Posted at: 08/12/2009 2:28 PM
Updated at: 08/12/2009 4:36 PM
By: Benita Zahn

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Breaking the trust: The Plastic Surgery Group conviction

  I don't know about you but I was so disappointed when word came down that five doctors, a nurse and a practice administrator from the Plastic Surgery Group in Albany pleaded guilty in federal court to selling fake botox.

    This is the deal - they were buying a cheaper version of the wrinkle relaxer. It did not have FDA approval for human use but the convicts told patients they were getting BOTOX - the real deal. They didn't give their patients a break on the cost - nope, ostensibly the practice reaped the profits.

   There's not much that surprises me anymore .. but this story does. These are well respected physicians - standouts in their field and in their communities. I know some of them either personally, through stories or, in one case, because I needed minor, hand surgery.

      What the heck were they thinking ? I know, the answer is, they weren't.

   (Insert a sigh here) Bottom line, no matter the title, a person is still a person with all the frailties the human race brings. Which means we all have to be on our guard all the time.

   When you go to the doctor's office, ask questions. It's not important if the doctor doesn't like you .. and frankly, if the doctor gives you grief for being your best advocate LEAVE THAT DOCTOR.

   You only have one life! .. So if BOTOX is on your agenda, next time, ask to see the vials. That's what another plastic surgeon told me the last time I did a story on fake botox.

   Moreover:

1- know the medicines you're taking, tell your doctor about those meds if he/she prescribes something new

 2-keep records of your treatments, diagnosis and tests

 3-educate yourself on the condition you're being treated for, even if it's wrinkles

 4- make notes with questions you want to ask and if your condition is complicated bring someone along with you or bring your tape recorder

  5- never leave the doctor's office if you don't fully understand your condition and/or the treatment plan

   finally: listen to your inner voice. If something doesn't feel right- pay attention.

   And as for the disgraced 5 as they've come to be viewed in my mind .. dang,  one of them treated my hand in the past 12 months.  Now I'm left wondering if I got the best care or the best he could provide, cheaply.             

PS: They face up to a year in prison and a $100,000 fine when they're sentenced in December.