Maybe the Franchise Model Just Doesn’t Work for Something as Personal as Plastic Surgery?
I got word yesterday of the closure and pending bankruptcy of “Lifestyle Lift”. You have to be living in a cave not to recognize this name and their pitch for a “one hour face lift under local anesthesia” and their very pretty spokeswoman, Debby Boone.
Years ago, I was approached by the Seattle Lifestyle Lift with the offer of a part time job which I graciously turned down. I cannot do a decent facelift in anything under three hours and I seriously doubt that even the speediest of surgeons can do much of anything in just an hour with the patient squirming away with only local anesthesia on board. Also, I was turned off by their one facelift fits everyone approach. Facelift, like just about every surgery a plastic surgeon does, is highly individualized. That’s one of the many things I love about my work. I never do exactly the same operation twice. (Well, I take that back. I did do breast implant surgery on a lovely set of identical twins about ten years ago.)
I just don’t think a franchise is a great business model for surgery in general and plastic surgery in particular.
I will not miss seeing their ads and I am sure Ms. Boone will find another gig.
Thanks for reading! Dr. Lisa Lynn Sowder