjusted to this new market by moving to a distribution method and moving away from helping customers open brand new spas

DO YOUR HOMEWORK! DO YOUR OWN SMELL CHECK TO SEE IF EACH PIECE OF EQUIPMENT WILL MAKE YOU MONEY AND COVER ITS COST AND DEBT! CONTACT AS MANY REFERENCES AS YOU CAN! MAKE SMART BUSINESS DECISIONS! EXPLORE ALL YOUR OPTIONS...EVEN MEDSURGE (IF IT WORKS FOR YOU.

Botique Medicine story on CNN

Story on CNN

Virtually unknown 10 years ago, in 2005 there were 500 doctors practicing what's referred to as concierge medicine. Now there are 5,000, according to the Society for Innovative Medical Practice Design, a professional society of concierge physicians.

As with any business deal where you're being asked to pay hard, cold cash for an intangible service, the buyer should beware. "Just because they charge a fee and behave exclusively does not make them good," warns bioethicist Art Caplan.

Plastic Surgery & Smoking

Smoking and plastic surgery just don't mix.

Marketing your medical spa to female patients.

Wondering how word of mouth works when marketing your medical spa to women?

We asked Michele Miller, co-author of the new book "The Soccer Mom Myth: Today's Female Consumer: Who She Really Is, Why She Really Buys" to share five tips for understanding word of mouth and women.

Do women and men differ in they way make recommendations or share information?
Women are three times more likely to share personal stories with a friend than men. Ask any woman how she found her hairdresser, doctor, or favorite wine, and she is likely to tell you that it was from a friend. Women are natural word of mouth spreaders. They are wired that way – with four times as many connections between the left and right hemispheres of the brain, women tap deeply into that area that is responsible for bonding and connecting with others.

What can you do to make increase women’s word of mouth?
Here’s the wrong way to do it: “Sign up three friends and we’ll give you a 15% discount.”  This feels like you are asking her to sell out her friends. Instead, change the offer to “You and every one of your friends who signs up will get a 15% discount.” Now she has special access to a discount that she can pass along to friends. You’ve made her the hero. She can offer value to her trusted network.  She has just increased her trust and standing.

What about asking women for referrals; good idea, or bad idea?
This is tricky.  Because women are such great referrers, it seems logical. If you are doing business with her, and she values your relationship, it may seem perfectly acceptable to ask her for a list of friends who might benefit from your services. But that may not be a good idea, even if she thinks you’re the best thing since Starbuck’s drive-thru. She is the gatekeeper of her relationships. She’s not being stingy, she’s being protective. A better idea might be to give her a few of your business cards and say, “if you know of anyone who might benefit from my service, feel free to give them my card.”

If women talk more than men, how do we avoid bad word of mouth from them? 
The “duh” answer is, meet or exceed expectations. The other answer is, communicate clearly and often. If something goes wrong, explain to her exactly why, then do your best to make amends.  Basic, fundamental communication can go very far to deflect bad word of mouth.

How can you delight women?
Give her the personal touch.  It does not have to be fancy or extravagant (though that’s always appreciated).  A personal thank you note mailed the old-fashioned way may be enough to get her attention and touch her heart.  Remember her kids’ names, and even more importantly, the names of her pets.  Give her a gift she can pass along to family members. A financial advisor for my friend Holly knows Holly has two dogs. Every visit, he sends Holly home with two dog biscuits. He even knows their favorite – Snausages. Holly likes his work but what really endears him to her are the Snausages. It’s a personal touch that makes life better for those she loves.

Medspa Study: $50 off beats 15% off coupon.

Marketing Sherpa is a research site that I subscribe to for a number of reasons. It's $600 a year or so but worth it for me.

One of the recent studies they published has real relevance for most physicians looking to recruit new patients. The entire study is only available by subscription but the information it contains is simple.

o $50-Off Coupon generated 170% more revenue than the 15%-Off Coupon.
o $50-Off Coupon had 72% higher conversion rate.

“It turned out that the dollar-off coupon was a better way to position offers because the perceived value is higher for our customers. The ‘defined amount’ that you get turned out to be a much more effective incentive. Going forward, we are going to use the dollar-off [tactic] to drive more sales.”

Decker adds that eliminating the prospect of the recipient having to do some percentage math to figure out their savings also was a likely factor.

“The dollar-amount was simpler. And it was clear what the offer was from the second the person looked at. They didn’t have to think about it, and I think that has relevance.”

Interestingly, the slight copy difference in the subject line didn’t affect the open rates nearly as much as they did conversions. The $50-Off Coupon” got a 20% open rate; the 15% Off Coupon did almost as well with 19%. Also, the clickthroughs were nearly identical -- the 15%-Off coupon produced a 33% rate, while the $50-Off came in at 32.4%.

The 15%-Off Coupon did generate an average order size that was 44% higher . For that reason, Decker says, marketers who value average-order size due to their customer niche may want to duplicate the test to see if they get the same lift. Based on revenue, however, choosing between the two going forward was a no-brainer for Decker.

“In a down time or an up time, the finding would be applicable. But it has been especially beneficial to find something that works better when things are looking [economically] scary down the road.”

Review: Finesse Aesthetic & Plastic Surgery

Sponsored Review: Finesse Aesthetic & Plastic Surgery in Newport Beach, California.

With more and more cosmetic medical patients making their first research about a physician or treatment online, the ability to create a valuable site becomes paramount.

Finesse, a cosmetic clinic run by Dr. Savalia, Newport Beach cosmetic surgeon, is obviously taking this seriously with a site that integrates many features; newsletter, photo gallery, promotional area, and blog. It's an attempt that goes far beyond the usual static site that never changes.

Dr Savilia has also spent money on SEO and has at least a modicum of optimization around the site. If you visit you'll notice that the footer is choc-a-block full of terms around cosmetic surgery in Orange County. The purpose is to pump up the site's rankings in organic search (the terms that patients may be searching for.)
While it's far superior to most attempts, it does have it's shortcomings. The navigation's cluttered, there's no clear direction since the site's trying to offer everything, and the design and color scheme are dated. (Why is it that these sites look like they were designed by my grandmother.)On the plus side he is showing before and after pictures of his own surgical patients which is standing him in good stead and he's actively recruiting patient online with keywords like Newport Beach plastic surgery and face lift.

Plastic surgery cut by saggy economy wear.

Medical Spa MD... Looking for some volunteer conference reporters.

Volunteer Conference Reporters

From Jeffrey E. Epstein, MD

We would like to organize a group of “Volunteer Conference Reporters” who are going to various conferences and can report on what they have seen, heard and learned.

For example, I am going to the Harvard Conference in October (Laser & Aesthetic Skin Therapy:  What’s the Truth? 2008).  I will write about one or more of the topics covered at that conference.   After my summary is published, others can read it and learn from it.  We can also discuss it via the blog (the same way we are discussing the DeepFx Webinar Summary).   I am hoping that other readers who are going to this conference will become Volunteers and write about other topics covered at this conference.  This conference is organized by R. Rox Anderson and promises to be excellent (What is the Truth?).

We have a few other notable conferences coming up in the next few months.  In addition to the Harvard Conference in October, we have the Controversies and Conversations in Laser and Cosmetic Surgery:  An Advanced Symposium August 8-10, 2008 in British Columbia , Canada and the Cutera Clinical Forum in Chicago August 15-17, 2008.  There is also an Obagi Conference, November 13-14, 2008 (Ultimate Skin Symposium) in Los Angeles .  Finally, every April the ASLMS has its annual conference which is excellent.  I am hoping we can cover these conferences at a minimum and add others that we feel are top notch!

I have volunteered to be the Conference Reporter Coordinator and Organizer.

If you will be going to any of these conferences and would be willing to write a summary of one or more of the topics covered, please contact me so that we can coordinate our efforts.

Thanks,

Jeffrey E. Epstein, MD

email: Jeff4459@aol.com

Medical Spa Article from Healthy Aging Mag

This month's Healthy Aging Magazine has an article on Medical Spas titled 'All That Glitters'.

It's a good article in which Medical Spa MD is introduced in the first sentence. It seems that the community here is making some waves among members of more 'mainstream' press. Here's the email that I first received from Healthy Aging about the story.

Subject: Med Spa article
Message: Dear Jeff,
Healthy Aging is a bi-monthly trade magazine that provides credible information to dermatologists, cosmetic surgeons and physicians in age management medicine. We are writing a cover story to educate physicians about med spa franchises. The article will go through the pros and cons of getting into med spa franchises based on physicians’ experiences and research. It will also include information about what physicians should consider before buying a med spa franchise.

I have been gathering a lot of information from your blog. Do you know if any of the posters would be interested in participating in the article? I'd also appreciate any information you'd like to share.

Thank you,
Nicole Wood
Assistant Editor
Healthy Aging Magazine

When I have some time I'll put up some quotes from the article, but it seems that some of our common contributors are already mentioned. Medical Spa MD is given credit for the formation of some sort of cabal.
If anyone has the article, post your favorite quote in the comments. I've got the magazine around here somewhere but it may take me a while to find it.

Are a dermatologists medical patients second class citizens?

There's been some debate about whether it's ethical for dermatologists to be focusing on treating cosmetic patients at the expense of skin cancer and other 'real medical' patients.

Here's an example via WPS:

NY Times Article: As Doctors Cater to Looks, Skin Patients Wait

“Cosmetic patients have a much more private environment than general medical patients because they expect that,” said Dr. Richey, who estimated that he spent about 40 percent of his time treating cosmetic patients. “We are a little bit more sensitive to their needs.”

Like airlines that offer first-class and coach sections, dermatology is fast becoming a two-tier business in which higher-paying customers often receive greater pampering. In some dermatologists’ offices, freer-spending cosmetic patients are given appointments more quickly than medical patients for whom health insurance pays fixed reimbursement fees.

In other offices, cosmetic patients spend more time with a doctor. And in still others, doctors employ a special receptionist, called a cosmetic concierge, for their beauty patients.

...According to a presentation for doctors from Allergan, the makers of Botox, a medical dermatology practice might have a net income of $387,198 annually, but a dermatologist who decreased focus on skin diseases while adding cosmetic medical procedures to a practice could net $695,850 annually. The same material advises doctors to “identify and segment high priority customers.”

Dermacare Laser & Skin Clinics... goes under?

Dermacare's future uncertain in wake of closure, lawsuits

Phoenix Business Journal Story - by Angela Gonzales

A Maricopa County Superior Court judge has appointed a receiver to handle the financial future of Dermacare Laser & Skin Care Clinics Inc., which at one time planned to sign on more than 120 franchisees nationwide.

The Scottsdale-based franchisor is embroiled in several arbitration cases and lawsuits. Its corporate offices have closed, and several franchisees have abandoned the Dermacare name.

At one point, Dermacare had six facilities throughout the Valley.

The company's founder, Carl Mudd, could not be reached for comment.

Four Valley franchisees no longer are affiliated with Dermacare. A facility in Litch­field Park is keeping the brand name, but operating independently.

A records search at Maricopa County Superior Court shows 10 lawsuits have been filed within the past several years against Dermacare Laser & Skin Care Clinics Inc.; its parent, DLC Dermacare LLC; and Mudd. The lawsuits were filed by vendors, franchisees and former Derma­care employees, claiming the company didn't pay its bills.

For example, WS Inc., formerly WGS Packaging Inc., was awarded a judgment of $384,000 against Dermacare Laser & Skin Care Clinics. According to the lawsuit, WS Inc. sued Dermacare in 2006 for not making payments on the clinic Mudd operated in Paradise Valley.

Richard Thomas, attorney for WS, said his client also has a pending claim through the American Arbitration Association for nonpayment of that note.

WS has received default judgments against Mudd, DLC Dermacare and Dermacare Laser Clinics, Thomas said.

"As to both of the entities, Dermacare has obtained the appointment of a formal receiver," he said.

Also named in the WS lawsuit was a Dermacare doctor, Abraham J. Sayegh, who was one of the first doctors to join Dermacare and later became its medical director.

Sayegh also is facing censure by the Ari­zona Medical Board. In March, the board cited him for drug and/or alcohol use after an anonymous complaint was filed in February. According to those filings, Sayegh said he would cease practicing medicine. It was Sayegh's second relapse, according to the medical board.

Meanwhile, Mudd filed a lawsuit in January against a blog on MedicalSpaMD.com, which features communications by former franchisees. Many of the blog entries criticized Mudd and Dermacare. In his lawsuit, filed in Maricopa County Superior Court, Mudd asked the site to reveal the bloggers' Internet service provider addresses so he could sue former Dermacare franchisees for defamation of character.

Mudd's attorney listed in that suit was John Skiba, but he filed a motion with the court Feb. 4 to withdraw as Dermacare's counsel.

Jeff Barson, founder of MedicalSpaMD.com, said the most active Dermacare discussion includes nearly 1,000 comments from existing and former franchisees.

"MedicalSpaMD.com has received numerous 'cease and desist' letters, threats and demands, including copies of a lawsuit and threats of suit against the site and myself personally if I didn't close down the discussion forums and identify all of the individuals who may have commented," Barson said.

"I refused to comply and posted the letters and suit, as well as the case law around anonymous comments on the Web," he said.

Superior Court records show Mudd's lawsuit might be dismissed. Under Arizona law, a plaintiff has 120 days after filing a complaint to serve the defendants. If that does not happen, the court can dismiss the case.

Court records do not show affidavits have been served, said Andre Merrett, an attorney with Quarles & Brady LLP who is representing six Dermacare franchisees in an arbitration dispute through the American Arbitration Association.

When franchisees signed on with the company, their contracts included a stipulation that they would settle disputes through arbitration in lieu of lawsuits, Merrett said.

Trish Gulbranson owned the Dermacare franchises in Mesa and Chandler until February. She recently started getting calls from customers of the nearby Ahwatukee facility, saying it had closed and they were left holding prepaid packages or gift certificates.

Gulbranson decided to honor any unfinished laser services or valid gift certificates that had been purchased from the Dermacare of Ahwatukee office if customers could show their receipts.

"In light of the complete deterioration of the franchise system, (franchisees) simply want to be free from Dermacare and be allowed to go out and operate their businesses on their own in an effort to try and save their investments," Merrett said.

He said he hopes to connect with the receiver to see if the disputes his clients have with the company can be resolved without further litigation.

Other local franchise owners were not willing to discuss the matter.

Dermacare Laser Clinics: Where in the world is Carl Mudd?

It seems as though Dermacare and Carl Mudd have attracted the attention of the local press in Arizona. Here's an email discussion I had with Angela Gonzales, a reporter for the Phoenix Business Journal.

You'll notice that Angela is asking to be commented by the physicians on the site who may have personal experience with Dermacare and Carl Mudd. Her contact information is below. Comments welcome.

Via the contact form on Medical Spa MD:

Subject: Dermacare and Carl Mudd
Message: I'm writing a story about Carl Mudd and Dermacare. Do you have a phone number or email I can use to reach him? Do you have an update on the DLC Dermacare LLC v. John and Jane Does (CV2008-090071) lawsuit. It looks like there was an intent to dismiss in April Any updates?

Angela Gonzales
Senior Reporter
Phoenix Business Journal
agonzales@bizjournals.com
602 308 6521

 _________________

My Response:
Hi Angela,
I'm afraid I don't have any information about where Carl Mudd is. However, I do know that there is a tremendous amount of discussion about where he is on my site at Medical Spa MD. There are plenty of people asking that exact question. If you'd like, I can get you in touch with some of those people. The only interaction I've had with Carl Mudd or Dermacare is a couple of cease and desist letters he's sent me and a threat to sopenia and sue me if I didn't hand over all of the names and IP addresses of people discussing Dermacare on my site.

Let me know if you'd like some of these physicians to contact you.
Yours,
Jeff Barson

 _________________

On Fri, Jul 11, 2008 at 2:37 PM, Angela Gonzales writes back:
Thanks for getting back to me so quickly, Jeff. Yes, I would really like to talk to these doctors.
It looks like that lawsuit is in limbo since Dermacare’s attorney withdrew as general counsel and because it doesn’t look like Dermacare has served anyone.
Thanks for your help!
Would you like to give me an official comment for my story regarding the immense dialogue on your site?

Angela Gonzales
Senior Reporter
602.308.6521

 _________________

I responded:
Hi again Angela,
I'll see if I can't get you some feedback from the physicians on the site. I'd also be happy to provide a comment.

MedicalSpaMD.com is an active community of thousands of plastic surgeons, dermatologists, and aesthetic physicians looking to enhance the free exchange of information about the treatments and business of cosmetic medicine. (With more than 50,000 unique visitors each month and thousands of members it's by far the leading site on the web in this area.)

Among the more active  discussion threads have to do with the practices, treatments, and leadership of medical spa franchises like Dermacare, American Laser Clinics, Sona, Solana, and others. The most active Dermacare discussion has almost 1000 comments from existing and former franchisees.

The site has become the focal point for these physicians to communicate to each other and hadn't gone over well with the medspa franchises looking to isolate these physicians. MedicalSpaMD.com has received numerous cease and desist letters, threats and demands, including copies of a lawsuit and threats against the site and myself personally if I didn't close down the discussion forums and identify all of the individuals who may have commented. (The lawsuit named all of these individuals by their 'screen name'.) I refused to comply and posted the letters and suit as well as the case law around anonymous comments on the web.
Happy to provide more if needed.
Yours,
Jeff Barson
Medical Spa MD

Physician Training Review: How to inject Juvederm Injectable Gel by Allergan

By CHMD: Just viewed "How to inject Juvederm Injectable Gel" by Allergan 2007.  This instructional video was terrible! 

The technique was poor and anyone who tried to inject after watching this video is sure to get bad results.  Allergen should be embarrassed to put this video out. 

 

This points up two big problems with the injectable industry.

 

First, the instruction from the big companies is terrible, it stinks.  There videos are horrible and their instructional seminars are usually very bad as well.  They only show you one way to do things and you have to know many techniques.  The instructors many times don't know HOW they get the results and cannot explain and demonstrate how.  They use 3-4 syringes when we are only able to use 1 or 2 in clinical practice.

 

This is my recommendation to Allergan, Medicis and the others.  Make a great set of instructional videos which demonstrate and instruct how to do injections well.  Make them easily available to everyone.  Work together and share costs if you want.

 

Second, the FDA does not let the big companies instruct us how to do injections unless it is FDA approved for that area.  Since only the Nasolabial folds are FDA approved, that is the only instruction we get.  Allergan and Medicis TELL us to inject it everywhere, but they don't and can't tell us how to do it and get the best results.

 

My recommendation.  FDA, your rules are hurting, not helping us.  "Unintended Consequences"! Open your eyes and take a look at what is going on and modify your rules.

 

My other recommendation.  Allergan and Medicis, open your eyes and see how many BAD injections are done which turn patients (and their friends and family)off to injectables. Teach us how to do these injections correctly.  Don't just hire a plastic surgeon who does good work (and can't teach), hire someone who can teach.

Botox Scary: $100 vial from China?

The scariest Botox email that I've received in a while came today. I'm just guessing here but it appears that the email comes from China:

"We are offering 100IU vials of botulinum type A. Equal to Allergan brand of Botox.  Excellent product, long lasting results. $100 per vial. We also have the best generic Restylane on the market. Crosslinked for excellent long lasting results.
We sell to many spas, nurses and doctors in the USA. We have helped them to grow their business and see more profits. You are guaranteed to receive your order, we offer fast service.
Contact us
[Name]
[phone number]"

Anyone using this type of product on a patient is headed for big trouble.

Solana Medspas is out of business?

Seems that Solana Medspas site is down. I've received two emails this morning asking if they've gone out of business and this comment on a Solana discussion thread in the forums:

"Well it looks like Buckingham and company can't hurt anyone else. The website is down and they are nowhere to be found. Hey, Over It...the truth hurts. Are you sure you aren't a Solana Owner in denial or just covering your rear end? Between the University of Arizona charges, Brooks College 60 Minutes expose and firing, Health West fiasco and connections, continuing client failures, deadbeat dad website stating a failure to pay tens of thousands in child support to his ex-wife (which was the final straw on why we didn't contract with Solana), etc... Wake up everyone associated or affiliated with Buckingham. it is time you recognize him for who he is before he hurts more people."

 I don't know why the Solana Medspas site is down but it can't be a good sign. (The first time you load the page you may see a little 'Solana Medspas Logo' flicker for just a second before you're redirected to the under construction page. This is usually a sign that the ISP has suspended the account.