Neck and Lower Face Lift - The Procedure I Promised Myself I Would Never Have! In Walked Dr. Karolak! Martinsville, NJ

Over the past two weeks I've pondered how to begin telling my story. I've decided to begin at the end.....today! And then I'll take you back to the beginning....the beginning with Dr. Mark Karolak. It's been two weeks since my procedure and I feel great, I'm looking like I used to-and it's exactly what I wanted. Sure a few nights of restless sleep post-surgery, some swelling and bruising but an awful lot to look forward to. Each day brought a more positive and exciting change in my recovery and outlook.
So, to take you back…now 57 for the past 5 or so years I've suffered from that terrible neck - you know the one we don't talk about out loud. I never spoke to my family about it because it was a family trait and I never wanted to hurt anyone's feelings, but I just couldn't live with it. I tried two non-invasive procedures at two different medical practices with no results.
Several months ago I was speaking with a woman in a store and she told me about Reflections. She jotted down the phone number and I stuck the paper in my wallet, where it stayed. Until after many months and more evenings on Google than I care to recall, I saw another procedure I was convinced would work for me. I pulled the paper from my wallet and made an appointment for the next week at Reflections.
Low and behold, surprise, surprise - I was not a candidate! I had tears in my eyes thinking I would never regain the appearance I once had and partly because I always promised myself I would never have surgery. Well, in walks Dr. Mark Karolak. Things changed. He understood me, he listened, was empathetic, honest and confident in his assessment, reassuring, genuine, a medical expert in his field. He set realistic expectations, spent more time with me than any physician has and above all was kind and compassionate. I hadn't seen these qualities before, all wrapped up into one Healthcare Professional. It was calming, giving me the knowledge and power I needed to make a decision I had promised myself I would never make. I was going to have a neck and lower face lift!
I did my homework before going to see Dr. Karolak (it was such a pleasure to read about his medical experience and patient comments) and after our appointment I booked my procedure for one month later. The procedure was under local anesthetic, which I was hoping for. Pre-op was a breeze. Dr. Karolak spent as much time as I needed answering my questions as he cleared me for surgery and Mary Ellen, RN Clinical Manager armed me with my prescriptions and all the information to prepare me for my procedure and the days after. I left feeling well prepared, excited, and a bit nervous but above all confident that I had chosen the right surgeon!
His staff is welcoming and friendly and there is always ease in making appointments. Procedure day came fast, the worst part was the "before photos" Ugh! The staff was lovely and I was greeted with open arms by Dr. Karolak. Surgery went very well and I was home by mid-afternoon. Watching Dr. Karolak’s interactions with his staff is something to envy. He is supportive, patient and listens and gives direction clearly and kindly.
The care Dr. Karolak provides is exceptional. He personally called the evening of my procedure, provides his cell phone number for direct contact and my next day post-op visit was informative, upbeat and educational. His friendly and down to earth demeanor would disarm even the most unsure or anxious patient. His knowledge of facial plastic surgery is outstanding while his masterful hands create stitches that are hard to find. He took careful steps to assess how he would approach my procedure knowing the outcome I was hoping to achieve. He is an exceptional surgeon with an artist's eye, an expert in his field and a caring and compassionate healthcare professional that I am proud to say gave me back what I wanted-just to look like Me!

As promised......