Miami (Oct. 3, 2005) – As more and more cosmetic surgery patients opt for international vacations that include procedures, The MIAMI Institute for Age Management & Intervention is introducing a safer, more viable option to that trend with a new addition to its portfolio of services. This fall, the Institute will begin to offer patients an extended, post-surgery recovery package at one of several world-class spas in Italy.

After an initial recovery period, patients who undergo a cosmetic surgery procedure at the Institute will have the option to continue their pampering in the elite, lavish surroundings offered by Italy’s STB Group (Thermal Springs Spas & Hotels), including the Fonteverde Terme & Hotel Spa, the Grotta Guisti Terme Spa and the Bagni di Pisa Natural Spa Resort. All arrangements will be made out of The Institute, including travel, medical supervision at the recovery center, post-surgery treatments and transportation in order to provide the highest-quality care and convenience for patients.

“This package offers patients a high-level of privacy while providing them with a safer alternative to the trend of taking a vacation across the globe to have plastic surgery,” says Steve Watson, President & CEO of The MIAMI Institute. “After the initial recovery period at the Institute, where they have round-the-clock supervision in case of any complications, they can then enjoy top-notch spa treatment in a private, lush environment.”

Last year, 8.5 million cosmetic surgical and non-surgical procedures were performed in the United States, according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Americans spent $9 billion on plastic surgery (that figure includes surgeons’ fees only).

While increasing numbers of Americans are blending cosmetic surgery into international vacations, citing significantly reduced costs as the main reason, The MIAMI Institute is taking a pioneering role in that trend by offering extended recovery period as part of its package of services. Few other institutions in the United States provide similar services, and the Institute’s partnership with the STB Group is exclusive.

Each of the properties offers patients the highest-quality accommodations, spa packages and service. At the Grotta Guisti Terme Spa in Tuscany, guests can relax at the hotel, converted from a luxurious 19th-century villa, while taking advantage of any of the Spa & Wellness Center’s comprehensive healing treatments. At the Bagni di Pisa Natural Spa Resort, guests can indulge in a variety of spa and wellness treatments and enjoy magnificent views of the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

About The MIAMI Institute for Age Management & Intervention
Located at the Four Seasons® Hotel & Tower and lead by internationally regarded facial plastic surgeon Dr. Julio F. Gallo, The MIAMI Institute is a surgical center and medical spa dedicated to providing progressive medicine, advanced technology and encompassing treatments that prevent and reverse the effects of aging. The Institute’s skilled staff of surgeons, medical professionals, nutritionists and health education specialists are dedicated to providing patients with individually tailored services – including cosmetic surgery, age management therapies, aesthetic skin care treatments, cosmetic dentistry services and wellness counseling – that help them look and feel their best as they grow older.

The luxurious 9,000-square-foot facility features two modern surgical suites furnished with the latest medical technology designed to meet the highest standards. If patients wish, MIAMI Institute staff will make arrangements for their stay at the hotel’s luxury accommodations, providing them with added ease and comfort in their recovery. For more information, call (305) 624-0009 or visit www.MIAMI-Institute.com.

*Note to media – Online press kit available for download at www.miami-institute.com. Please contact Gaby Garcia at 305-663-3543 or ggarcia@krepspr.com for username and password.

**The MIAMI Institute for Age Management & Intervention is not affiliated with or sponsored by The Four Seasons® Hotel Miami.

NEWS RELEASE
Contact: Gaby Garcia
Kreps DeMari
305-663-3543
ggarcia@krepspr.com