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VASER 4D Lipoabdominoplasty with VASER back, flanks, inner and outer thighs, abdomen, fat transfer buttocks (Brazilian butt lift) and creation of a new umbilicus (belly button)
Brandimax's Review of: Dr. Mark Epstein

Rating: 10.00 (out of 10)
Review Date: April 14, 2014, 10:43 am


DOCTOR INFORMATION
Doctor Name:   Dr. Mark Epstein (My Profile)
City:
Stony Brook
State:   New York (NY)
Country:   United States
PATIENT INFORMATION
Reviewer:   Brandimax (Contact Me)
View My Before/After Photo Album(s):   None available
Did you get any procedure(s) done by this doctor?   Yes
Date of your procedure(s):   January 22, 2014
Procedure(s) I had done:   None
MY PERSONAL REVIEW
 

 

 VASER 4D Lipoabdominoplasty with VASER back, flanks, inner and outer thighs, abdomen, fat transfer buttocks (Brazilian butt lift) and creation of a new umbilicus (belly button)

Ten years ago I had a breast augmentation done by Dr. Epstein. After researching the procedure and meeting with other plastic surgeons, I felt Dr. Epstein was the most knowledgeable doctor in the field and the best choice to perform my surgery. The amazing results far exceeded my expectations- and 10 years later I am still thrilled with how beautiful and natural my breasts look.
Over the years I have had facial peels, photo facials and laser hair removal done at Dr. Epstein's office, so when I decided to finally have the tummy tuck surgery that I've been wanting to do for a long time, Dr. Epstein was the obvious choice for me. I wouldn't have trusted anyone else.
At my initial consultation, Dr. Epstein spent over an hour with me. He showed me before and after pics. He explained in detail what to expect- everything from surgery day to after care. We discussed which procedures would give me the best results. I could tell that his techniques were more advanced than any other doctor around. Having a tummy tuck without drains was a huge plus! My only apprehension was the scar around the belly button that patients end up with, a tell-tale sign of a tummy tuck. Dr. Epstein suggested a procedure that he had done with another innovative plastic surgeon in Colombia, South America- removing my belly button completely and creating a new one around 4 wks after surgery. What?!? I had never heard of such a thing! And no belly button for 4 weeks?!? But after much discussion and I have to admit, some anxiety, I decided that that was the best procedure for the results I was looking for. He's a perfectionist and I trusted him completely. I scheduled my surgery immediately.
January 22, 2014- surgery day. I was nervous but Dr. Epstein's wonderful staff made me so comfortable. I would be staying at a hotel near his office that night with a nurse (Arlene) so that he could come see me in the morning for a post op visit. I knew I was in good hands. The OR nurses and anesthesiologist were amazing. The surgery lasted somewhere around 6 hours. I woke up feeling no pain. The Experal that he uses for pain during the procedure lasts a few days. I stayed in recovery an hour or so and then the nurses helped me into my garment. Although I had to stay hunched over, walking wasn't a problem. I actually felt pretty good. A little beaten up, but good enough to enjoy a sushi dinner out with Arlene before we went to the hotel! Arlene was so great! I had a fairly comfortable night sleeping in the recliner and in the morning Dr. Epstein came to check my incisions. Then I was on my way home.
The first few days were uncomfortable but I honestly expected to be feeling much worse. The Experal definitely was helping. Having no drains was great. I had to wear the compression garment for 6 weeks. It kept the swelling down. I only took the pain killers for the first two days. My stomach really wasn't hurting too bad. My back, flanks and thighs was where the real soreness was. I took neurontin (gabapentin) for that pain. It lasted for a few weeks, but I did have a lot of work done, so I expected that. So 6 wks later, I don't have a belly button yet- kind of weird. But I got used to it. The amazing result of the tummy tuck was evident already. My waist and thighs shrunk! I couldn't be happier! Oh and my butt looks incredible! I had very minimal pain from that, btw.
Now I need a belly button. I could have had it done much sooner after surgery but I was feeling so good, I was putting it off. I was nervous. On April 8 I had my new belly button created under local. Once again, the nurses were great and so comforting. I had so much anxiety about being awake during the procedure. I was freaking myself out!! Incredibly, I did NOT feel a thing!! It was over before I knew it, maybe 20 minutes start to finish. No pain during or after. All my anxiety for nothing. I have a belly button that looks like a belly button!! No tell tale scars. It's truly amazing. Now it's one week later, and unless I press on it, there's no pain at all. I never had to take anything for it.
I am now around 12 wks out from surgery and I am EXTREMELY happy with my results. Once again, Dr. Epstein has far exceeded my expectations. I tell him that he's a magician!
I will get some before and after pics from him and post them so everyone can see the results. Anyone who is considering plastic surgery should definitely see Dr. Epstein.
And if you're considering a tummy tuck- go with a newly created belly button, you will not regret it!!
  
MY RATINGS IN DETAIL

N/A = Not Applicable
1 = Worst/Extremely dissatisfied
5 = Neutral
10 = Best/Extremely satisfied

My Results:
How happy are you with your results?
Did your results meet or exceed your expectations?
   (10)
Medical Skills, Techniques & Knowledge:
Does your doctor have strong and up-to-date medical skills?
Does your doctor have good knowledge of techniques?
Were you well informed by the doctor?
   (10)
Accessibility:
Was doctor accessible and helpful during pre-op and post-op?
Is there good after business hours support?
Can doctor be reached by telephone?
Can doctor be reached by email?
   (10)
Personality:
Did the doctor make you feel comfortable?
Did the doctor take time to listen to your needs?
Did you feel rushed when trying to talk?
Was the doctor friendly and approachable?
Did the doctor show care and concern for you?
Does the doctor love being a doctor?
   (10)
Office & Support Staff, Nurses:
Was the office staff professional and well-mannered?
Was staff accessible and helpful during pre-op and post-op?
Was the office staff sensitive to your condition and needs?
Were your telephone/email messages given to the doctor?
   (10)
Appointments, Waiting Time:
Was it easy to book an appointment?
Was doctor reasonably punctual with appointments?
How was the office waiting time?
   (10)
Price:
Do you feel the price of your procedure(s) was reasonable?
Does the doctor give financing options?
   (10)
Office & Surgical Facility:
Are the office and/or surgical facilities professional, clean, and well maintained?
Is the medical equipment up-to-date?
Is the office comfortable and the décor aesthetically pleasing?
Were you offered anything to drink?
   (10)
Recommending This Doctor:
How likely are you to recommend this doctor to someone else?
   (10)

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