Mark F. Blake, MD

I underwent a rhinoplasty with Dr. Blake eight months ago, and I couldn't be happier with the results. I’ve waited eight months to be sure that everything turned out exactly how I wanted - and it did. Dr. Blake's expertise and attention to detail exceeded my expectations. The entire process, from consultation to recovery was smooth. Not only was Dr. Blake exceptional, but the entire staff was also incredibly friendly and supportive throughout the entire process. The final outcome has left me feeling more confident than ever. I highly recommend Dr. Blake.

After initially meeting Dr. Blake and talking through with him what procedure I wanted to have done, I decided to go ahead and have a Face/Neck lift, Fat transfer, Laser and Upper/Lower 4 lid Bleph. Dr. Blake and his staff at Illume Cosmetic Surgery could not have been more patient nor kind with me. I urge anyone reading this review to really ask yourself is this what you want, as you have to be patient and nothing happens overnight. Over a year long period Dr. Blake and his staff have been nothing but courteous, kind and reassuring to me that I would eventually look the way I desired. I am by nature not one of the most patient people put on this earth, and I continually went in to see Dr. Blake complaining that I was swollen and bruised. What I didn't fully understand nor grasp at the beginning of this journey is that you have to be patient even though I was reassured time after time by Dr. Blake's staff that everything would come good. I'm sure there has been more than one occasion when Dr. Blake and his staff have dreaded me coming into the office, but, what I have realized over this year long period is that Dr. Blake is one of the kindest and most educated Doctors I have ever dealt with. He spent time with me explaining and calming me down time after time that everything was healing according to our plan. I continually go back to this clinic for Botox and in the near future a little tweaking here and there. My advice to anyone wanting to have this procedure done is to really research it ahead of time. It takes months to finally feel like yourself again but looking much better thanks to Dr. Blake. I am a 66 year old female who has a career where people are continually looking at me, I didn't want to look different just refreshed, and that is exactly what I got. 18 months on I am still glad I went ahead and had this surgery and I would not have wanted any other surgeon other than Dr. Blake. This Doctor makes magic happen.

Stellar care from start to finish. Dr Blake is masterful , AND realistic. Which was the most important to me. He performed my BA/BL and payed extraordinary attention not only to the things I DID want, but also to the things I DIDNT. He wanted to know what I absolutely didn’t like/ want in my outcome and made it his priority to not only give me the “look” I wanted .... but a huge gain of confidence as well. I would (and do) recommend Dr Blake to anyone and everyone . He’s the best of the best .

My stats pre surgery: 5'1" 110lbs, four children, breastfed 3 children for 12-14 months each.
Pre surgery breast size was 36 A, loose and saggy. I workout daily and am quite broad for my height/weight. I wanted to simply fill in my empty breast pockets. After much research, I decided on Dr. Mark Blake in Milwaukee, Wi.


Updated on 10 Dec 2020:
Breasts are high and tight (as expected). Pain is being managed with prescribed medication.

Updated on 10 Dec 2020:
Breasts have started to drop a little already. Left one seems to be lower, but I’m not worried about it. Noticeable bruising under each breast. Pain is still being treated with the prescribed pain pills. I have a lot of nerve pain and “zingers”. I am not sleeping well, my back has been getting very sore. I’ve been using a heating pad, which helps a lot. My husband took this week off from work and has been the best nurse ever. I’m not sure how people do this without help!

Updated on 10 Dec 2020:
Light bruising throughout my chest area and under the breasts. I’ve been wearing my bra and chest strap 24/7. I’m hoping they continue to drop into place, the strap rubs into my armpits and is an annoyance. I still have significant pain, worse when I stand or change positions. I honestly did not anticipate the constant pain and tightness. I know it’s temporary, and I find myself wishing the days away! Sleep is still an issue, mainly due to back pain. I was able to take a short walk (one mile) around my neighborhood today, hopefully the fresh air will help

Updated on 10 Dec 2020:
Left breast is sitting lower than the right breast at this point. I’m sure the right one will catch up eventually. Pain is getting a little better. I’m still taking the pain medication, but now I’m only taking one every eight hours. Hoping to keep cutting back each day. Breasts are feeling more natural and I’m happy with how they are healing. I’ve had zero issues with my incisions. My stitches will be removed on day 10 of recovery.

Updated on 10 Jan 2021:
It has been one month since my surgery. I finally feel so good! Pain is practically gone, amen!!! My nipple areas are slightly sensitive still, but nothing that bothers me at all. It’s so exciting to buy and wear new swimsuits.

After breastfeeding 4 kids my boobs were pretty deflated and I was ready to get a breast augmentation knowing I was having no more kids. I found Dr Blake after doing some research and reading review online. Then when I called I really liked the ladies I spoke to on the phone.

After meeting the doctor I felt really comfortable moving forward with this doctor’s office. They made me feel confident that they knew what they were doing and would pick the appropriate size/profile after I showed the doctor pictures. Love my results. They really turned out great.

The only thing I will say is... I do wish I went bigger. When I get them replaced in the future I think I’ll try 475. The ones I have fit my body perfect, which is what I asked for. But I really want that busty feeling without a bra. But I think if I keep working out and tone up that they look a bigger on me too.

Just my thoughts. I am 5’5” and about 122lbs. I wear x-small in most tops, sometimes a small for a baggier fit. I wear size 2 or 0 in pants depending on the fit.



Updated on 29 Nov 2020:
One thing I forgot to mention, I did get a donut lift. So the doctor cut around the whole nipple and tightened up the skin.

Healing went very well. I got nipple feeling back within a few days but I still have a small section under my right nipple that is numb still (at 4 months)

The left nipple scar is healing really well, the right one is a little stubborn so I bought some scar cream. I was just using the vitamin E liquid recommend by the doctors office.

My right boob is still slightly higher than the left, but my boobs were like that before surgery. I don’t really notice it when wearing a push-up bra.

I was nervous about the ultra high profile but I think they’ve healed very natural and ended up looking great. I do notice the ultra high profile gives less top cleavage. So head on it doesn’t look like I have much boobs, but from the side they look great.

Updated on 29 Nov 2020:
Things are still healing very nice. During my research I found this saying “at 6 days you hate them, at six weeks you like them, and at 6 months you love them”. This is the most real, true thing I have found during this experience.

Another thing I wanted to mention: I got really bad stretch marks on my boobs with each kid. So after I got the implants in they looked terrible. All yellow with huge stretch marks. I didn’t really have any photos of them, but I posted what they look like now. The underboob was the worst. Just huge streaks of stretch marks. Obviously there are still some stretch marks but so much better looking now.

I wear between a 32d and 32 dd. The d has spillage and leaves marks on my boobs. The dd has some extra room near arm pits but fits comfortable. The purple one below is 34d, I have bought 2 of these when I couldn’t find a 32dd. 32 band is not easy to find and sells out quick.

Still working on my right nipple scar, but I would definitely do the nipple again instead of the scar being in the boob fold.

Updated on 9 Mar 2021:
Everything is going really good still. Getting less painful zings in my boobs now. And the feeling in my right boob, under the nipple, is starting to come back. I still wish they were just a bit bigger. I’m having a hard time finding the right bra that gives good cleavage. 34d cup fits the best but I have to wear it on the tightest hook. 32 d is good with no under wire, but 32dd just doesn’t seem to fit right either. I might consider replacing them with high profile, around 450ish. I’m happy with them though, definitely an improvement from before.

Updated on 19 Mar 2021:
Just wanted to add that my scars are looking pretty good, I think. I don’t even notice them around my nipple. Honestly, my stretch marks bother me a lot more. The areola incision would still my recommended choice if you have large nipples after children/breastfeeding. Mine were pretty large before surgery.

Hello!
I am so excited to be able to start my own review after reading so many on this website for so long. I have been wanting a breast augmentation for the last....what seems like forever. I am 36 and have one child that was breast fed. My breasts were not large to begin with: 34AA most of my life and as we all know, after breast feeding, the boobs deflate. So here I am now, 5'3" 135lbs, a 34AA only more deflated lol. I chose Dr. Blake after careful research in my area. My surgery is scheduled for 10/22/20 and I couldn't be more excited! Dr. Blake has a great bedside manner and I felt very comfortable throughout the consultation, never rushed. He and his staff answered all of my questions. His Surgery coordinator, Julie, is also great and very responsive. They got me in for my surgery a short 6 weeks after my consultation. I am not certain of the "cc's" I will be going with, but I am doing silicone, under the muscle, no lift. Dr. Blake has you print out three pics of breasts you DON"T like and three pics of breasts that look ideal to you. They post them in the OR while doing the surgery. Dr. Blake gives the option for General Anesthesia or Twilight sedation with local anesthesia, although he has the final say based upon your health history. He does most of his breast augmentations (without a lift) using the twilight with local method. I have to admit, as a Nurse, I am a little nervous about this but have done quite a bit of research. The procedure is quick, approximately 1 hour. I am three weeks out from my surgery right now and coudln't be more excited! I'd love any feedback from people that have had this procedure with twilight and local.
I received an email with my presurgical info about medications to avoid, what to expect the day of and after surgery, and then I will receive a call 2-3 days prior to go over information again and ask any questions I have. I am unsure if I will need a COVID test; as an ER nurse, I am not sure if they would test me or not being that I am constantly exposed to all kinds of illness.
I will post another update probably one week out from surgery.

Updated on 20 Oct 2020:
Two days left until surgery and I am beyond excited! I am also getting nervous. I am a nurse so I am having to put an antibiotic ointment in my nose 2 days before and for 5 days after my procedure to prevent a MRSA infection. I will add some before pictures. After looking at tons of reviews on here, I am hoping to do 375-400cc silicone, under the muscle. I will ultimately leave it to my surgeon to make the final call on what my body can handle. So so excited!

Updated on 21 Oct 2020:
34A; 1 child; I did breastfeed. 5’3” 135lbs; Under the muscle, mentor silicone. Night before surgery and I am so excited and also so nervous. I have to be there at 7:45am. Surgery around 9 and recovery 2 hours after.

Updated on 22 Oct 2020:
Today was the day! I arrived at 7:45am and for checked in. They did a urine preg right away and I got changed. The nurse came in and took pictures, gave me a Valium and Zofran, and the doctor marked me up. 10 min later I was brought to the OR hooked up to monitoring, and my IV started. That’s the last I remember and then woke up in recovery. The pain wasn’t as bad as I was expecting; it was just a tightness and pressure. I spent 90 min in recovery and then got to go home. I ended up with 375cc Mentor silicone ultra high profile implants. I am dying to see what they look like. I will update again soon

Updated on 25 Oct 2020:
Well, day 2 was a little bit more uncomfortable, not because of pain, but just because I felt run down, a little sore, and have had not much of an appetite. I am managing my pain on Tylenol, except before bed. I take 1 Percocet and am good through the night. I got to shower tonight and it felt good, but I also realized how much support the post-surgical bra and band give. My incisions look good from what I can tell. I am so excited to see my new boobs settle into position. I love them already!!!

Updated on 28 Oct 2020:
6 days post-op today. I have not had to take any pain medications. Not even Tylenol! I continue to wear the band above my breasts, which is the most irritating part. One more week and hopefully I don’t have to wear it anymore. I also switched to a zip front sports bra, which was approved by my plastic surgeon. It’s more comfortable than the surgical bra, but even that isn’t bad. My bruising is slowly fading away. I’m looking forward to my first follow up appointment!

Updated on 3 Nov 2020:
Wow! I feel really good! I have been wearing zip front sports bras as they are comfortable and easy to put on. My healing is going great (see incision pics attached). No pain really, but a little nerve pain across the top of my left breast. Nothing crazy. I can’t wait to see how they look at 1 month!

My profile has also been an insecurity of mine due to a double chin I have had my whole life. No matter how much weight I lost, it was always there. Once I turned 30, I noticed the skin was also getting a little “crepey” and decided it was time to do something about it. I wish I would have done this procedure years ago. I researched doctors in my area and really wanted to meet with Dr. Blake. I am so happy that I did. I had a consultation with Dr. Blake and he was helpful in guiding me in the right direction to address and correct my concerns. I took a couple of weeks to really think things over and scheduled my surgery date. The staff at the Clinic of Cosmetic Surgery was extremely caring and went above and beyond to make sure I was informed and at ease before and after my surgery. They also scheduled several post op appointments to ensure I was healing, following care instructions, and happy with my results. The down time was about a week (wear the head wrap 24/7) and was not painful at all. I only took my pain meds for the first two days and then was fine without anything. I just was sure to use arnicare for bruising and they disappeared fairly quickly. I am so happy I made this decision and now I don’t think twice about my profile or crepey skin.

I am now two months post op for a rhinoplasty combined with a chin augmentation/implant. At 23 years old, I had been wanting to change the appearance of my profile for at least half of my life, and when I tell you Dr. Blake gave me my dream surgery result... WOW!! For my initial consultation, his staff was beyond welcoming and friendly, and he was very attentive to what it was I exactly desired. He gave some of his own professional advice as well with the 3D imaging that I had not previously considered to get my optimal results. I had met with two other Milwaukee area plastic surgeons to get a feel for who I’d be most comfortable with. Dr Blake was the last one I met, and I already knew he was outstanding based on his awards and reviews I read about online, including top plastic surgeon of the year award for the 4th straight year I believe. So after meeting and feeling the best about him personality-wise on top of that, I was elated to find out he also offered the ****BEST PRICE*** out of all the surgeons I met with! Fast forward to surgery day, once again made me feel at ease and did everything to make me comfortable before and after surgery. The nurse called each day for the next three days to check in and monitor the healing process. A week after that I was able to get my splint off and stitches removed for both my nose and chin, and nearly cried because I had been wanting this result for so long. Of course, with a rhinoplasty there will be quite a bit of swelling for the first few months, which I still have a bit of two months later. However, I couldn’t be more pleased with everything and overall would recommend Dr Blake time and time again for anyone wishing to get plastic surgery.

I have been wanting to have an augmentation since after my second son, glad I didn't do it then because I have 4 more children. I progressively lost breast tissue after the nursing and weaning of each of my children- going from a C cup to a barely A! So after my last son and a few other consultations I decided to check out Dr. Blake. They were able to get me in with in two weeks for my initial consult, which they spent about 45 min with me informing me and asking questions. I felt confident after this to set up my surgery date! March 20th so about 6 weeks out, which was perfect gave me time to save the remainder as I was paying cash. They also give a 3% discount for cash payments so that was a plus- I decided to go with Saline for my own piece of mind.

Updated on 2 Apr 2018:
So this is about a week post op some of my swelling had gone down. If anyone is interested I did take daily pics and can add.

Updated on 2 Apr 2018:
I got my stitches out and was told I no longer had to wear the strap! I was shocked since I see most do wear for a month or so. Also my incisions look better then I expected. Started massage this day.

Updated on 2 Apr 2018:
I feel my incisions look better then expected- I have a tendency to keloid scar so we shall see.

Updated on 5 Apr 2018:
Looks like my dominant side is actually dropping before my other side.I did have some minor bruising on the left side and you can still see a bruise under the left nipple hoping they will eventually even out, but still love them :)

Updated on 6 Apr 2018:
I'm shocked at how great my incision look!
My c-section scar (had 2 vaginally 4 c-section stubborn breech!) is keloid in the middle so hoping these stay looking great!

Updated on 12 Apr 2018:
So my incisions are looking great but I still have a bruise and now I have Mondor cords on my left breast..... I have been massaging to try and break them up quite painful but so far it's working.....

Updated on 19 May 2020:
I got my breast augmentation March 20 of 2018 and little over two years now. I can’t say how natural I feel with these ladies. I don’t even realize I haven’t breast implants until I do my massages in the shower!!! So happy I did this! No one even has question whether or not my boobs are real or fake even when I wear a padded bra!

I've been wanting this procedure done for a very long time and have done many consultations with many doctors, and I must say that Dr Blake is definitely the best!I know once I had my consultation with him that he was going to be doing the procedure. He made me feel very comfortable, was straight to the point, very honest and the staff is amazing and very welcoming! Its been about 10 days since I had my procedure and I'm healing very well. Dr Blake is very good at what he does and I will definitely be coming back for more procedures with him!