Lifestyle Lift: Stories

All doctors are aware of the dangers of administering anesthesia to a patient. When I had my breast off at B&W in Boston, I was given a self-administering IV with Morphine drip after surgery. Within 20 minutes I began having severe symptoms. It took a nurse another 20 minutes to come despite my constant pressing on the button. She took one look and knew. Suddenly there were 2 more nurses and a doctor. I had uncontrollable vomiting, racing blood, severe abdominal pain, etc. I was given two shots to counteract the Morphine. When finished, I was completely exhausted from the ordeal. It is more common than people are aware and is, despite improvements over the past few decades, listed as a cause of concern even in hospitals. And, the problem with ambulatory settings is the inability to monitor and/or record accurate data/reports. A professional anesthesiolgist should have been present. No ifs, ands or buts. I lost a HS friend at 40 for a simple stent procedure due to the anesthesia given him. If given a choice, I would rather have a competent doctor over a nice one any day. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2697561/

A mother died on his table, standard of care issues.

I was shocked & saddened to hear that Dr. James C. Alex died in an accident last month. I do not know anything else about his death except for what I read here.
I know Sabego has had a really bad time of it with her Lifestyle Lift, and appreciate her heart expressing her condolences for the doctor's passing.
Last August, 2011 I went to LSL in Burlington for a free consultation. I brought a very dear friend whom I trust to be honest, and to help me listen. I did a LOT of research on different doctors & even paid a $150.00 fee for a consultation with a doctor. (One of the conclusions I came to is that other doctors will only do the procedure in a hospital (added costs) and will have an anesthetist available if needed. While it is good & comforting to have a hospital available in case of an emergency, LSL in Burlington is just across the street from Lahey Clinic.
It was not until the end of January, 2012 that I had my procedure done-just the cheek & neck area. No money is paid until you see the doctor ($500.00), and then you have 3 days to rescind the contract. After going through a lot of research (& prayer), and consulting with another doctor whom we had to pay, my husband & I agreed to choose Dr. Alex and very happy we did. Where Sebago gives a one star rating, I would have to give four to five stars. Everyone with whom I came in contact in Burlington was very
professional, warm and caring. The next day after the procedure the patient goes to LSL to have the bandages changed. I was told not to hesitate to call or email with any problem or questions. Couple of months later had my two month checkup and to have stitches removed. The clinical technician does that & she was wonderful.
From what I understand, it is not usual that LSL allows any time for the doctor to see their patient at "checkup" time. My technician honored my request to See Dr. Alex & said that she would see if he was available. I was very happy to show him what a great job he did. He was just so warm & humble & joked with my husband.
I am sorry that no one else will be able to enjoy the expertise of Dr. James C. Alex.

http://static.cbslocal.com/station/wbz/wbz/2010/March/COMPLAINT.pdf

I really wish someone knew how he died?

In spite of everything, I am sorry for his passing.

I am sorry for his passing. When I tried to research COD, I was sent to this site:
boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2010/03/04/suit_ties_death_of_woman_to_face_lift/?page=2
Very interesting and adds to the question of his COD.

Yes my apologies for not being clearer. I briefly reviewed this thread and thought he was the doctor/practice being discussed. However, does anyone “definitely” understand how he died? The only answer I can find is an accidently.

Do you ladies realize hes dead?

You can go to this site and rate him: vitals.com/doctors/Dr_James_Alex Not every outcome is the same and that is why the more reports, the better idea the next person has of knowing what to expect with that doctor. I am going for reconstruction from Breast Cancer of 12 yrs ago. Lost the left one and now having a tummy tuck as well due to 2 babies over 10 lbs. I have met with a plastic surgeon, Dax Guenther at Dana Farber and am writing more questions before making a definite decision. I am so sorry Sue for your hellish experience and I hope it improves in time or you find a great plastic surgeon to correct Dr. Alex's blunder.

It would be useful to post the name of your doctor, so folks in our area can be forewarned.