Dr. Gellis graduated from Wayne State University medical school followed by training in general surgery.  He completed his plastic surgery residency in 1976 at Beaumont Hospital.  He has a lifetime certification with the American Board of Plastic Surgery.  Dr. Gellis is an accomplished clinician and served as the Chairman of the Division of Plastic Surgery at Beaumont Hospital for 11 years where he managed the activities of 26 plastic surgeons and countless residents.  Dr. Gellis has many areas of special interest including liposuction for which he has developed an FDA approved device.

Dr. Gellis will be involved in appointing new physician hires, proctoring current physicians and assisting with further development of the professional services for Sono Bello.  He will work closely with major plastic and cosmetic medical societies on behalf of Sono Bello to share the organizations knowledge and experience.  He will spearhead the Education and Standards committee, which is responsible for education and research to include presentations and publications.  As such he will further develop standards of practice to which all physicians associated with Sono Bello adhere.  The underlying goal is to provide the same level of excellence regardless of which Sono Bello facility or which surgeon is utilized.

Sono Bello has over 35 trained surgeons most of whom are recognized by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.  Dr. Gellis will take the helm of this superb group to provide additional leadership and oversight.  With his supervision Sono Bello will continue to set the standards for minimally invasive laser liposuction.  Dr. Gellis will promote patient safety, excellent surgical outcomes and adherence to the high practice standards expected by our patients.

Sono Bello has been performing awake laser assisted liposuction for over 3 years.   During that time some 17,000 surgeries have been performed.  Review of complications and other standard measures indicate that Sono Bello is meeting the high expectations demanded in plastic surgery.  Sono Bello clinics are accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC) which is an independent not-for-profit organization accrediting outstanding medical practices.  This is an optional process confirming that Sono Bello meets the highest recognized standards in patient safety and quality of care.  Most authorities recommend plastic surgery be obtained only at an accredited facility.

Dr. Gellis is a welcome addition and further proof of the dedication Sono Bello has to their patients and the medical community.  Significant growth is anticipated in 2012 and Dr. Gellis will ensure that this is done in a manner that promotes patient safety and continues Sono Bello’s tradition of excellence.

We are pleased to announce Dr. Michael Gellis as Chief Medical Officer of Sono Bello.

For further details or to arrange an interview, please email; news@sonobello.com or call Sono Bello at 1.877.766.6235.

The laser causes small blood vessels to coagulate immediately on contact, resulting in less bleeding, swelling, bruising, and a quicker recovery time than conventional liposuction. Because general anesthesia is unnecessary, the recovery time is further reduced.

Tumescent liposuction is a modification of traditional liposuction where a numbing solution is injected into the fat layer and later removed by suction. The saline solution includes diluted amounts of lidocaine and epinephrine. In addition to assisting with the procedure, this solution provides pain relief and decreases bleeding and bruising. Tumescent liposuction allows for more fat to be removed and is ideal for larger body areas.

In addition to the numerous breakthroughs mentioned, tumescent liposuction can be administered under local anesthesia. This may be the most important advancement as it reduces the risks and costs associated with general anesthesia, and allows the patient to communicate with the doctor during surgery. It also allows our surgeons to easily position the patient during surgery in the best way for the area they are treating.

That’s why Sono Bello is excited to offer Velashape™. This amazing procedure provides breakthrough results, treating both the deeper tissue and the upper layers of the skin. You’ll enjoy a measurable reduction in fat layers, circumference and the appearance of cellulite. This non-surgical procedure also requires no downtime and is a virtually painless treatment for body reshaping and cellulite reduction.

TICKLE LIPO™ is unique because of the slight tickling sensation that many patients feel during the procedure. Patients often remark both during and after the procedure how surprised they are that the procedure is so comfortable. TICKLE LIPO has been featured on the national TV show “The Doctors” and is available in limited locations nationwide.

“TICKLE  LIPO helps to make the procedure easier for both the patient and the doctor,” says Dr. Marc Taylor of Sono Bello. “We find that with the TICKLE LIPO even difficult to treat areas such as the bra roll, male chest, and waist respond extremely well. The TICKLE LIPO handpiece removes fat in a remarkably efficient and effective manner in all areas of the body, which results in a nice, smooth, sculpted contour to the treated area.”

Sono Bello is a medical practice that focuses exclusively on body contouring procedures. They specialize in the latest, most advanced liposuction procedures having performed more than 10,000 laser assisted liposuction cases. Now Sono Bello is changing the perception of liposuction once again with the introduction of TICKLE LIPO in its San Antonio center.

For more information on Sono Bello’s body contouring techniques, visit www.sonobello.com or call 1-877-SONOBELLO.

–

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Atlanta, GA, San Antonio, TX and Austin, TX, Feb. 17, 2011 – Sono Bello’s facilities in Austin and San Antonio, Texas as well as Atlanta, Georgia have achieved accreditation by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC/Accreditation Association). Accreditation distinguishes this surgical center from many other outpatient surgical facilities by providing a safe work environment and the highest quality of care to patients. Status as an accredited organization means Sono Bello has met nationally recognized standards for the provision of quality health care, set by the Accreditation Association. Sono Bello joins the more than 4,500 ambulatory health care organizations across the United States that are accredited by AAAHC.

Not all ambulatory health care organizations seek accreditation; not all that undergo the on-site survey are granted accreditation. “We believe our patients deserve the best care possible,” stated Tom Garrison, M.D., Chief Medical Officer of Sono Bello. “When you see our certificate of accreditation, you will know that the AAAHC, an independent, not-for-profit organization, has closely examined our facility and procedures. It means that we, as an organization, have demonstrated the highest level of care and safety meeting or exceeding all state and federal guidelines. This accreditation validates us as a medical practice with the highest of standards.”

Ambulatory health care organizations seeking accreditation by the AAAHC undergo an extensive self-assessment and on-site survey by the Accreditation Association’s expert surveyors –volunteer physicians, nurses and administrators who are actively involved in ambulatory health care. The survey is consultative and educational, presenting best practices to help an organization improve its care and services. “Going through the process challenged us to find better ways to serve our patients, and it is a constant reminder that our first responsibility is to our patients’ safety and the quality of care we provide,” said Garrison.

AAAHC accreditation is specifically for organizations that provide diagnostic or medical care on an outpatient basis – where an overnight stay would not be required. Among the types of ambulatory health care organizations that can seek AAAHC accreditation are ambulatory and office-based surgery centers, single and multi-specialty group practices, college health centers, dental group practices, community health centers, occupational health centers and managed care organizations.

Sono Bello facilities comply with the rigorous standards established by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC). Currently remaining Sono Bello centers are in the process of obtaining accreditation.

Sono Bello has nine locations in seven states with more in the planning stages and currently employs over 22 board certified surgeons who specialize in the latest, most advanced liposuction procedures. With nearly 8,000 surgical cases to date, Sono Bello is a medical practice that exclusively performs body contouring procedures and VelaShape™ treatments. For more information on Sono Bello’s body contouring techniques, visit www.sonobello.com or call 1-877-SONOBELLO.

The Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC/Accreditation Association), founded in 1979, is the leader in ambulatory health care accreditation with more than 4,500 organizations accredited nationwide. The Accreditation Association serves as an advocate for the provision of high quality health care through the development of nationally recognized standards and through its survey and accreditation programs. AAAHC accreditation is recognized as a symbol of quality by third-party payers, medical organizations, liability insurance companies, state and federal agencies and the public.

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Bellevue, Wash., Jan. 3, 2011 – Sono Bello’s Washington and Oregon facilities have achieved accreditation by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC/Accreditation Association). Accreditation distinguishes this surgical center from many other outpatient surgical facilities by providing a safe work environment and the highest quality of care to patients. Status as an accredited organization means Sono Bello has met nationally recognized standards for the provision of quality health care, set by the Accreditation Association. Sono Bello joins the more than 4,500 ambulatory health care organizations across the United States   that are accredited by AAAHC.

Not all ambulatory health care organizations seek accreditation; not all that undergo the on-site survey are granted accreditation. “We believe our patients deserve the best care possible,” stated Tom Garrison, Chief Medical Officer of Sono Bello. “When you see our certificate of accreditation, you will know that the AAAHC, an independent, not-for-profit organization, has closely examined our facility and procedures. It means that we, as an organization, have demonstrated the highest level of care and safety meeting or exceeding all state and federal guidelines. This accreditation validates us as a medical practice with the highest of standards.”

Ambulatory health care organizations seeking accreditation by the AAAHC undergo an extensive self-assessment and on-site survey by the Accreditation Association’s expert surveyors –volunteer physicians, nurses and administrators who are actively involved in ambulatory health care. The survey is consultative and educational, presenting best practices to help an organization improve its care and services. “Going through the process challenged us to find better ways to serve our patients, and it is a constant reminder that our first responsibility is to our patients safety and the quality of care we provide,” said Garrison.

AAAHC accreditation is specifically for organizations that provide diagnostic or medical care on an outpatient basis – where an overnight stay would not be required. Among the types of ambulatory health care organizations that can seek AAAHC accreditation are ambulatory and office-based surgery centers, single and multi-specialty group practices, college health centers, dental group practices, community health centers, occupational health centers and managed care organizations.

Sono Bello facilities comply with the rigorous standards established by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC). Currently remaining Sono Bello centers are in process of obtaining accreditation.

Sono Bello has nine locations in seven states with more in the planning stages and currently employs over 22 board certified surgeons who specialize in the latest, most advanced liposuction procedures. With nearly 8,000 surgical cases to date, Sono Bello is a medical practice that exclusively performs body contouring procedures and VelaShape™ treatments. For more information on Sono Bello’s body contouring techniques, visit www.sonobello.com or call 1-877-SONOBELLO.

The Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care(AAAHC/Accreditation Association), founded in 1979, is the leader in ambulatory health care accreditation with more than 4,500 organizations accredited nationwide. The Accreditation Association serves as an advocate for the provision of high quality health care through the development of nationally recognized standards and through its survey and accreditation programs. AAAHC accreditation is recognized as a symbol of quality by third-party payers, medical organizations, liability insurance companies, state and federal agencies and the public.

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425-774-8343

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Dr. Thomas Garrison

I am excited and pleased to announce Sono Bello has received accreditation for our California, Washington & Oregon facilities from the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (“AAAHC”). The facilities receiving accreditation at this time are Sacramento, Beverly Hills, Portland and Bellevue. The remaining Sono Bello facilities will continue to follow the processes and guidelines of AAAHC until the accreditation process is soon finalized.

This may sound like a bunch of big words so let me try to explain what this means for our patients. You may be aware that hospitals and other medical facilities are considered best if accredited. JCAHO (Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations) is perhaps the best known and is primarily used by hospitals. AAAHC provides similar accreditation to ambulatory or outpatient health care facilities where there is not an overnight stay. Some 4,500 ambulatory health care organizations in the United States are accredited by AAAHC. We are proud to now be among them!

Accreditation means that our organization from top to bottom has been bench-marked against national standards and found to excel in safety and patient care. AAAHC has closely examined our facilities and procedures and has determined that Sono Bello demonstrates the highest level of care and safety. This validates us as a medical practice with the highest standards for our patients.

For us this process has been well over a year in the making. Not all doctors’ offices or facilities providing health care seek this type of elite status, and not all that do achieve it. Admittedly it is time consuming, expensive and not all facilities have the commitment to the process. Maintaining such high standards for many is too costly and difficult to achieve and maintain. For Sono Bello it is an expectation we have for your care.

Going through the process challenged us to find better ways to serve our patients, and it is a constant reminder that our first responsibility is to our patient’s safety and the quality of care we provide. By continuing to adhere to these rigorous standards you are assured that your care at Sono Bello will be exceptional.

Dr. Thomas Garrison
Sono Bello Chief Medical Officer

This procedure involves removing fat from one or several areas of the body by Liposuction and then injecting that fat into the buttocks to achieve cosmetic augmentation. A candidate for this procedure must, of course, have a sufficient amount of fat in other areas of the body to undergo the procedure and must be healthy.

With nine  locations in seven states and more in the planning stages, Sono Bello employs more than 22 board certified surgeons who specialize in the latest, most advanced liposuction procedures. With nearly 8,000 surgical cases to date, Sono Bello is a medical practice that exclusively performs body contouring procedures and VelaShape™ treatments. For more information on Sono Bello’s body contouring techniques,visit www.sonobello.com or call 1-877-SONOBELLO.

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SACRAMENTO, Calif., Dec. 14, 2010 – Sono Bello’s California facilities have achieved accreditation by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC/Accreditation Association). Accreditation distinguishes this surgical center from many other outpatient surgical facilities by providing a safe work environment and the highest quality of care to patients. Status as an accredited organization means Sono Bello has met nationally recognized standards for the provision of quality health care, set by the Accreditation Association. Sono Bello joins the more than 4,500 ambulatory health care organizations across the United States that are accredited by AAAHC.

Not all ambulatory health care organizations seek accreditation; not all that undergo the on-site survey are granted accreditation. “We believe our patients deserve the best care possible,” stated Tom Garrison, Chief Medical Officer of Sono Bello. “When you see our certificate of accreditation, you will know that the AAAHC, an independent, not-for-profit organization, has closely examined our facility and procedures. It means that we, as an organization, have demonstrated the highest level of care and safety meeting or exceeding all state and federal guidelines. This accreditation validates us as a medical practice with the highest of standards.”

Ambulatory health care organizations seeking accreditation by the AAAHC undergo an extensive self-assessment and on-site survey by the Accreditation Association’s expert surveyors – volunteer physicians, nurses and administrators who are actively involved in ambulatory healthcare. The survey is consultative and educational, presenting best practices to help an organization improve its care and services. “Going through the process challenged us to find better ways to serve our patients, and it is a constant reminder that our first responsibility is to our patients’ safety and the quality of care we provide,” said Garrison.

AAAHC accreditation is specifically for organizations that provide diagnostic or medical care on an outpatient basis – where an overnight stay would not be required. Among the types of ambulatory health care organizations that can seek AAAHC accreditation are ambulatory and office-based surgery centers, single and multi-specialty group practices, college health centers, dental group practices, community health centers, occupational health centers and managed care organizations.

Sono Bello facilities comply with the rigorous standards established by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC). Currently remaining Sono Bello centers are in process of obtaining accreditation.

Sono Bello has nine locations in seven states with more in the planning stages and currently employs over 22 board certified surgeons who specialize in the latest, most advanced liposuction procedures. With nearly 8,000 surgical cases to date, Sono Bello is a medical practice that exclusively performs body contouring procedures and VelaShape™ treatments. For more information on Sono Bello’s body contouring techniques, visit www.sonobello.com or call 1-877-SONOBELLO.

The Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC/Accreditation Association), founded in 1979, is the leader in ambulatory health care accreditation with more than 4,500 organizations accredited nationwide. The Accreditation Association serves as an advocate for the provision of high quality health care through the development of nationally recognized standards and through its survey and accreditation programs. AAAHC accreditation is recognized as a symbol of quality by third-party payers, medical organizations, liability insurance companies, state and federal agencies and the public.

Follow us:
Twitter
Facebook
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Contact:
Liz Gadbois
Destination Marketing
425-774-8343
Back to News