Services, Medical - www.plasticsurguryatlanta.com brown spots on face following hard removal procedure

Complaints.com received the following business reply on October 14, 2002:

From:

RE: Re: Joseph G. Bauer, M.D.

Ms. Patel is a patient who was initially seen by Ms. Victoria Shapiro, Medical Aesthetician, for facial hair removal on July 3, 2000.

A test area was performed . The test area was satisfactory and the first treatment was performed July 12, 2000. The patient was happy with this and returned for another treatment on August 24, 2000. A second treatment with a slightly lower power setting was performed at that time. Both treatments were uneventful with regard to unexpected results or complications. The patient did not return to the office for three months. At that time, the patient discussed some minor pigmentation changes with Ms. Shapiro. When later asked why it took so long for her to return, she stated that after the treatment she did not feel there was a problem. A color blending gel was recommended and a request to have her return in six to eight weeks for re-evaluation was made. Five months later, she returned. A slightly different topical treatment was recommended for her care. This patient was brought to my attention on July 9, 2001. At that time, she complained of hyper pigmentation at the hairline and peri oral area. Examination revealed Type IV skin, acne changes, no evidence of laser scarring and no pigment irregularities with exception of minimal if at all pigmentation variation at hairline. (Photos on file) I suggested a strict regimen of Retin A, Hydroquinone/Kojic Acid, and Sunblock for two weeks, which was the appropriate treatment to address the minimal if at all, irregularities.

When she returned on July 23, she had been exposed to the sun and she states that she was non compliant with my recommendations and I further learned that she had had care preceding my involvement for facial pigmentation irregularities including chemical peels. I shared with her that complete uniformity of facial coloration is not possible and that there are many natural causes for variation including hormonal, genetic, and sun exposure. During the course of this visit, I concluded that her expectations for 100% uniform facial coloration and inability to accept the potential risk of treatment complications were not possible. Furthermore, her incessant verbal abuse and her physical and legal threats irreparably broke this physician-patient relationshiop.

I felt there was no way for me to successfully manage her care. Consequently, I have discharged her from my practice and have referred her to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons for further assistance.

Joseph G. Bauer, M.D.

Also of note, this patient filed a complaint with the Composite State Board of Medical Examiners. After careful review by the Board, the matter was closed without initiating formal proceedings.

Complaints.com received the following e-message on August 7, 2001:

From: Parul Patel [Email User]

RE: Complaint about a service I received Last April thru July I had gone to this doctor's clinic for treatments for

hair removal. On the last treatment, Victoria who performed the procedures,

caused brown spots on my face. For a period of 10 months, I have been

trying to get these spots removed and going back to this clinic. In the

several times I had gone back, all they have done is give me the run around,

I had to purchase a gel that they have $50 and have been applying it in many

ways. Many ways because I get different versions of how to apply it, in the

morning, or morning/night, in the night, with sunblock, with retin-a. I

have tried all ways.

The doctor does not take responsibility for the

actions and has not provided a real method of treatment. Just a run around.

In the process he feels threatened when I have shown to be more firm in

getting this issue resolved. He said if he should not decide to treat me

further in a different matter other than the usage of this gel, he would

return my money. He said this in the presence of his office administrator.

Unfortunately, he decided not to treat me further. He had sent me a letter,

but my money was not returned back to me. I have made several calls to his

office and left messages on his office admin's voicemail, but she never

returns my calls. She finally spoke to me when I called today, she said the

doctor decided not to return my money, and if I want it returned back to me,

I would have to write a letter to him.

I have been constantly getting the

run around on this issue for a year now and I don't think this doctor has

the right to do this to other people. I'm not sure how many others he has

done this to. They should be more sincere in their efforts and they are

not. I want my money back. Victoria had realized these spots had taken

place when she did the treatments. They now claim that they could've been

already there and its debatable if this really did happen. This situation

is not justified, and I would have appreciated it if they had made a real

attempt to resolve this problem, or just returned my money back. I would like my $350 returned back to me. The doctor said he would if he

will not treat me further other than the gel that I was given. I will now

have to go to another clinic and pay more money to take care of this

problem. In talking to another skin care clinic, they said the gel won't

take care of this problem. That a laser treatment needs to be done to

remove these spots. These treatments cost $300 each and I will need couple

to several. This doctor ruined my face and can do something, but doesn't. This doctor is: Joseph G. Bauer M.D.

www.plasticsurgeryatlanta.com

4165 Old Milton Parkway Ste. 100

Alpharetta, GA 30005

770-667-0904 Phone

770-667-0206 Fax Thanks,

Parul

Comment On This

I to had plastic surgery that left me disfigured and was told I would be refunded and still nothing its going to cost 15000 for reconstructive surgery these doctors need to be liable there are lemon laws on cars but no protection for people these doctors should have to pay the cost to fix the problem if you agree please contact me at tonifeliziani AT yahoo.com

Comment On This

Everything this person parul said is true. They messed my breast augmentation up and want to charge almost $3200 for the surgery to fix the problem. I paid $4400 for the breast augmentation. I did everything that was asked of me after surgery. Now I am left with a mutilated mess. The nurses are the only ones that meet with you after surgery. You might see the doctor 3 times total after your surgery. He will spend all of 10 minutes maxed with you after he gets your money. He never returns your phone calls. The nurses say he cant call you back. Please dont make the same mistake I did, find another doctor. Dont let his niceness sway you. Its all a show.