Mark Chariker, MD

My experience with Dr. Chariker and staff has been very positive. He is caring, professional and listened to what I wanted. His staff is knowledgeable and courteous. I have had several facial treatments and breast augmentation. I will continue to see Dr. Chariker for my cosmetic procedures.

I underwent surgery for an abdominoplasty and mastopexy. Dr. Chariker was very professional and thorough with my care from pre op through post op. He addressed all of my concerns regarding both procedures and I am extremely happy with the outcome.

My experience with Dr. Chariker was amazing. At my eyelid consult, I received information about the surgery, the after care and the expected course of recovery. It was obvious the he cared about my concerns. I had consults with other plastic surgeons in the area, none were like him. His professional and caring personality made me feel very comfortable. My surgical procedure was an endoscopic brow lift with upper and lower eyelid surgery. I received a call at home during my recovery, from his nurse, to inquire about my status and to answer any questions I had. I would recommend him to everyone. He is amazing and so are my results!

Dr chariker is an outstanding surgeon, he was nothing but wonderful. I had a breast reconstruction done and I can’t be happier with my results so far. He went above and beyond to make sure I was happy and comfortable with the results.

Today makes me 3 days post op of my surgery tummy tuck & lipo of the flanks & I must admit it was very intense but nothing you can't handle! I have been stuck to my recliner so I'd figure I'd share my progress etc. I had a onQ pain pump that was removed today & my drains are still in hopefully to be removed Wed or Friday I already love me so YES its well worth it!!!!!!!!

Updated on 26 Feb 2014:
Got my drains out today what a relief my tummy looks awesome so smooth & flat! Plus I'm up moving around healing really well & doing everything by myself now I'm still a little stiff & it hurts to cough & laugh but other than that I'm pretty GREAT!!!!

Updated on 27 Feb 2014:
Today makes me 6 days post op & I'm still taking my pain meds my doctor told me to buy ibuprofen & add that in within the hours with my other meds so my body can get use to taking it to get me off the pain killers & only taking the ibuprofen when needed my thing is I haven't took the time to stop or go without my pain meds because they say make sure u take your meds on the hour so there's no pain now I don't know if I'm still in pain or not because I haven't went without my meds to know??? Yeah so now I'm nervous to stop taking my pain meds and be hurting! So this morning I'm going to skip my 8:30 meds & see what I feel like without them because honestly I may not need them but then again I might I'm just nervous to be in PAIN!!!! Any suggestions??? Helpful tips???

I’m super excited and nervous. I go for my pre-op appointment in 5days!!! I am beginning to collect supplies and prepare my body. I have ordered a walker to help keep me mobile. I had a double mastectomy in 2013 and found that the pain meds and anesthesia from the surgery blocked me from using the facility for about 2weeks(yikes) so I have started hydro colon therapy. (In Louisville, I go to to a wonderful office if anyone ever wants the name just ask.) So that is going well. I bought a hand held massager that has 3 roller balls on it so I can massage my stomach daily to keep circulation flowing to help with healing. (TJ Max super cheap)
I am placing a recliner in my bedroom. I still have to get a few shower curtains from dollar store. (using it to cover chair and bed from leakage) I am using dark sheets hoping they make it through without having to toss. I thankfully have a walk-in shower and already have a stool. (I just have to take all the products off of it. The stool has become a wonderful shelf lol) I don’t know if any one ever watched madea? If not she wears flora button down gowns they have pockets in them. I wore these after my past surgery which I had drains. It is AMAZING!!! Because it’s easy to button up and comfortable!!!! On the inside of this you can saftey pin pockets cut out from old pants or shorts or cut a slit to place the drain bulb in the original pocket. If anyone has other ideas on after surgery wardrobes my ears are open. Until then I’m gonna live in my Madea attire. lol.
I’m still working on my ride home. (My partner after I had scheduled my appointment got an invite to a wonderful job, meet and greet out of town. It is something he has been working towards. I would never ask that he try to reschedule and due to my work schedule can’t reschedule either) So I’m still working on lining up a ride home (what do you all think an Uber driver would think lol jk)... but seriously I need to ensure it isn’t a car that sits to high or low.... I have 3 stairs to climb when I get home. Trying to talk my partner into finding some plywood to place down before he leaves. I do have one awesome thing to all of this. My soon to be brother-in law lives in the basement and he is a nurse. So if I have any concerns I Do have that peace of mind (and he will probably be the one collecting me from the hospital) (However, I will do my best not to ask as I don’t want him to see me in that setting. Let’s not forget he is my soon to be brother-in law).
Before I leave for surgery I will have everything set up for when I return home. I will get all my groceries needed with lots of water!!!!! I will pre-make meals/snacks as I know I will need to move around. but not over kill I will move at minimum and it will help make me feel I am doing for myself if I walk to kitchen and able to get a meal or snack on my own. (Living by if it can go wrong it will) I will stay overnight in the hospital due to the hernia repair. So first night is covered.
That is my pregame plan so far. Please if anyone has suggestions on what else has helped make their recovery easier I am always listening.

Updated on 30 May 2018:
Went for my Pre-Op today..... I’m so excited tomorrow starts the countdown. One week till surgery.... trying to mentally prepare for surgery. Found out I will have a pain pump.(Can I get an AMEN!!!)
Dr. Chariker’s Assistant she is so wonderful and walked me through all my questions and helped me feel more prepared for the procedure. Again I can’t say enough of his staff. From front to billing. (Shae (billing) has been extremely helpful!!!!)
I saw Dr. Chariker today and yet again he was super friendly and kind. He took his time speaking with me and I never felt rushed. We hugged at the end....that RealSelf is why I’m so impressed with Dr. Chariker as he truly makes me feel like he cares. Can’t wait till Thursday!!!! Please say a little prayer for me the Dr. and his staff on that day.... as I will say one for you.....

Updated on 7 Jun 2018:
Just finished surgery in recovery in my room... pain is manageable I’m just sleepy.... going to get up and walk shortly so hoping that goes great. Today’s pain I can do fingers crossed it stays that way ????

Updated on 8 Jun 2018:
Today is a discomfort. I have been trying to hold off on the medication as long as I can but doing that seems to hurt more as the pain hits quick... I will leave the hospital today. Dr. Chariker and his staff were awesome yesterday. Took the catheter out this morning. I have been drinking a lot of water. Hopefully it will help with flushing out the medicine.
They have been giving me a stool softener... I totally think if you are getting this procedure start taking stool softeners about a week out from surgery date. I did do a hydro colon the day before surgery to ensure I would not get constipation.
But I am feeling lots of discomfort. Not crying but some groaning. Two drains and one pain pump connected....
The binder has been amazing... I have more of a pain when breathing if it isn’t tight.

Updated on 9 Jun 2018:
I’m home now... yay!!!
I forgot to add yesterday, I have numbness in my right thigh. This is due to Lipo. Im still very capable to walk.
When I woke up this morning after sleeping all night!!!! Yay!! I was feeling the pain (OUCH) So I made the decision to take the pain medicine. (As I’m trying to not take it.)
So today I feel sore and bloated. Still have indigestion and now I have the worst gas pain which is new. I have been making laps around the house. The walking seems to be helping with the gas pain. Just relaxing after walking around.

Updated on 13 Jun 2018:
Yesterday I went to the doctor and had the pain pump removed. (Didn’t feel a thing) Dr.Chariker’s nurse Elaine was super nice. It was a quick in and out appointment.
Today I feel exhausted... which is funny because I rest a lot. I did fold a few items of clothes yesterday and got 2000 steps. Today I’m not going to count steps. I’m just going to listen to my body and rest today. Last night I took a shower and I do not like having the binder off. Even just the short time of the shower. It is a pulling and strain on my abdomen. Drains are still in but not a lot of drainage. No pain medication so far today. Will get some pictures up Friday.

Updated on 15 Jun 2018:
Went today got the drains removed.... I feel like a new person... I actually did not feel a thing (AMEN) the stitches were removed. I could feel the sting on those. I do have a different binder on today. It’s a waist cincher I had bought previously as the one I left in the hospital needs to go in the wash. It actually works well. I have ordered a few more body shapers.

Updated on 17 Jun 2018:
These are from yesterday. The swelling is still there (side note...That puffy area in the pelvic area are bandages from the removal of the drains. After they removed them I was getting dressed and freaked out for a moment thinking it was the dreaded bulging pubic area that sometimes can result after this procedure..... it is not) Anyhoot....
I understand the swelling is not going to magically disappear. It is going to take time and I have to use patience for the healing process. However I love my stomach and can’t wait to take Dr. Chariker’s work and do the final steps to ensure it’s not a procedure that is waisted... I’m excited about my future steps.

Updated on 19 Jun 2018:
Went to lunch w/a friend today. Extremely worn down when I returned home. Rested on couch then had dinner followed by taking a shower. Bent over by the end and ready for bed.... swollen and back was super sore.... everyday is a process.... I love my new stomach swollen and all... would definitely do this over again if I had to... no pain just more of a discomfort.

Updated on 21 Jun 2018:
Went from the recliner to my bed...... last night was the 1st night since before my surgery I slept a full night in my bed!!!! Again small leaps but so thankful.
I do go out during the day but I find by the time I get Home I’m exhausted and need to rest with my knees up. But a couple hours of rest and I’m brand new. Still use my walker as it helps me move faster. (Only in the House do I use it)
My daughter has been away in Florida and she returns tomorrow evening so that will be a new task as I’ve been doing well at taking care of just me. Fingers crossed she doesn’t want to run all over town.

Updated on 28 Jun 2018:
Just a update to my recovery. I started sleeping in my bed!!! (Woot,woot) About a week ago. I can lay on my side but not all night. My swelling has gone a lot (will get pictures up soon) the garment they sent me home with, At first I could only get it to about the center of my abdomen. Now it goes all the way to the other side!!! So that is a visual goal I love seeing. I still wear faithfully.
I go back to Dr. Chariker in about a week and a half just to ensure everything is healing properly. I am so thankful every day that I was able to do this. If you are thinking about doing something like this for yourself. Never forget you matter and when we put value in ourselves it shows everyone around us that self love is important. It’s ok to love you!!! So do it!!!

Updated on 5 Jul 2018:
Today is 4weeks.... I am still tender in lower abdomen. Swelling is a day to day... some days slight swelling and some days it’s very noticeable. The binder is still my best friend.

I currently have saline breast implants and have had them for 10 years. Over the years they have fallen and seem to feel harder than they used to be. I've been thinking about this for over a year and finally decided to schedule my surgery with Dr. Chariker. I have had 4 different consultations with differnt doctors and have decided to go with Dr. Chariker. I will be having a breast revision with a lift on July 16th. I'm wondering if I should get silicone or memory gel implants???

I have been wanting to do this for a very long time. And it feels as though I have been saving for a very long time as well. I just want to be more proportional and I'm looking forward to my new curves. i don't want torpedos but am looking for something more natural looking. im going with mentor smooth silicone. He is going to have mid profile and high for sizing the day of. im very active and we dont want them to migrate into my armpits!

Updated on 13 Feb 2014:
I am very scared. my surgery is today at noon! I can't sleep so I thought i would post an update. im adding some pre-op photos.

Updated on 14 Feb 2014:
I still am in awe that I followed through. great experience. he went with high profile 325cc. I definitely picked the right doctor and his staff is beyond wonderful! Dr. Chariker is a miracle worker. my breasts feel high, sore and swollen but I am staying on top of meds (ahead of meds) and that really helps even though I hate taking medicine. im so glad I found this site. it has been a blessing to have support from you all. Thanks!

Updated on 14 Feb 2014:
day 1

Updated on 24 Feb 2014:
posting a pic 11 days post-op. Still tight and working on stretching pectoral muscles.

Updated on 3 Mar 2014:
new picture

Updated on 7 Mar 2014:
I can see they have dropped some but have a ways to go. Feeling encouraged.

Updated on 16 Mar 2014:
dour weeks post op

Updated on 24 Mar 2014:
week 5

Updated on 17 May 2014:
Three months post op picture

Updated on 22 Mar 2015:
13 mos. Post op

Updated on 16 Jul 2015:
1.5 years post ba

Hello,
Hi my name is Candace everyone calls me Candi for short! I am on my JOURNEY for a new healthier me in 2014! I am going in for my tummy tuck in the middle of Feb. very EXCITED about that also I am changing my eating habits as well as my FITNESS LIFE (EXERCISING NOW) =) 2014 is a BIG LIFE CHANGE FOR ME! I hope to get lots of helpful information from others as well as I hope to inspire & help others as well!!!!

Updated on 30 Jan 2014:
My tummy tuck journey!

Updated on 30 Jan 2014:
Tummy Tuck Journey

Updated on 30 Jan 2014:
My Pudge Stomach

Updated on 2 Feb 2014:
Ok I am 19 days PRE-OP and I am trying to see if anyone knows if there is anything I should be taking as far as supplements or vitamins????

Updated on 4 Feb 2014:
Ok I asked did I have to provide my own compression garment and I called my PS and they said NO they provide it YAY MONEY SAVED!! Also I asked about taking any vitamins or supplements pre-surgery & most doctors have answered my question and don't recommend that I should if I am on well balanced healthy diet which I am =) COUNTING DOWN 16 DAYS UNTIL SURGERY!!

Updated on 6 Feb 2014:
So I am getting closer each day to surgery and I am so ready but nervous! I have tons of questions? I am getting a PAIN PUMP and I want to know what people think about it HELP does it relieve a lot of PAIN I have even read that some people come out out of surgery having NO PAIN because they are numb from the PAIN PUMP????ANSWERS?????