POSTED UNDER Rhinoplasty REVIEWS
Mixed feelings - Beverly Hills, CA
ORIGINAL POST
For anyone that has been through a rhinoplasty,...
savvyBtownMay 27, 2016
$14,000
For anyone that has been through a rhinoplasty, you may know all to well the the anxious feeling of having another surgery. I am definitely type A personality and I like to know a detailed plan of what a dr intends on doing with my face. I am the type of person that likes to research and read different cases and real self experiences. I think anyone undergoing a revision should ask questions and be 100% you are both aiming to achieve the same goals.
I met with Dr. Frankel for a total of 15 minutes during my first consult and he was annoyed that I came back to see him for a second consult (as per his fellows Instructions). After much hesitation, I decided his bedside manner should not matter and I should book based on his skills.
Fast forward, I decided to book with him. From January to May I have sent him three emails with pictures showing what I would like to achieve and more understanding of grafts, specifically spreader grafts.
I read a bunch of reviews, which mentioned spreader grafts make the nose wider, so I reiterated my question to Dr frankel again. He obviously did not appreciate my asking so many questions and with less than 30 days notice, he cancelled the surgery.
I had moved my own clients around, booked flights that are non refundable $2500 and booked accommodations for two weeks. I've been planning since January. I was utterly shocked to receive his lame excuse that he does not feel he could meet my expectations and that I should rethink why a rhinoplasty with minimal changes is important to me. He made generic comments about what a concern my nose is to me. Anyone who is a rhino patient has a concern with their nose. I don't sit home all day and think about my nose. I run a successful business and work 60 plus hours a week. Completely and utterly shocked and pissed off that he would waste so much of time, money and efforts. Completely unprofessional.
I was able to receive my money back from the house rental, but lost $2500 for flights! Do you think that is fair?? I certainly don't.
I understand a dr may have reservations if a patient seems anxious, but to cancel with so little time is complete BS and so inconsiderate. I am guessing that he currently has a few patients that are a handful right now and does not have the patience for someone that is going to do their homework and ask too many detailed questions. My advice to you is, if you really want Dr. Frankel to do your surgery, DO NOT REPEAT your questions. I can only assume if anything were to go wrong, the door would close on you. So very disappointed and pissed about the money is all I can really say.
I met with Dr. Frankel for a total of 15 minutes during my first consult and he was annoyed that I came back to see him for a second consult (as per his fellows Instructions). After much hesitation, I decided his bedside manner should not matter and I should book based on his skills.
Fast forward, I decided to book with him. From January to May I have sent him three emails with pictures showing what I would like to achieve and more understanding of grafts, specifically spreader grafts.
I read a bunch of reviews, which mentioned spreader grafts make the nose wider, so I reiterated my question to Dr frankel again. He obviously did not appreciate my asking so many questions and with less than 30 days notice, he cancelled the surgery.
I had moved my own clients around, booked flights that are non refundable $2500 and booked accommodations for two weeks. I've been planning since January. I was utterly shocked to receive his lame excuse that he does not feel he could meet my expectations and that I should rethink why a rhinoplasty with minimal changes is important to me. He made generic comments about what a concern my nose is to me. Anyone who is a rhino patient has a concern with their nose. I don't sit home all day and think about my nose. I run a successful business and work 60 plus hours a week. Completely and utterly shocked and pissed off that he would waste so much of time, money and efforts. Completely unprofessional.
I was able to receive my money back from the house rental, but lost $2500 for flights! Do you think that is fair?? I certainly don't.
I understand a dr may have reservations if a patient seems anxious, but to cancel with so little time is complete BS and so inconsiderate. I am guessing that he currently has a few patients that are a handful right now and does not have the patience for someone that is going to do their homework and ask too many detailed questions. My advice to you is, if you really want Dr. Frankel to do your surgery, DO NOT REPEAT your questions. I can only assume if anything were to go wrong, the door would close on you. So very disappointed and pissed about the money is all I can really say.
Replies (20)
May 29, 2016
Sorry to hear this. I have also been refused surgery by many doctors for asking 'too many questions'. They act like I have a mental health problem. The doctor I ended up doing my (bad) revision with last year even told me I shouldn't see too many doctors as it would overwhelm me. It's sad because I did so much research for my revision and in the end I still had a terrible doctor who created new problems: dripping nose, did the opposite to what I wanted for projection and nostril show, they cut my tip so much, they ruined my sleep and breathing. I found myself wishing I went with a Ruder doctor with better skills (like you I realise that bedside manner is less important than skills, I learnt this because my revision surgeon was polite but they were a terrible surgeon. Also they were mean after surgery)
So I understand
I wish I had never had surgery now I am dependent on these doctors who are all so happy to help you for primary but they act like they are doing you a favour and make fusses when you want a revision
I'm sorry this happened to you
At least you didn't have spreader grafts, I was given them in my primary , my first doctor was that stupid, my nose was so beautiful and they cut tons of my septal cartilage and made grafts that ruined my nose
Now there isn't enough cartilage left for futire surgery and they need rib!
Which doctor do you think you will have surgery with now?
So I understand
I wish I had never had surgery now I am dependent on these doctors who are all so happy to help you for primary but they act like they are doing you a favour and make fusses when you want a revision
I'm sorry this happened to you
At least you didn't have spreader grafts, I was given them in my primary , my first doctor was that stupid, my nose was so beautiful and they cut tons of my septal cartilage and made grafts that ruined my nose
Now there isn't enough cartilage left for futire surgery and they need rib!
Which doctor do you think you will have surgery with now?
June 12, 2016
I've read about him doing this to multiple people. Shame really. I don't find this to be very ethical. Patients have a right to ask questions.
June 13, 2016
I agree. I think you should be able to ask as many questions until you feel comfortable. We are hiring them, not the other way around. It's a major surgery, so I will not settle with "trust me" kind of response. So glad I did not have surgery with him now. Relieved actually. I wasn't really feeling 100% with him and was having a lot of anxiety about it.
June 14, 2016
He's meant to be good, it probably would have been successful but there's many others that can do a good job too. What kind of a nose are you going for? Did you like his aesthetics in particular?
July 10, 2016
I understand , and maybe this was for the best ...... I hope you eventually find a good doctor to address ur concerns
July 11, 2016
Hi Jen:
I am so happy for you. I met with Dr. Frankel seven months ago. Just my opinion, I felt he is very sincere , and knows what he needs to do. I have seen other surgeons prior and Dr. Frankel and his staff is professional. I fly from Florida to California to see him. I am just handling my work schedule and proceed. Sometimes a patient can overthink and we have to have faith in the Surgeon I am glad you and I have confidence in Dr. Frankel. I cannot wait to have my revision journey over soon. Looking forward to seeing photos.
I am so happy for you. I met with Dr. Frankel seven months ago. Just my opinion, I felt he is very sincere , and knows what he needs to do. I have seen other surgeons prior and Dr. Frankel and his staff is professional. I fly from Florida to California to see him. I am just handling my work schedule and proceed. Sometimes a patient can overthink and we have to have faith in the Surgeon I am glad you and I have confidence in Dr. Frankel. I cannot wait to have my revision journey over soon. Looking forward to seeing photos.
UPDATED FROM savvyBtown
More thoughts. - see the big picture
savvyBtownMay 28, 2016
After the initial upsetting news that the surgery has been cancelled, I can see the big picture clearer. I just wasn't ready to undergo an invasive revision. If I were ready, I would not have felt so anxious about the spreader grafts and what was going to happen. The fact is, It's nerve-wracking being so far away from home and having a major revision. I trusted Dr. Frankel, but not entirely. I am going to continue to use fillers for now and find a dr closer to home and come up with new plan for a minor fix and use fillers for the bridge . I am still really upset about the money loss and changing all my clients around to accommodate the surgery, but in the end, this is a blessing in disguise. He did the right thing by cancelling the surgery, but he should not have waited so long to let me know of his intent.
Replies (9)
June 12, 2016
If you really feel that way then thats great. But I disagree that being ready for surgery means having no anxiety or questions... I felt confident and had bad outcomes. And now I ask more questions. I doubt you did anything wrong because I've read this doctor becomes rude very quickly, and I think to reject a patient without a proper discussion is just plain uncaring. Doctors see patients with botched and destroyed faces and should know that patients want to be careful.

May 27, 2017
I think you were lucky that Frankel canceled. I went through surgery with him and I regret it every single day.
June 18, 2017
I have seen many surgeons and have had surgery with the top. As much as it seems or is unfair, most surgeons do my like to be micromanaged. They are the experts and we are not doctors. I am not saying you are wrong or what he did was right, this is just my observation as a patient that's had 4 rhinos. The maste/ top guys, which i don't fee frankel is, can take a few questions and that's it.
August 3, 2018
You are SO LUCKY that he cancelled you. I wish he had cancelled me, it would have saved me a world of hurt.
be writing a review in about four months. If Dr. Frankel expressed concern, I'm sure there must be a good reason. He is a very gifted and compassionate surgeon. I am sorry you had a bad experience. Maybe it was just a misunderstanding -- sometimes personalities don't mesh.