Local Doctor Donates Scar Removal for Nest Residents

Dr. Stephen Rath, MD, of Fusion Medical Spa is offering free scar removal for victims of domestic violence at the Nest.

Dr. Rath and his staff welcomed the addition of Nest brochures in the waiting room of Fusion Medical Spa.  After discussing his services with HEAL staff, Dr. Rath made the very generous offer to assist women who have suffered body scars or tattoos from their abuser.

Not surprisingly, facial and body scars are not uncommon among victims of physical abuse.  However, according to HEAL’s Executive Director Coleen Widell, “It is also not uncommon for many victims of domestic violence to be tattooed by their abuser, to “mark his territory” in a sense.  We have seen victims with profanity or the abuser’s name tattooed across their throats.  You can imagine how difficult it is for these women to get out and find a job so they can break free of that relationship.”

Dr. Rath presented the concept of partnering with the Nest at the HEAL Annual Staff Retreat, held at the Sanctuary on the River.

Dr. Rath has worked with domestic violence victims in the past during his Residency at University of Texas at Galveston.  He is a board certified Anesthesiologist who has undergone extensive training in the practice of aesthetic medicine. He is a member of both the American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine and International Association of Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine.  He is joined at Fusion Medical Spa by two licensed estheticians and a RN and offers a full range of services, including photo rejuvenation, laser hair reduction, microdermabrasion, Botox™ and medically supervised weight loss.

Fusion Medical Spa is located at 1900 Sudderth Drive in Ruidoso.

Pictured left to right are HEAL staff members Dana Gelsomino, DeeDee Lamb, Carrie Calkins, Betty Polaco, Marianna Baker, Miriam Moreno, Christina Sanchez, Celina DeLaGarza, Corina Montoya, Fusion Medical Spa licensed esthetician Morgan Ingram, Dr. Stephen Rath, Coleen Widell, Reyna Flores, Estella Cardoza and Terry Thompson.

Photo Courtesy of Jan Butchofsky.