Tag: plastic surgeon

Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Dr. Meegan Gruber Empowers Women Through Education, Prevention, and Hope

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TAMPA, Fla., October 8, 2024 (Newswire.com)
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October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to shine a spotlight on one of the most pervasive and challenging health issues facing women today. As the country marks this month of awareness and advocacy, Dr. Meegan Gruber, a board-certified plastic surgeon and renowned expert in breast reconstructive surgery, is committed to empowering women with the knowledge they need to face breast cancer head-on. From early detection and treatment to life after recovery, Dr. Gruber aims to provide both education and hope for those affected by this life-altering disease.

The Fearful Reality of Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide. In the United States alone, approximately one in eight women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer during their lifetime. The fear of receiving such a diagnosis can be overwhelming, and for many, it’s a reminder of the uncertainties that come with such a life-changing condition.

“Breast cancer is a profound emotional and physical battle,” Dr. Gruber said. “The worry isn’t just about survival—it’s also about how the disease and its treatments will affect your identity, your body, and your confidence. Many women grapple with the fear of losing their breasts, which can be tied to their sense of femininity.”

While early detection is key, many women avoid regular screenings due to fear of the results. Mammograms, self-examinations, and awareness of personal risk factors are essential steps that cannot be overlooked. Though the journey can be overwhelming, taking control of your health is the most empowering action you can take.

Hope and Empowerment Through Education

While the fear surrounding breast cancer is undeniable, there is also hope—thanks to modern medical advancements, survival rates continue to rise. Early-stage breast cancer, when detected and treated promptly, has a nearly 100% five-year survival rate. Treatments have become more targeted and less invasive, leading to better outcomes and improved quality of life post-treatment.

Dr. Gruber, who has treated many breast cancer survivors, highlights the importance of patient education in navigating breast cancer. “Knowledge is power. Understanding your options, both in terms of medical treatment and breast augmentation or reconstructive surgery, can alleviate fear and restore a sense of control during a difficult time. I work closely with patients to develop personalized surgical plans that focus not just on physical recovery but also on emotional healing,” she said.

For those facing a breast cancer diagnosis, reconstructive surgery offers an opportunity to rebuild confidence. Whether opting for breast-conserving surgery or mastectomy with reconstruction, the options available today are more advanced than ever, allowing for breast augmentation and natural-looking results.

A Bright Future: Stories of Survival and Strength

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is not only a time to reflect on the hardships of the disease but also a time to celebrate the survivors who inspire us with their resilience. One of Dr. Gruber’s patients, Jane (a pseudonym to protect her privacy), is a breast cancer survivor who underwent breast reconstruction after a mastectomy. Jane’s story is one of hope, strength, and joy.

“I never imagined I could feel like myself again after cancer,” Jane said. “Dr. Gruber not only gave me back my body, but she also gave me back my confidence. The reconstructive process helped me feel whole again, and I’m forever grateful for her care and skill.”

October serves as a reminder that breast cancer doesn’t define a person. Survivors like Jane embody the strength and courage that women across the world are capable of, and with ongoing research and awareness, the future for breast cancer patients continues to improve.

Take Action: Early Detection and Support

Dr. Gruber encourages all women to take charge of their breast health by scheduling regular mammograms and practicing self-exams. For those already facing breast cancer, know that you are not alone. Whether you need information, treatment options, or awake surgery, Dr. Gruber and her team are here to guide you through every step of your journey.

This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, let us unite in education, early detection, and support to ensure that more women survive, thrive, and feel empowered after breast cancer.

About Gruber Plastic Surgery
Gruber Plastic Surgery, located in Tampa, FL, is led by Dr. Meegan Gruber, Ph.D., a board-certified plastic surgeon renowned for her pioneering work in awake surgery. Dr. Gruber, also the star of “Awake Surgery,” which you can stream today on TLC GO, HBO MAX, Hulu, Discovery+, and other streaming platforms, integrates advanced techniques and cutting-edge technology to deliver safe, comfortable, and natural-looking results with minimized recovery time. Specializing in awake surgeries, the clinic offers a range of state-of-the-art procedures. Dr. Gruber is committed to innovation and education, ensuring precision and safety in every treatment, while enhancing patient confidence through individualized care and surgical expertise.

Source: Gruber Plastic Surgery

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October 8, 2024
Doctor accused of giving unwanted BBLs did surgery on wife that killed her, report says

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The Florida Department of Health has issued an emergency license restriction for a plastic surgeon accused of failing to call 911 right away when his wife had a seizure during an operation.

Hush Naidoo Jade Photography via Unsplash

An investigation into a plastic surgeon in Florida revealed he performed unwanted procedures on patients and delayed calling 911 during an operation that ended in his wife’s death, a report said.

The Florida Department of Health issued an emergency restriction of Dr. Ben Brown’s medical license on May 2, a little more than five months after his wife, Hillary Brown, died.

The 30-page report available through the Department of Health details how Ben Brown’s Gulf Breeze-based practice called Restore Plastic Surgery became “dirty and poorly maintained,” according to one medical assistant.

Brown’s family said in a statement they couldn’t comment on certain details because of the ongoing investigation.

“However, this public order was issued without Dr. Brown having any opportunity to dispute the allegations against him through any hearing process,” the family said in the statement shared with McClatchy News. “These accusations are inaccurate and misleading, and Dr. Brown looks forward to the opportunity to defend himself and present the actual facts through a hearing process in the future. Dr. Brown continues to live an endless nightmare without his wife Hillary by his side, and these inaccurate allegations only further deepen his immense pain.

The state report includes testimony that Brown gave unwanted Brazilian butt lifts to at least two women, who said they were left disfigured and in continued pain.

When one of the patients confronted him about the unauthorized procedure, he told her he gave her a BBL because he thought she would “love it,” officials said.

In another instance, during an August 2021 consultation, a woman said she declined a BBL after the doctor suggested it. Then he gave her one anyway, officials said.

She experienced complications from the procedures, and when she went back for a follow-up scar revision surgery, the experience was “pure torture,” according to her account in the report.

She continued going to Brown for cosmetic procedures, and in February 2023, she went in for a laser treatment, records show.

But neither Brown nor his physician assistant performed the procedure, officials said.

Brown’s wife, who was not a licensed healthcare provider, did it, according to Florida licensing records.

Investigators said Hillary Brown took on an array of responsibilities at her husband’s practice, including laser treatments, injections, removing patients’ stitches, suturing, and mixing her own anesthetic solution the day of the surgery that turned deadly.

On Nov. 21, 2023, Ben Brown was going to do an operation on his wife involving a scar revision, arm liposuction, lip injections and “ear adjustment procedures,” state officials said.

That morning, Hillary Brown mixed her own tumescent solution, an anesthesia that’s injected locally into the areas of operation, investigators said.

She took a handful of pills, received more medication from a medical assistant and was prepped for surgery, officials said.

Ben Brown began the procedures, injecting the solution until he ran out and asked staff to bring him lidocaine, which he injected into his wife undiluted, investigators said.

Witnesses said she sutured her own wounds, then her husband began work on her face, again injecting undiluted lidocaine, according to the report.

During that time, Hillary Brown said she saw “orange” and her vision was getting blurry, which is a sign of lidocaine toxicity, health officials said. Then she started having a seizure.

Ben Brown is accused of waiting 10 to 20 minutes before calling 911 and telling staff to wait to call as they scrambled looking for the equipment he needed. He tried to figure out what medication she took before he eventually told his staff to call 911 as he began performing CPR, witnesses said.

Hillary Brown was taken to a hospital “in cardiac arrest with an elevated lactic acid level and suspected lidocaine toxicity,” health officials noted.

She died a week later.

Brown is now accused of malpractice and of showing “extreme deficiency in responding to a medical emergency.”

The report cites several issues, from unwanted procedures to poor sanitation practices, but “most egregiously, Dr. Brown’s treatment of (his wife) was careless and haphazard,” officials said.

Under his new license restriction, Brown may only perform surgeries in a particular hospital setting, which does not include his clinic, and under the supervision of a doctor.

Restore Plastic Surgery appears to be permanently closed, according to an online search.

Gulf Breeze is a suburb of Pensacola in the Florida Panhandle.

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May 9, 2024
Doctor accused of giving unwanted BBLs did surgery on wife that killed her, report says

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The Florida Department of Health has issued an emergency license restriction for a plastic surgeon accused of failing to call 911 right away when his wife had a seizure during an operation.

Hush Naidoo Jade Photography via Unsplash

An investigation into a plastic surgeon in Florida revealed he performed unwanted procedures on patients and delayed calling 911 during an operation that ended in his wife’s death, a report said.

The Florida Department of Health issued an emergency restriction of Dr. Ben Brown’s medical license on May 2, a little more than five months after his wife, Hillary Brown, died.

The 30-page report available through the Department of Health details how Ben Brown’s Gulf Breeze-based practice called Restore Plastic Surgery became “dirty and poorly maintained,” according to one medical assistant.

Brown’s family said in a statement they couldn’t comment on certain details because of the ongoing investigation.

“However, this public order was issued without Dr. Brown having any opportunity to dispute the allegations against him through any hearing process,” the family said in the statement shared with McClatchy News. “These accusations are inaccurate and misleading, and Dr. Brown looks forward to the opportunity to defend himself and present the actual facts through a hearing process in the future. Dr. Brown continues to live an endless nightmare without his wife Hillary by his side, and these inaccurate allegations only further deepen his immense pain.

The state report includes testimony that Brown gave unwanted Brazilian butt lifts to at least two women, who said they were left disfigured and in continued pain.

When one of the patients confronted him about the unauthorized procedure, he told her he gave her a BBL because he thought she would “love it,” officials said.

In another instance, during an August 2021 consultation, a woman said she declined a BBL after the doctor suggested it. Then he gave her one anyway, officials said.

She experienced complications from the procedures, and when she went back for a follow-up scar revision surgery, the experience was “pure torture,” according to her account in the report.

She continued going to Brown for cosmetic procedures, and in February 2023, she went in for a laser treatment, records show.

But neither Brown nor his physician assistant performed the procedure, officials said.

Brown’s wife, who was not a licensed healthcare provider, did it, according to Florida licensing records.

Investigators said Hillary Brown took on an array of responsibilities at her husband’s practice, including laser treatments, injections, removing patients’ stitches, suturing, and mixing her own anesthetic solution the day of the surgery that turned deadly.

On Nov. 21, 2023, Ben Brown was going to do an operation on his wife involving a scar revision, arm liposuction, lip injections and “ear adjustment procedures,” state officials said.

That morning, Hillary Brown mixed her own tumescent solution, an anesthesia that’s injected locally into the areas of operation, investigators said.

She took a handful of pills, received more medication from a medical assistant and was prepped for surgery, officials said.

Ben Brown began the procedures, injecting the solution until he ran out and asked staff to bring him lidocaine, which he injected into his wife undiluted, investigators said.

Witnesses said she sutured her own wounds, then her husband began work on her face, again injecting undiluted lidocaine, according to the report.

During that time, Hillary Brown said she saw “orange” and her vision was getting blurry, which is a sign of lidocaine toxicity, health officials said. Then she started having a seizure.

Ben Brown is accused of waiting 10 to 20 minutes before calling 911 and telling staff to wait to call as they scrambled looking for the equipment he needed. He tried to figure out what medication she took before he eventually told his staff to call 911 as he began performing CPR, witnesses said.

Hillary Brown was taken to a hospital “in cardiac arrest with an elevated lactic acid level and suspected lidocaine toxicity,” health officials noted.

She died a week later.

Brown is now accused of malpractice and of showing “extreme deficiency in responding to a medical emergency.”

The report cites several issues, from unwanted procedures to poor sanitation practices, but “most egregiously, Dr. Brown’s treatment of (his wife) was careless and haphazard,” officials said.

Under his new license restriction, Brown may only perform surgeries in a particular hospital setting, which does not include his clinic, and under the supervision of a doctor.

Restore Plastic Surgery appears to be permanently closed, according to an online search.

Gulf Breeze is a suburb of Pensacola in the Florida Panhandle.

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Olivia Lloyd

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May 9, 2024
Women who accused Phoenix doc of botched surgeries want restraining order

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Two metro Phoenix women who sued a Glendale doctor over allegations that he performed plastic surgeries while drunk and disfigured them now claim they’ve been threatened and fear for their safety.

Wendy Ellsworth and Alicia Armijo sued Dr. Bradley Becker last fall for medical negligence, battery and intentional infliction of emotional distress. Since then, they and their attorney, Robert Gregory, have been on the receiving end of threats, stalking and intimidation that have left them concerned about the safety of their families, according to documents filed with Maricopa County Superior Court on Feb. 15.

The women and their attorney want to meet with sheriff’s deputies to discuss their safety and allegations of threats. They also are seeking a restraining order against Becker. In the meantime, Ellsworth asked a judge to make her lawsuit against Becker inactive for four months, while Armijo wants to dismiss her case.

“Because of the fear that Plaintiffs are presently experiencing regarding their personal safety, and their strong belief that either Dr. Becker or those acting on his behalf are seeking to intimidate Plaintiffs so that they will dismiss their action against him, Plaintiffs are not able to continue the instant action until they are able to coordinate recent events with the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office and to take whatever action is appropriate to secure their safety,” Gregory wrote in a motion filed in Ellsworth’s case.

In a motion for Armijo’s case, Gregory wrote that Armijo doesn’t want to continue her case while “pursuing her options with the Maricopa Sheriff’s Office” but isn’t “surrendering her claims against Dr. Becker.

“Plaintiff has expressed to her counsel her concern that continuing with this litigation will constitute an ongoing threat to her personally and will create additional emotional anxiety and fear,” Gregory wrote in the motion.

Ellsworth and Armijo alleged in affidavits that since suing Becker, they have seen vehicles parked in front of their homes and, on one occasion, Armijo said she spotted Becker in a vehicle outside her home before he sped away. Gregory said he received a threatening phone call from an unknown number in which the callers said they knew who he was and demanded to know where he lived.

Becker denied the latest allegations in an affidavit filed on Wednesday.

“I have no information about or involvement in any of the alleged incidents of unknown persons allegedly being parked outside or driving by or near the homes of Alicia Armijo or Wendy Ellsworth, and I also have no information about or involvement with any persons allegedly following Ms. Armijo or Ms. Ellsworth while they walked outside or near their homes or elsewhere,” Becker said in the court filing.

Richard Kent, one of Becker’s lawyers, also requested that the court dismiss Ellsworth’s lawsuit.

Phoenix New Times first reported the women’s lawsuits and detailed their experiences with Becker in December. The suits accused Becker of performing plastic surgeries while drunk and botching the operations. Becker, in a court filing, said he “complied with the standard of care” and that he was not impaired during the surgeries.

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Raees Mohamed, an attorney for Bradley Becker, said the plastic surgeon is considering defamation suits against women who publicly aired allegations about procedures Becker performed.

TJ L’Heureux

Strange cars and demand letters

In the weeks after they filed the lawsuits — Ellsworth on Sept. 30 and Armijo on Oct. 2 — strange things started to happen, according to their affidavits.

Armijo called Ellsworth on Oct. 22 and said that Becker had allegedly driven by her house in Surprise. She recognized the surgeon as he drove slowly by, she said in the court filing, but the vehicle sped off before she was able to get the full license plate number. Armijo said her 14-year-old son also witnessed the event and “could attest to seeing a man fitting the description of Becker.”

Kent said Armijo was spreading a “false narrative” on social media and in the press, according to the court document filed on Wednesday.

“The fact that Ms. Armijo never made any reference to this alleged event that occurred on October 22, 2023, until almost four months later — when she is desperate to keep her lawsuit from being dismissed and while she is in the process of attempting to drum up additional media attention for her claims — is further evidence that her allegation is not credible and not a basis for the Court to take any action other than dismissing this lawsuit,” Kent wrote.

Gregory, Armijo’s attorney, filed a motion on Feb. 16 to dismiss her lawsuit.

About a week after Armijo claimed to see Becker in October, Ellsworth said an unfamiliar car parked outside of her home, according to court documents. As she went on a walk with her son in their neighborhood, she noticed a black sedan idling outside her home. When she walked to the end of her driveway, it abruptly sped off.

Ellsworth and Armijo did not notice anything suspicious for several weeks. Then, New Times reported on their lawsuits on Dec. 29. That was followed by coverage from at least two national media outlets.

Afterward, “many women who had undergone cosmetic surgery by Dr. Becker contacted me and/or Alicia about similar experiences they had had at the time of their respective surgeries. More specifically, these women informed us that Dr. Becker appeared to be in an altered state of mind at the time of their surgeries,” Ellsworth said in her affidavit.

On Jan. 18, Ellsworth hosted a meeting with 10 of those women at her house. Gregory also attended. Between Jan. 22 and Feb. 8, nearly all of the women received letters from Raees Mohamed, an attorney for Becker, according to the affidavit. None of the women had filed a lawsuit against Becker at the time they received the letter, making them question why they received the letter.

Mohamed told New Times that the surgeon is considering a defamation case against some of the women. He added that he decided which women to send the letter to based on their statements about Becker on social media.

‘It was very intentional and threatening’

In her affidavit, Ellsworth alleged that in late January, she and her husband were walking around their neighborhood with their children when a white sedan approached them from the opposite direction.

“Instead of going wide to avoid us like normal drivers would do, the white sedan deliberately drove dangerously close to us, making us concerned they would deliberately strike one of the kids,” Ellsworth said. “They narrowly missed striking the kids a couple times. We turned around as they drove by to see who was in the vehicle but were unable to identify the occupants because of the darkness. Instead of leaving the scene, the vehicle drove to the east end of the street, turned around, and again approached us very slowly as if to strike us.”

Ellsworth said the car then intentionally drove close to the family again, despite having to drive on the other side of the street.

“It was very intentional and threatening,” Ellsworth said. “My husband and I were terrified by the incident and didn’t know what to think about it as we live in a very upscale neighborhood in Gilbert and never experienced anything like this before.”

On Feb. 8, Ellsworth noticed two cars idling in front of her house. Her son tried to take a picture of a license plate, but the flash went off. A woman with blonde hair in a messy ponytail jumped out of a sedan and got in the other vehicle, which quickly left. Ellsworth and her son saw two men in the sedan. Afraid, they went inside and called for Ellsworth’s husband. The vehicle stayed on the street for a short time, then sped away.

“This time, the incident felt deeply personal, unnerving and terrifying,” Ellsworth wrote in her affidavit. “My fear is that the driver(s) of the vehicle(s) intended to either harm us, intimidate us or worse, harm my family. I am uncertain who they were/are.”

She told Armijo about the incident, who said she had seen an identical vehicle parked on the route to the school of Armijo’s child, and that there had been two different drivers.

The same night Ellsworth saw the two cars, Gregory received a phone call from an unknown number. The caller demanded to know the location of his home and said they knew who he was, according to court documents.

“Because of the many threatening actions taken against Wendy Ellsworth, Tyler Ellsworth, women who are contemplating legal action against Dr. Becker, and against myself, the Plaintiffs and I will be speaking with Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office to explore our options in order to protect ourselves and our families,” Gregory wrote.

Becker, in his affidavit filed on Wednesday, said he was not involved in the incident in early February.

“That unknown person was not me; I do not own or drive a white sedan, was not near Ms. Ellsworth’s home any time in early February 2024, and have never driven my vehicle close to Ms. Ellsworth or her family in a threatening manner or in any manner that posed potential injury or harm to them,” Becker said.

Becker also said he has not driven by the homes of either woman and that he has not made any calls to Gregory.

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TJ L’Heureux

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February 23, 2024