996 out of 1001- The Search Continues

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As many of you who read my blog regularly know, I am a huge fan of all types of music.  I listen to a great deal of it while in the Operating Room (20 hours a week). A little over a year ago, I purchased a book entitled “1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die”.  It contains music from all genres from the late 1950’s until 2010.  As obsessive and detail oriented as many Plastic Surgeons are, I decided to try to collect them all in original CD format, as that is what I play during surgery.

I set rules- I had to buy them in person, and could not pay more than $10 for a single CD and $16 for a double album.  I would try to go once a week and buy what I could.  I started at the local FYE store, and expanded to other locations.  I was able to find about 400 this way.

I then expanded to other areas with large stocks of used CDs- Princeton Record Exchange, Vintage Vinyl, Other Music, even Barnes and Noble- Made it up to 900.  Then it got difficult for me time wise.  I compromised and went on line.  I was able to get to 995, and was stuck with 6.  I contacted cd finders, but they could not help.  I did find one from a US serviceman stationed in Japan, which leaves me with 5.

I have been searching for over a month with no success.  I am turning to you for help.  I am looking for :

  1. Big Black- Atomizer
  2. R D Burman/ Bappi Lahiri –Shalimar/ College Girl
  3. Ramblin Jack Elliott- Jack Takes The Floor
  4. Loretta Lynn- Don’t Come Home A’Drinkin (With Lovin’ On Your Mind)
  5. Koffi Olomide- Haut De Gamme

Please email or call us with any leads.  Thank you.

When Your Plastic Surgery is Cancelled

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Having decided to undergo cosmetic plastic surgery, the excitement and anxiety only build as the big day approaches.  When it is finally surgery day, the moment of truth, it is a magical moment.  Unfortunately, sometimes the surgery is cancelled.  This happened to 2 of my patients in one day, each for a different reason.  The reactions of each were different as well.

As a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, the number one concern I have is patient safety.  Aside from having a AAAASF accredited surgery center, using Registered Nurses and Board Certified Anesthesiologists, we require testing and doctors notes in most cases.  We do a preoperative visit to answer questions and review risks, and to explain the process and the does and don’ts before surgery.  It is important to read the papers and listen to the instructions.

A same day cancellation sometimes occurs because of medical reasons.  A patient may have a fever, or stomach bug.  We have had patients who were found to have uncontrolled high blood pressure or wheezes on lung exam.  Our anesthesia team will cancel, and this is for your safety.  If you do not feel well in the weeks leading up to you procedure, let your doctor know, so that he may treat you or reschedule you to avoid the last minute disappointment.  Make sure you take your medications, and if you have blood pressure control issues, you can come for a blood pressure check 4 or 5 days before surgery to make sure it is acceptable.

Some cancellations are totally the fault of the patient.  Eating, drinking, smoking and chewing gum the morning of surgery are a strict no.  This is a preventable problem.  We will cancel you for eating one gummy bear.  It is not worth it.  This causes your stomach acid to build, and increases the risk of having your stomach contents rise and spill into your lungs.  You need to understand the seriousness of the issue, even though a sip of water seems safe.

If you do not show up on time, you will likely lose your spot.  I do multiple patient procedures each day, and your lateness makes me late for every patient after you, which is unfair to us all.  Be on time, and if an emergency occurs, call us so that we know and can have a later patient come early and do your case later.

At Yager Esthetics, I have the good fortune to be busy with surgery.  If you lose your spot, it could be months before we can reschedule.  I also lose the opportunity to fill your space.  Let’s make an effort to make your surgery safe and on time.

Be Kind to your Plastic Surgeon

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Having been in private practice in cosmetic plastic surgery in Washington Heights for 15 years, I have literally almost seen it all. For 99% of the patients I see, they are a pleasure. They respect our policy of being seen on time if they come on time, are appreciative of the free education we provide, and the care and consideration in patient treatment at Yager Esthetics. We have spent a tremendous amount of money on creating a beautiful and safe environment for patient care, including a state-of-the-art Accredited Surgery Center, and utilize the best in Board Certified Anesthesiologists.

There are a few patients, however, that do not care. They come when they wish, do not show up for appointments, and cancel after the appointment has passed. They insist on being the first surgery of the day, only to show up late and delay everyone. Even if they get the most incredible results from surgery, they never say thank you or acknowledge the efforts we make. The negative energy they bring just drains you, even if the other 50 patients are wonderful.

The challenge for me is to try and pick these people out before operating on them, so I do not have to take them under my care. I am improving at this process, but still I am fooled on occasion. That is why I need your help. If you are the type of person I described above, please do not come to my office.

Neither one of us will be happy with the arrangement. Unlike some of my colleagues, I truly care about the happiness of my patients. I bend over backwards to accommodate them, often more than I should.

If you are one of the 99%, my patient fans, please refer me only the happy and respectful family members and friends that you have. I am grateful for your support, and will treat them all well. Let us stamp out rudeness, disrespect, and ingratitude together.