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Horrible Experience, Dr. Zelken Left my Face Scarred for Life.
I, Kathleen Conner, consulted with cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Jonathan Zelken, for the first time in 2018. I sought out his services for concerns regarding pigmentation around both eyes and upper cheek, heaviness and sagging the jowl area .Suggesting a revision facelift, facetite, liposuction to the jaw and neck area and Volbella.
We discussed all available options including any applicable non-invasive procedures.
I chose to wait before proceeding with any further treatment options until January 14, 2021, I met with Dr. Zelken in consult for a second time where he recommended a more drastic, cosmetic surgical procedure. This procedure included a facelift revision, a fat transfer to the eye hollows and a skin graft to the inside of my mouth lower jaw area, convincing me the graft would add an overall appealing outcome. Prior to having the operation l Consulted with Dr. Zelken on four more occasions January 21, March 3rd and 25th, June 8th 2021.My understanding of the procedures were as follows, addressing my chin and lower facial areas where he would tighten the skin along the jaw, a skin graft taken from my abdomen placed below the lower lip on the inside of my mouth and fat grafting to placement to the orbital rim.
June 14, 2021 Surgery was performed at Galea surgical center Newport Beach. 6:00 am l took the prescribed Valium .Extremely drowsy I don’t remember every detail prior to surgery because it made me uncomfortable l do recall Dr. Zelken mentioning to the anesthesiologist he had hosted a party on his boat and was suffering from a hangover.
The Surgery was scheduled to last 5 hours in length. At 1:00 pm I awoke from the surgery to horror and shock when l realized Dr.Zelken had made a incision to the vermillion boarder of my lower lip.
I was seen by Dr Zelken’s Physicians assistant the following day where l expressed concern. She responded by telling me to get over it.
June18th the graft fell out of my mouth. I called the office to tell Dr. Zelken instead l was met with the same physicians assistant I clearly felt Dr.Zelken was avoiding me.
During this time Galea Surgery Center charged me an added $500.00 dollars for an additional amount of time.
As the swelling subsided l noticed a significant loss of tissue in my left lower cheek and jaw and lip .The left lower jaw had a noticeable deformity it appeared to have a enormous amount of fat, tissue and skin removed, roughly 3.81cm higher than the right jaw, resulting in considerable asymmetry, also the jawline was sheared to take on a different shape than the right. He had also made a fundamental error creating a dog ear in front of my right 1.5 cm while this could have been avoided addressing this issue during our conversation Dr.Zelken admittedly acknowledged he ran out of time during surgery.
On the July 15th, 2021, when l was able to confront Dr.Zelken for the first time since surgery he gas lit me downplaying my concerns asked him about the additional charges from the surgery center he admitted to his error explaining the situation with my lip had taken more time. He explained he had to remove a scar. Offering to revise my lip and place a graft in the inside of my lip , repair the dog ear and repair the symmetry problem at no charge. Feeling financially insecure and trusting Doctor Zelken could repair the issues l proceeded with the offer.
I requested my medical records on August 2nd explained that I would seek a second opinion.
Over next two months and prior to the second surgery Dr Zelken became increasingly angry and for unknown reasons Dr. Zelken repeatedly tried to convince me to have the 2nd surgery in his office, l didn’t feel comfortable with the idea.
On October 12th 2021 the 2nd surgery took place at Galea Surgery. The surgery would include a skin graft placed in my lower lip , We spoke about correcting the asymmetry in my jaw. He also spoke of removing the dog ear in front of my right ear, never mentioning anything about making other incisions to my face other than the lip and the standard revision scars around the ears.
I woke up from surgery that day in October to a large, taped bandage placed on my cheek. When I asked Dr. Zelken about the bandage, he mentioned an incision had been placed in my cheek. Not mentioning he had also made another scar where the dog ear had been. He had made another error nicking a hole in my cheek. When asked his reply “oh, don’t worry about that”. No further explanation was given. The graft placed was uneven, hard and limited my mouth opening more, the symmetry was made worse by an 5 ½ inch zigzag scar that resembles a slash vs incision. Another 1 inch scar to my chin. Fat place where the zigzag scar was made revealing unsightly bumpiness, Two scars in the back of my neck where he claims he did a neck lift and the scars around my ears were extended beyond the original facelift scars, noticeable and unsightly. Adding to all the scars my face and neck make look 15 to 20 years older.
The physical complications of this procedure are..
• Damage to the mental nerve which caused pressure affecting my lower lip. This resulted in complete loss of feeling to my lip, facial palsy, ptosis, pain to the right side of my jaw, an odd grimace when I attempt to smile, drooling, and difficulty chewing, swallowing, speech problems, unable to smile , laugh or open my mouth wide enough to have dental care.
• Difficulties with speech at various times along with a frozen and uncomfortable sensation to my lower face.
• Noticeable asymmetry due to my left jaw is 3.81cm higher than the right he never addressed this problem. Displaying a 51/2 inch scar, t
• One 4 inch scar on the lower right cheek and a 3 inch scar above that one where the dog ear had been and a hole in my cheek where he nicked it.
• I now have five new facial scars. My left cheek has a two-and-a-half-inch scar along with an additional scar in the same location where extra skin was excised during the first procedure. Also, a round, deep scar now resides on my right cheek which Dr. Zelken admitted to causing during the procedure. His arrogant manner and defensive demeanor was scary
• Dr. Zelken put too much fat in my buccal area, and I now look like a chipmunk. Fat transfer elsewhere is unwanted, lumpy, and disfiguring.
January 18th 2022 lsought a second opinion with a reconstructive surgeon at the University of California-Irvine, Dr. Miles Pfaff.
Dr. Pfaff noted my mouth tethering and lip numbness. He also noted my left jaw's asymmetry, commenting he could address my issues, but it would take time along with several surgeries. Dr. Pfaff referred me to a physical therapist who specialized in facial and jaw needs with a request to follow back up with him in three months. I left his office that day feeling very hopeful. I asked Dr. Pfaff not to speak with Dr. Zelken on my behalf. However, he spoke to Dr. Zelken anyway. Dr. Pfaff maintain there is no conflict of interest.Dr. Pfaff confided with Dr.Zelken and shared all my issues as he states in my next visit in March 2022
I sought another opinion . Dr. Pollei was appalled by my face..Very openly he told me to sue Dr. Zelken. Explained he committed battery. Without a consent and never discussed any incisions are ludicrous.
The psychological impact has been overwhelmingly l cannot explain the mental anguish l have endured. Once a confident, joyful, and social woman, my seven-year relationship had been ruined by despair, anxiety, depression and stress. My internist, Tri Colin Tran, referred me shortly after to a clinical therapist by the name of Barbara Colitz. My initial phone meeting with Barbara was difficult. I had a meltdown because I could see my face during the zoom phone call It was after the initial procedure when the problems of anxiety and depression developed. The second surgical procedure heightened the stress and anxiety symptoms to a whole new level. The psychological effects are debilitating.
The issues with Dr. Zelken go beyond disregarding a patient’s informed consent. His uncaring, nonchalant demeanor showed itself after the initial procedure. He avoided me at all costs and went so far as to have his nurse cover for him. I wasn’t allowed the opportunity to talk to him for a month after the surgery was performed. I had to assert myself to get his attention.
He presented himself as a professional and experienced plastic surgeon who works specializes in facial and body reconstructive surgeries. Post-surgery he lied, became defensive, and shifted responsibility when I openly discussed with him my concerns. Then, he gas lighted me on several occasions. I began to doubt myself. An example of my recent experience would be, I had concerns and expressed dissatisfaction about my lip. Instead of listening to my concerns or trying to figure out a way to figure out a way to fix it, Dr. Zelken exclaimed, “I didn't have a lip before to begin with”.
Medical Records
It took approximately 6 to 7 months to retrieve the medical records with numerous emails requesting them.
Unbeknownst to me, Dr. Zelken had conferred with Dr. Miles Pfaff. Dr. Zelken made many accusations in his notes implying untrue and exaggerated claims of my experience with plastic surgery in the past. Most are pure speculation intended to brand me as some frivolous woman obsessed with plastic surgery. Dr. Zelken is looking to diminish my character in case of a lawsuit by fabricating many of his statements. Some of his statements are so far-fetched they’re devious. Dr. Zelken claims the pre-existing conditions I presented to his practice with are false. Every pre-existing condition he claims I had; he is liable for. Dr. Sepehr plastic surgeon can contest to this statement and its validity.
I did not sign a lip scar release, using this term is technically not a surgery but merely a label Dr. Zelken chose because a scar revision consent was not signed. t is a massage for burn patients. I also never signed a revision facelift, scar revision, neck lift, lip graft, skin graft or fat grafting consent for either operation. However l did sign a 3 page facelift consent. Dr. Zelken and his team have altered, left out, and changed documents. Understand, that if I had signed a consent, the doctor had no warrant to cut into my lip, jaw, cheek, or outer ear. None of these intentionally inflicted incisions are part of a scar revision nor a facelift revision. They are fresh, and therefore, no scar existed prior to the procedures being performed.
It was after Dr. Pfaff had spoke to Dr. Zelken did l receive the Dr. Notes:
Dr. Zelken’s fabrications for pre-existing conditions as noted in the records:
1. Facial deformity
2. Speech problems
3. Severe tethering
4. Multiple grafts
5. Chipmunk cheeks
6. Goretex in my lip
7. Tethering of the lower face
8. Multiple fillers and more
I have made a copy of the clinical practice notes and highlighted most of Dr. Zelken’s documented cover-ups and lies. You will see the fabrication and deceit approximate more than 75 percent of the medical records. Dr. Zelken has total control over all the surgery center’s documentation including the scheduling forms. He and his team have altered several of these notes as well.
I have proof of many of the incorrect information and inconsistencies contained in the documents.
Thank you,
Kathleen Conner
I chose to wait before proceeding with any further treatment options until January 14, 2021, I met with Dr. Zelken in consult for a second time where he recommended a more drastic, cosmetic surgical procedure. This procedure included a facelift revision, a fat transfer to the eye hollows and a skin graft to the inside of my mouth lower jaw area, convincing me the graft would add an overall appealing outcome. Prior to having the operation l Consulted with Dr. Zelken on four more occasions January 21, March 3rd and 25th, June 8th 2021.My understanding of the procedures were as follows, addressing my chin and lower facial areas where he would tighten the skin along the jaw, a skin graft taken from my abdomen placed below the lower lip on the inside of my mouth and fat grafting to placement to the orbital rim.
June 14, 2021 Surgery was performed at Galea surgical center Newport Beach. 6:00 am l took the prescribed Valium .Extremely drowsy I don’t remember every detail prior to surgery because it made me uncomfortable l do recall Dr. Zelken mentioning to the anesthesiologist he had hosted a party on his boat and was suffering from a hangover.
The Surgery was scheduled to last 5 hours in length. At 1:00 pm I awoke from the surgery to horror and shock when l realized Dr.Zelken had made a incision to the vermillion boarder of my lower lip.
I was seen by Dr Zelken’s Physicians assistant the following day where l expressed concern. She responded by telling me to get over it.
June18th the graft fell out of my mouth. I called the office to tell Dr. Zelken instead l was met with the same physicians assistant I clearly felt Dr.Zelken was avoiding me.
During this time Galea Surgery Center charged me an added $500.00 dollars for an additional amount of time.
As the swelling subsided l noticed a significant loss of tissue in my left lower cheek and jaw and lip .The left lower jaw had a noticeable deformity it appeared to have a enormous amount of fat, tissue and skin removed, roughly 3.81cm higher than the right jaw, resulting in considerable asymmetry, also the jawline was sheared to take on a different shape than the right. He had also made a fundamental error creating a dog ear in front of my right 1.5 cm while this could have been avoided addressing this issue during our conversation Dr.Zelken admittedly acknowledged he ran out of time during surgery.
On the July 15th, 2021, when l was able to confront Dr.Zelken for the first time since surgery he gas lit me downplaying my concerns asked him about the additional charges from the surgery center he admitted to his error explaining the situation with my lip had taken more time. He explained he had to remove a scar. Offering to revise my lip and place a graft in the inside of my lip , repair the dog ear and repair the symmetry problem at no charge. Feeling financially insecure and trusting Doctor Zelken could repair the issues l proceeded with the offer.
I requested my medical records on August 2nd explained that I would seek a second opinion.
Over next two months and prior to the second surgery Dr Zelken became increasingly angry and for unknown reasons Dr. Zelken repeatedly tried to convince me to have the 2nd surgery in his office, l didn’t feel comfortable with the idea.
On October 12th 2021 the 2nd surgery took place at Galea Surgery. The surgery would include a skin graft placed in my lower lip , We spoke about correcting the asymmetry in my jaw. He also spoke of removing the dog ear in front of my right ear, never mentioning anything about making other incisions to my face other than the lip and the standard revision scars around the ears.
I woke up from surgery that day in October to a large, taped bandage placed on my cheek. When I asked Dr. Zelken about the bandage, he mentioned an incision had been placed in my cheek. Not mentioning he had also made another scar where the dog ear had been. He had made another error nicking a hole in my cheek. When asked his reply “oh, don’t worry about that”. No further explanation was given. The graft placed was uneven, hard and limited my mouth opening more, the symmetry was made worse by an 5 ½ inch zigzag scar that resembles a slash vs incision. Another 1 inch scar to my chin. Fat place where the zigzag scar was made revealing unsightly bumpiness, Two scars in the back of my neck where he claims he did a neck lift and the scars around my ears were extended beyond the original facelift scars, noticeable and unsightly. Adding to all the scars my face and neck make look 15 to 20 years older.
The physical complications of this procedure are..
• Damage to the mental nerve which caused pressure affecting my lower lip. This resulted in complete loss of feeling to my lip, facial palsy, ptosis, pain to the right side of my jaw, an odd grimace when I attempt to smile, drooling, and difficulty chewing, swallowing, speech problems, unable to smile , laugh or open my mouth wide enough to have dental care.
• Difficulties with speech at various times along with a frozen and uncomfortable sensation to my lower face.
• Noticeable asymmetry due to my left jaw is 3.81cm higher than the right he never addressed this problem. Displaying a 51/2 inch scar, t
• One 4 inch scar on the lower right cheek and a 3 inch scar above that one where the dog ear had been and a hole in my cheek where he nicked it.
• I now have five new facial scars. My left cheek has a two-and-a-half-inch scar along with an additional scar in the same location where extra skin was excised during the first procedure. Also, a round, deep scar now resides on my right cheek which Dr. Zelken admitted to causing during the procedure. His arrogant manner and defensive demeanor was scary
• Dr. Zelken put too much fat in my buccal area, and I now look like a chipmunk. Fat transfer elsewhere is unwanted, lumpy, and disfiguring.
January 18th 2022 lsought a second opinion with a reconstructive surgeon at the University of California-Irvine, Dr. Miles Pfaff.
Dr. Pfaff noted my mouth tethering and lip numbness. He also noted my left jaw's asymmetry, commenting he could address my issues, but it would take time along with several surgeries. Dr. Pfaff referred me to a physical therapist who specialized in facial and jaw needs with a request to follow back up with him in three months. I left his office that day feeling very hopeful. I asked Dr. Pfaff not to speak with Dr. Zelken on my behalf. However, he spoke to Dr. Zelken anyway. Dr. Pfaff maintain there is no conflict of interest.Dr. Pfaff confided with Dr.Zelken and shared all my issues as he states in my next visit in March 2022
I sought another opinion . Dr. Pollei was appalled by my face..Very openly he told me to sue Dr. Zelken. Explained he committed battery. Without a consent and never discussed any incisions are ludicrous.
The psychological impact has been overwhelmingly l cannot explain the mental anguish l have endured. Once a confident, joyful, and social woman, my seven-year relationship had been ruined by despair, anxiety, depression and stress. My internist, Tri Colin Tran, referred me shortly after to a clinical therapist by the name of Barbara Colitz. My initial phone meeting with Barbara was difficult. I had a meltdown because I could see my face during the zoom phone call It was after the initial procedure when the problems of anxiety and depression developed. The second surgical procedure heightened the stress and anxiety symptoms to a whole new level. The psychological effects are debilitating.
The issues with Dr. Zelken go beyond disregarding a patient’s informed consent. His uncaring, nonchalant demeanor showed itself after the initial procedure. He avoided me at all costs and went so far as to have his nurse cover for him. I wasn’t allowed the opportunity to talk to him for a month after the surgery was performed. I had to assert myself to get his attention.
He presented himself as a professional and experienced plastic surgeon who works specializes in facial and body reconstructive surgeries. Post-surgery he lied, became defensive, and shifted responsibility when I openly discussed with him my concerns. Then, he gas lighted me on several occasions. I began to doubt myself. An example of my recent experience would be, I had concerns and expressed dissatisfaction about my lip. Instead of listening to my concerns or trying to figure out a way to figure out a way to fix it, Dr. Zelken exclaimed, “I didn't have a lip before to begin with”.
Medical Records
It took approximately 6 to 7 months to retrieve the medical records with numerous emails requesting them.
Unbeknownst to me, Dr. Zelken had conferred with Dr. Miles Pfaff. Dr. Zelken made many accusations in his notes implying untrue and exaggerated claims of my experience with plastic surgery in the past. Most are pure speculation intended to brand me as some frivolous woman obsessed with plastic surgery. Dr. Zelken is looking to diminish my character in case of a lawsuit by fabricating many of his statements. Some of his statements are so far-fetched they’re devious. Dr. Zelken claims the pre-existing conditions I presented to his practice with are false. Every pre-existing condition he claims I had; he is liable for. Dr. Sepehr plastic surgeon can contest to this statement and its validity.
I did not sign a lip scar release, using this term is technically not a surgery but merely a label Dr. Zelken chose because a scar revision consent was not signed. t is a massage for burn patients. I also never signed a revision facelift, scar revision, neck lift, lip graft, skin graft or fat grafting consent for either operation. However l did sign a 3 page facelift consent. Dr. Zelken and his team have altered, left out, and changed documents. Understand, that if I had signed a consent, the doctor had no warrant to cut into my lip, jaw, cheek, or outer ear. None of these intentionally inflicted incisions are part of a scar revision nor a facelift revision. They are fresh, and therefore, no scar existed prior to the procedures being performed.
It was after Dr. Pfaff had spoke to Dr. Zelken did l receive the Dr. Notes:
Dr. Zelken’s fabrications for pre-existing conditions as noted in the records:
1. Facial deformity
2. Speech problems
3. Severe tethering
4. Multiple grafts
5. Chipmunk cheeks
6. Goretex in my lip
7. Tethering of the lower face
8. Multiple fillers and more
I have made a copy of the clinical practice notes and highlighted most of Dr. Zelken’s documented cover-ups and lies. You will see the fabrication and deceit approximate more than 75 percent of the medical records. Dr. Zelken has total control over all the surgery center’s documentation including the scheduling forms. He and his team have altered several of these notes as well.
I have proof of many of the incorrect information and inconsistencies contained in the documents.
Thank you,
Kathleen Conner
Provider Review
