John M. Griffin, MD (retired)

I had known Dr Griffin for 20 plus years, through my experience working with him in the hospital setting. He was the one and only choice for me. Dr Griffin repaired a congenital scalp malformation on my son at age 13, with results beyond expectations.
Results were far beyond my expectations! The best decision I've ever made. To have my body back, has given me a new lease on life.

I had been considering a facelift for about ten years. Every year I considered it MORE!

Finally, I decided to go through with it. I knew of several friends that had (what I call) successful facelifts, so I started interviewing their doctors. The eighth physician I contacted was Dr. John Griffin, who was actually referred to me by another cosmetic surgeon, who had retired. I wish I had interviewed Dr. Griffin first—it would have saved me a lot of time.

Dr. Griffin is very thorough. During my initial appointment he gave me a full run-down of what I could expect—and there was no charge for that meeting. (Some physicians charge a fee that is deducted from the final bill if you proceed with their surgery.)

I was so impressed with Dr. Griffin and his office staff that I had my sister (who is the head surgical nurse at a hospital in another state) accompany me for a follow-up appointment so that she could assess for me Dr. Griffin’s offices and procedure. She was very impressed. That was the final selling point.

Dr. Griffin provides the surgical unit, the recovery unit, and the “hospital” room with his private nurse—all onsite.

The morning of the surgical procedure, my friend dropped me off early. Since I had all of the pre-surgical work done through my local physician and all the paperwork done in advance, I only had to sign a few documents, meet with Dr. Griffin, recline on the table, and the next thing I knew I was walking up the stairs to my room for the remainder of the day and night. I awoke a few times that night, spoke to the nurse, and went right back to sleep. I slept very well and was quite relaxed and comfortable upon waking.

That morning before I left, I met with Dr. Griffin. He then gave me his personal cell number to call if I needed him before our next appointment (three days later) to remove some of the sutures. (Two days later, on a Sunday, my throat was very sore, so I called him at 2:00 p.m. He answered! And he immediately called in a prescription to relieve the irritation.) Monday I returned to his offices and I also saw him six months later. (All of these visits were at no extra charge.)

I had no bruising—I know this sounds impossible, but it is true. I actually only took one week off of work. When I returned to my office and social life, I was told that I looked great—everyone thought I had been on vacation.

I had grown weary of constantly being told "you look so tired". I was not physically tired but my eyes did feel heavy from the weight of my sagging brows and lids. After extensive research and opinions of many doctors in Atlanta I went to visit Dr. Griffin and soon underwent eyelid surgery and a brow lift.

Hello,

I am a 50 year old woman with a positive attitude and a strong desire to take good care of myself – inside and out. For years, I have worked with my dermatologist (Dr Harold Brody) to take care of my skin and when I asked for advice to freshen my overall appearance (while continuing to “look like myself”); he referred me to Dr Griffin.

I felt like a member of the family (or their only patient) from my very first phone call for an initial consultation. Administrator Rochelle Koplin immediately understood what I was looking for, quickly scheduled the appointment, and was very encouraging and “on the ball.”

RN Trudy Davies took a genuine interest in gathering my background data and helped me understand the options available for various procedures. I then had a detailed meeting with Dr Griffin to discuss my goals, and together, we developed a plan to achieve them. He was/is very easy to talk to – clear, focused and honest. Ultimately, I chose to have a facelift and the results have been outstanding (it has been one year after my surgery).

The procedure itself was almost a non-event (at least to me!). I had it done on a Thursday and I (realistically) could have returned to work the following Monday (no bruising at all, full of pep, no pain, etc). I attribute this result to:
• The great preparation beforehand (by Dr Griffin’s team and by me to get myself in the best shape possible – mentally/physically prior to surgery)
• The wonderful care during and after surgery
o RN Barbie Weber prepped me for surgery, assisted Dr Griffin during the surgery, and cared for me the next morning and afterwards
o Nurse Jean deftly handled by post op care for the 6-8 hours after surgery and made sure I was comfortable and stable (which I am convinced prevented any bruising)
o Nurse Trina oversaw my care that evening (which was actually really fun, we chatted the whole time!)

Overall, it was a great experience and I am very happy with the results. As you analyze options for yourself and please call Dr Griffin’s office to learn more. Best wishes.

It was so worth IT. It took me about 6 months to find a surgeon that I felt comftable with and one who had 2 licenses. He was a General Surgeon and a Reconstructive Suregeon and could operate at numerous hospitals. He had no complaints or law suits that I could find in the last 10 years. When I went for the consultation it was free and he was very surprise to know I knew ALL about him. Do your homework ladies. The day before I had the surgery someone ask me "Are you tired?" I thought thats why I'm doing this. I did it for me not for ANYONE else. My doctors  in Atlanta, GA he is the greatest and I will definetly be going back to get some other things done.. I LOVE MY EYES I look 20 years younger...LOL My recovery time was start to end 7 days! little bruising or swelling! I'll come back and add before and after.



Updated on 9 May 2008:
I would do this again definetly...I am so please that I followed through. I was afraid at times. I even cancelled my appointment BUT called back the same day and ask was it still open! Lucky me....  All I would say is just do your homework and check out your doctor take your list of questions with you to consultation and don't be afraid to ask!

small note: my nose is really not that big..LOL its the camera angle



Updated on 7 Jun 2016:
Well I had been looking at my turkey neck and thought time to go see Dr, Griffin.. I found out he is about to retire and I was like"OH NO! get me in please!" Since I already knew him and how he works I had no problem with trust or work ethnics. PLUS I also wanted to get my lower eyes touched back up as some fat had started to come back(just a little) I was still happy with how they were even after 10 years.My friends said it was nothing wrong with them BUT I could see it so I decided to do IT! MY EYES..lol
The mini facelift itself did not hurt no pain medicine was taken it was however uncomfortable with the stitches being behind the ear, in front of the ear and a few under the chin. However all stitches have been removed as of today June7. My lower face is still a little numb but I am starting to feel the sensation coming back. I'm on the road to a full recovery

My lower eyes have come along quit nicely as I cant even tell after a week where the stitches were. I just still have the bruising which last time took about 8 weeks to go away

I will come back with updated pictures in about a month. As you know as time goes the swelling goes down and you look even better. Patience is what I need more of.

I am still very please with Dr. Griffin and his wonderful staff. AND Nurse JEAN... awesome thank you for looking after me. Dr Griffin has been a very busy man in his career. I will miss him and I pray he has the best retirement ever. Go visit and get to know those grand kids..Love you all