Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)

I want to say thanks for a super smooth operation and recovery.

I have had a lifelong congestion problem and a 16 year history of insomnia. The source of my insomnia was diagnosed as ‘mild depression’ until March of this year when a sleep study revealed severe apnea. To make things worse I had a botched rhinoplasty in 1981.

I hope you print this as I wrote it because that surgery left my nose looking like a blob of melted cream cheese. Asymmetrical, mismatched and flared nostrils, a wierd looking scoop, definitely not a ‘guy’ nose.

Before visiting you I’d seen 5 rhinoplasty surgeons, all well-known. In my consultation with you my breathing problem was not treated as a side-issue and you showed a real understanding of the impact sleep apnea has on daily function. You gave me a realistic and positive assessment of the improvement a septoplasty could make in my breathing.

You then addressed the cosmetic issues with equal attention; we basically agreed that I needed a stronger more masculine bridge, better symmetry, a reduction and balancing of nostril size and less of an upturned look. Additionally you went over multiple techniques such as Gore-tex and a combined muscle/ear cartilage graft and asked my permission to use the most effective technique based on what you found during surgery.

I felt confident that the computer imaging you did was a realistic assessment of what you could achieve and it looked very good. Your office staff is great. They dealt with my crazy schedule and handled all my insurance issues. There was no attitude, just solid support.

The NYU day surgery staff was super thorough and friendly and I appreciated the time you took to review the goals of the surgery just prior to OR time. The OR staff was friendly and I went into surgery very relaxed. I know that you chose the muscle/cartilage graft because you determined the result would be superior, even though it lengthened operating time.  I’m sure most poeple would appreciate that level of dedication.

When I woke up, lots of people around, again very supportive. Recovery-wise the pain was minimal, the regular stuffiness as you predicted. I was back to work in 7 days just looking a bit swollen. I think that was faster than usual, but for a 6.5 hour surgery, that is amazing.

Results: my nose is still a bit swollen but it is now symmetrical. It is slowly narrowing as you told me it would and the nostrils are evening out. The bridge is elevated and looks strong now. Some guy at work told me I look like a young Kirk Douglas. I don’t know where the young part comes in but I did check out some Kirk Douglas pics. Great nose!

Most importantly, my girlfriend asserts that my snoring and choking have stopped. I am definitely waking up feeling more rested and less congested than before. My coworkers tell me I am no longer clearing my throat all the time. Kind of embarassing but hey, it’s good news. I know the septoplasty is responsible for these improvements.

I am very glad I used you for this procedure. You combine a sophisticated knowledge of breathing function, great surgical skill and a perfectionistic eye for cosmetic symmetry. I hope more people with complicated cases such as mine will read this and find their way to your door.

Thanks.  KS.