The Basic Six, a nonprofit organization that helps cancer patients look their best when they feel their worst, welcomed Dr. Lyle S. Leipziger, a plastic surgeon, to serve as its medical director.
Leipziger is chief of plastic surgery at Long Island Jewish Medical Center and North Shore University Hospital.
He said, “Most doctors do a wonderful job addressing cancer patients’ physical health, but sometimes a patient’s emotional health may not get the same amount of attention. I’m happy to help The Basic Six fill that gap. We know that the cosmetic changes cancer treatment causes may lead to anxiety and depression.”
As medical director, Leipziger will serve as an advisor to the board and team of cosmetologists. He’ll also provide expertise to patients who have questions about cosmetic enhancement and self-esteem.
Basic Six co-founder June Bleich said, “Dr. Leipziger was the perfect choice for this volunteer role because he understands that the best medical providers consider not just health, but also humanity. They see the patient as a whole person, not just a cancer diagnosis. This is especially important right now since we’re seeing a rise in cancer diagnoses among young people.”
The Basic Six’s specially licensed cosmetologists are trained to work with cancer patients’ unique skincare and makeup needs.
They host lessons that teach women quick, easy, and safe beauty routines. The routines use just six products and take about six minutes to complete. “It’s important that this can be done quickly because women undergoing chemotherapy often have limited energy,” said Leipziger.