A 37 year old woman who went bald after treatment by a plastic surgeon sued the doctor and his practice Tuesday for more than $1 million.

       Tampa accountant Susan L. Nolan accuses physician Joshua Nalpern of negligence for treating her like a "guinea pig" in performing a new surgical procedure on her, the suit states.

      Halpern could not be reached for comment.

      According to Nolan's lawyer, Steve Yerrid, Halpern was experimenting with a suturing technique when he gave Nolan a brow lift in August 1994. No other Tampa Bay area surgeon used the procedure, but Halpern convinced Nolan and her insurer it was medically necessary.

      Nolan contends Halpern had access to brochures explaining the risk of hair loss, but failed to distribute them because he did not want to "frighten potentially profitable patients."

      He also failed, she claims, to properly treat her after the operation.

      Twelve days after surgery, Nolan says in the suit, she told the doctor her head was tender and sore. He removed some sutures but failed to record her visit or treatment, the lawsuit says.

      Two days later, after losing hair and suffering an oozing scalp, Halpern removed the remaining sutures and prescribed Bacitracin ointment, the suit says. Her head developed a gaping wound, scabbed over and is scarred, the suit says. The doctor blamed an allergic reaction.

05/10/80