When we went by Dr. Paul Drago's house Wednesday, we were greeted by a "no trespassing" sign. It was not there when we were at the Ballantyne Country Club house on Monday.
The North Carolina Medical Board just yanked Drago's license after nearly a dozen women filed board complaints against him, saying he caused pain, scarring and disfigurement.
He worked at Genesis Plastic Surgery and former patients say he called himself a plastic surgeon.
Dr. Felmont Eaves, a nationally recognized and board certified plastic surgeon, said, "The medical laws actually state that once you have a license it's not really restricted to certain areas, so really the patient has to check."Drago wasn't actually certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
"In this economy we're seeing those that may not be fully trained and adequately trained are really attempting to move into this area," Eaves told us.
Eaves is concerned there are plenty more like Drago."Legally, if they have access to an operating room, legally someone who has a medical license can do anything that they attempt," Eaves said.
Former Drago patients tell us many other women have had to find other board certified surgeons to fix their botched plastic surgeries. Some, we're told, have even gone to Drago's partner at Genesis, who we've learned from the medical board has a primary specialty in general surgery, not plastic surgery.
"I'm very concerned that patients have safe procedures," Eaves said. He says the doctor should offer you options, different kinds of treatments, should take a careful medical history and refer you to other patients for references.
"If you get a funny feeling something's not on the up and up, investigate further," Eaves said.
So bottom line: Beware. Do your homework. Check with the American Board of Medical Specialties for a doctor's certification.
We've been trying to talk to Drago since Monday, but he has yet to return our calls.
