BOGO breast implants seen on billboard

APPLETON - Billboards are used to sell just about anything to unsuspecting motorists. Everything from cars and food to legal help. And one in Northeast Wisconsin advertises a service some find edgy.

"In today's economy we're trying to come up with creative ads that'll get people in the door," Christine Martens said.

Martens works for Jones Sign and came up with a billboard for Hotchandani Laser and Vein Center in Appleton promoting its buy one breast implant and get one free offer.

"It's an edgy line we're working on here," Martens said.

The buy one get one ad has been up just a couple of weeks and will stay up for a month. Jones Sign says it has done its job by attracting clients.

"He's already paid for the ad," Martens said.

While it's hard to judge the reaction of those in the 40,000-50,000 cars that pass by the billboard every day on Highway 41, we shared it with those out for lunch in downtown Appleton. And for some it left a bad taste in their mouth.

"This is a little different," Dr. Gope Hotchandani said. "It took me by surprise.

Hotchandani had to think about the ad concept, but ultimately agreed to give it a shot, realizing it might be too much for some. But then implants aren't for everyone either.

"We want to make sure we have a positive impression of what we're doing," Hotchandani said. "Kind of catchy, but borderline."

"Very definitely too much, if it's going to be on a billboard where teenagers see it," Linda Naden said.

"It is done in poor taste," Annette Laabs said.

Others figured it's just good business.

"I don't think I need them," Michelle Hill said. "But Sex sells.

"I don't have a problem with it," Jim Wingrove said. "They advertise everything else."

And ultimatley the words and picture are catching plenty of attention. Let the buyer - make that motorist - beware.