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Dr. Dino Elyassnia- Simply the Best- Right Here in SF
It’s been nearly 2 years since my surgery and it just keeps getting better. -
This review is LONG, so it’s really for those interested. And some advice for those looking for a surgeon and needing to prepare for the recovery. Don’t ask, I’m not going to post my photos publicly here and want my privacy. Dr. Elyassnia has my permission to show partial photos of me at the clinic. So book a consult to see my photos, it will be some of the best money you ever spend. ;)
I was ready at 40 to do something about my tired eyes, almost nonexistent jawline and sagging neck coupled with a growing and dropping double chin. I interviewed several doctors, some in SF, some from LA and NYC and even a few internationally. For one reason or another, these other doctors did not work out, or turned out to not be the best fit. It took me 5 years to find the right place. I had begun to believe that in order to get good aesthetic surgery, I’d need to go to LA or NYC, but I’m so glad I found the Marten Clinic and Dr. Dino Elyassnia- simply the best. They got me where I wanted to be safely and be able to recover in the comfort of my home.
Research:
I’m a creative with a medical/healthcare background, so I knew that getting a classic, natural, masculine result, and doing it safely, I needed it done right the first time. I’m very well-read on plastic surgery, and have an understanding of how a lot of these procedures are done and what you might achieve. As a creative, I’m also keenly aware of proportions of the human face at all the right angles, and where my flaws are, large and small. Unlike other doctors whose egos got in the way or felt it a waste of time to answer my many questions, Dr. Elyassnia did not shy away or make it difficult. He and Dr. Marten are wildly overqualified in every way and association, highly educated, teach and train other surgeons worldwide, and top rated by Newsweek / Castle Connolly. Despite all of this, Dr. Elyassnia and his staff show no ego, are extremely down to earth, no-pressure, and keep a low profile. If you weren’t told, you’d never know they have one of the top clinics in the world.
If you are technically inclined (or have medical training), I might suggest buying a membership to PlasticSurgeryKey online so you can read the technical articles with images by the Marten Clinic, and many world experts in Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology. It’s not for the faint of heart, but for me, I felt strongly that if I did not have a good understanding of the surgeries and risks, I should not do them. There are also many books out there that a lay person can read for a basic understanding of common surgeries offered. Boy am I glad I did- absolutely life-changing.
Procedures:
To be clear, I look young for my age, and am not elderly, but my neck and jaw looked weak and terrible, and not the strong/masculine appearance I wanted, this was not really about trying to look younger than my age. I could not risk a surgeon that would feminize my appearance or give me a lackluster result. The major surgery I had was an extensive short-scar neck lift with fat transfer. Through a small incision under my chin, they removed both excess superficial fat and deep fat within my neck, shaved down my oversized salivary glands in my neck, and tightened up the muscles in my neck with a platysmaplasty. I probably could not have gotten this complete of a result elsewhere but at the Marten Clinic, where they have pioneered and perfected this combination procedure. I also had an upper/lower blepharoplasty and lip lift, as my long upper lip and shortening teeth was yielding a sad smile and “Mr. Burns” kind of appearance.
Prep and recovery:
I wanted the very best result possible so I followed the clinics instructions as religion. I was less nervous than expected, and they made me very comfortable before the surgery and even had a heated blanket/wrap during surgery, as it is quite cold in the O.R. Of course, the surgery entirely knocked the wind out of me, and it was a few days before I was able to take my first shower with assistance. There was very little pain, and it was easily managed with a half-dose of the painkillers they gave me. Face, eyes, neck and sides tender to the touch, and the stitches tugged sharply if not careful, but otherwise, very easy. I wanted off these meds ASAP and switched to just Tylenol after about 4 days.
Anyone wanting these surgeries needs to be prepared to look like you were hit by a truck. I was ready, but it was still an entertaining shock. My better half was horrified and worried. I became extremely swollen the first week, my entire head and face like a balloon with minor bruising around my eyes and jaw, and 2 surgical drains to collect excess fluids and blood, all wrapped up like a Russian babushka in a surgical bandage. Even my phone was unable to recognize me with the swelling. It was a great relief to get the drains and stitches out after 6 days, and things got a lot better after that. Bruising was minimal, and I could go outside my house for walks at night with a scarf, glasses and “clever disguises” I had the head of a 300lb man though, and was not recognizable. For those getting the neck lift, you are not allowed to bend over, turn your head or let your chin down even to read, so I would strongly suggest getting a foam neck brace. I had one at home and wished I’d started with it sooner, it truly restricts your movement to speed correct healing. My windows are not very private and I had applied a frosted film where neighbors might look in too directly. I would suggest this if privacy is any issue, you will not want anyone to see you like this, and you will be imprisoned in your home/hotel for weeks. Most importantly, never loose your sense of humor, it really saved me, knowing that I looked like an idiot, but was going to improve later.
Diet during recovery was bland and soft, I’d prepared blended soups and smoothies in advance of the surgery, and was so weak after surgery, I could only sip liquids from a straw on one side of my mouth, and graduated to oatmeal and cottage cheese after 4-5 days. No coffee, caffeine, alcohol, salty, or sour foods (all my favorite things!) for a few weeks so as to not stimulate the healing salivary glands. It was not fun but entirely worth it! Coconut water (surprisingly) was my favorite beverage and soothed my throat and kept my electrolytes and thirst in check.
I went back to work after 3.5 weeks, and while the worst was over, I was still quite swollen in the face, and underneath my chin, and it was obvious that something had happened. I attended a party at about 5 weeks and still felt swollen and “chubby cheeked” or puffy, as if I’d gained 20 lbs. For me, it was at least 6-8 weeks before I felt people were not staring at me and wondering what I’d done, a few friends asked. If you have the ability to stay out of the office for at least a month and work from home, I’d strongly recommend allowing yourself to heal at your own pace. The remaining swelling took 6 months to a year before I felt like I was coming into my own again.
Results:
I am so happy with my results- I’d do it again in a heartbeat. I’m glad I was able to save for this surgery and fought for it at home where I had little support or understanding. My eyes are fresh, and slightly larger (more pupil-show) than before and more open, there is no bulging fat pad below my eyes anymore, although minimal before. The shape is improved, somehow. Very subtle, no real visible scars at all. My lip lift is a subtle change, but I now have a more open smile, and can see more of my upper teeth, rather than lower! My neck and jawline is dramatically changed, although no one can really pinpoint what is different, I now have an angle underneath my chin and from the sides of my jaw, and a real shadow line underneath my jawline in photos, even from behind and the sides. I really got the “high and tight” I was looking for, it still feels (comfortably) tight, but my muscles and skin will stretch in time to fill the void. The fat transfers to my face broadened my sharp chin, and widened my jawline to the width of my cheeks, it looks incredible, but natural. The fat transfer is FIRM and feels like muscle underneath the skin. Dr. Elyassnia is really an artist, he understood what I wanted, and helped me achieve a stronger, more masculine look. Subtle enhancements to my very thin lips, and lateral cheekbones, subtle ogee curves to the face- cheek to chin to jaw angle and back. I did need some additional filler in my jaw/undereye/lips after the surgery, which I paid for, but it was worth it, and the fat transfer did almost all of the job permanently.
I look and feel stronger as a man, and most importantly, I look like me. No one attempting surgery should ever try to be someone else, even if we admire or want to improve ourselves. Even my own parents could not tell/comment how I was different (they see me only every couple of years). Friends who see me often say I look great, sometimes they say I look younger, and can’t figure it out, and maybe lost some weight.
Now I’ve been back weightlifting on a dedicated program for over 6 months, and have lost nearly 20 lbs, I have about 15 more to go. The results from my surgery keep getting better as I get leaner. I feel like a million bucks. I’m nearly back to being more the person on the outside I am on the inside and feel great about my age. I wish I had more grey hair, I look too young. Also, a few fringe benefits, I had an eyelid twitch and dry eyes prior to my surgery that lasted nearly a year- it’s gone. I also was diagnosed with sleep apnea just a few months before my surgery, and with the removal of deep neck fat, I have not slept or breathed easier in a long time and feel more rested in the mornings. I’ve had this retested and went from moderate-severe, to less than half of the obstruction I had while sleeping before.
All this said, Dr. Elyassnia and his staff are not just the best, they are kind and tactful, genuine, good folks. Zero pretention; overly modest. If every I hear a friend even suggest that they might want to have some kind of surgery, I pull them aside and tell them they must at least interview at The Marten Clinic, and they can’t believe I’ve actually done anything, maybe a little botox.
Best of luck to you in your research. There are a lot of good doctors out there; you get what you pay for most of the time. Dr. Elyassnia was a clear match for me, and also a few people I’ve sent his way.
Thank you Dr. Dino, Nancy, Helen, Kelly, Desiree who helped make this happen and for putting up with my ridiculous looks and sense of humor while recovering. Lifechanging. Absolutely love you guys!
This review is LONG, so it’s really for those interested. And some advice for those looking for a surgeon and needing to prepare for the recovery. Don’t ask, I’m not going to post my photos publicly here and want my privacy. Dr. Elyassnia has my permission to show partial photos of me at the clinic. So book a consult to see my photos, it will be some of the best money you ever spend. ;)
I was ready at 40 to do something about my tired eyes, almost nonexistent jawline and sagging neck coupled with a growing and dropping double chin. I interviewed several doctors, some in SF, some from LA and NYC and even a few internationally. For one reason or another, these other doctors did not work out, or turned out to not be the best fit. It took me 5 years to find the right place. I had begun to believe that in order to get good aesthetic surgery, I’d need to go to LA or NYC, but I’m so glad I found the Marten Clinic and Dr. Dino Elyassnia- simply the best. They got me where I wanted to be safely and be able to recover in the comfort of my home.
Research:
I’m a creative with a medical/healthcare background, so I knew that getting a classic, natural, masculine result, and doing it safely, I needed it done right the first time. I’m very well-read on plastic surgery, and have an understanding of how a lot of these procedures are done and what you might achieve. As a creative, I’m also keenly aware of proportions of the human face at all the right angles, and where my flaws are, large and small. Unlike other doctors whose egos got in the way or felt it a waste of time to answer my many questions, Dr. Elyassnia did not shy away or make it difficult. He and Dr. Marten are wildly overqualified in every way and association, highly educated, teach and train other surgeons worldwide, and top rated by Newsweek / Castle Connolly. Despite all of this, Dr. Elyassnia and his staff show no ego, are extremely down to earth, no-pressure, and keep a low profile. If you weren’t told, you’d never know they have one of the top clinics in the world.
If you are technically inclined (or have medical training), I might suggest buying a membership to PlasticSurgeryKey online so you can read the technical articles with images by the Marten Clinic, and many world experts in Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology. It’s not for the faint of heart, but for me, I felt strongly that if I did not have a good understanding of the surgeries and risks, I should not do them. There are also many books out there that a lay person can read for a basic understanding of common surgeries offered. Boy am I glad I did- absolutely life-changing.
Procedures:
To be clear, I look young for my age, and am not elderly, but my neck and jaw looked weak and terrible, and not the strong/masculine appearance I wanted, this was not really about trying to look younger than my age. I could not risk a surgeon that would feminize my appearance or give me a lackluster result. The major surgery I had was an extensive short-scar neck lift with fat transfer. Through a small incision under my chin, they removed both excess superficial fat and deep fat within my neck, shaved down my oversized salivary glands in my neck, and tightened up the muscles in my neck with a platysmaplasty. I probably could not have gotten this complete of a result elsewhere but at the Marten Clinic, where they have pioneered and perfected this combination procedure. I also had an upper/lower blepharoplasty and lip lift, as my long upper lip and shortening teeth was yielding a sad smile and “Mr. Burns” kind of appearance.
Prep and recovery:
I wanted the very best result possible so I followed the clinics instructions as religion. I was less nervous than expected, and they made me very comfortable before the surgery and even had a heated blanket/wrap during surgery, as it is quite cold in the O.R. Of course, the surgery entirely knocked the wind out of me, and it was a few days before I was able to take my first shower with assistance. There was very little pain, and it was easily managed with a half-dose of the painkillers they gave me. Face, eyes, neck and sides tender to the touch, and the stitches tugged sharply if not careful, but otherwise, very easy. I wanted off these meds ASAP and switched to just Tylenol after about 4 days.
Anyone wanting these surgeries needs to be prepared to look like you were hit by a truck. I was ready, but it was still an entertaining shock. My better half was horrified and worried. I became extremely swollen the first week, my entire head and face like a balloon with minor bruising around my eyes and jaw, and 2 surgical drains to collect excess fluids and blood, all wrapped up like a Russian babushka in a surgical bandage. Even my phone was unable to recognize me with the swelling. It was a great relief to get the drains and stitches out after 6 days, and things got a lot better after that. Bruising was minimal, and I could go outside my house for walks at night with a scarf, glasses and “clever disguises” I had the head of a 300lb man though, and was not recognizable. For those getting the neck lift, you are not allowed to bend over, turn your head or let your chin down even to read, so I would strongly suggest getting a foam neck brace. I had one at home and wished I’d started with it sooner, it truly restricts your movement to speed correct healing. My windows are not very private and I had applied a frosted film where neighbors might look in too directly. I would suggest this if privacy is any issue, you will not want anyone to see you like this, and you will be imprisoned in your home/hotel for weeks. Most importantly, never loose your sense of humor, it really saved me, knowing that I looked like an idiot, but was going to improve later.
Diet during recovery was bland and soft, I’d prepared blended soups and smoothies in advance of the surgery, and was so weak after surgery, I could only sip liquids from a straw on one side of my mouth, and graduated to oatmeal and cottage cheese after 4-5 days. No coffee, caffeine, alcohol, salty, or sour foods (all my favorite things!) for a few weeks so as to not stimulate the healing salivary glands. It was not fun but entirely worth it! Coconut water (surprisingly) was my favorite beverage and soothed my throat and kept my electrolytes and thirst in check.
I went back to work after 3.5 weeks, and while the worst was over, I was still quite swollen in the face, and underneath my chin, and it was obvious that something had happened. I attended a party at about 5 weeks and still felt swollen and “chubby cheeked” or puffy, as if I’d gained 20 lbs. For me, it was at least 6-8 weeks before I felt people were not staring at me and wondering what I’d done, a few friends asked. If you have the ability to stay out of the office for at least a month and work from home, I’d strongly recommend allowing yourself to heal at your own pace. The remaining swelling took 6 months to a year before I felt like I was coming into my own again.
Results:
I am so happy with my results- I’d do it again in a heartbeat. I’m glad I was able to save for this surgery and fought for it at home where I had little support or understanding. My eyes are fresh, and slightly larger (more pupil-show) than before and more open, there is no bulging fat pad below my eyes anymore, although minimal before. The shape is improved, somehow. Very subtle, no real visible scars at all. My lip lift is a subtle change, but I now have a more open smile, and can see more of my upper teeth, rather than lower! My neck and jawline is dramatically changed, although no one can really pinpoint what is different, I now have an angle underneath my chin and from the sides of my jaw, and a real shadow line underneath my jawline in photos, even from behind and the sides. I really got the “high and tight” I was looking for, it still feels (comfortably) tight, but my muscles and skin will stretch in time to fill the void. The fat transfers to my face broadened my sharp chin, and widened my jawline to the width of my cheeks, it looks incredible, but natural. The fat transfer is FIRM and feels like muscle underneath the skin. Dr. Elyassnia is really an artist, he understood what I wanted, and helped me achieve a stronger, more masculine look. Subtle enhancements to my very thin lips, and lateral cheekbones, subtle ogee curves to the face- cheek to chin to jaw angle and back. I did need some additional filler in my jaw/undereye/lips after the surgery, which I paid for, but it was worth it, and the fat transfer did almost all of the job permanently.
I look and feel stronger as a man, and most importantly, I look like me. No one attempting surgery should ever try to be someone else, even if we admire or want to improve ourselves. Even my own parents could not tell/comment how I was different (they see me only every couple of years). Friends who see me often say I look great, sometimes they say I look younger, and can’t figure it out, and maybe lost some weight.
Now I’ve been back weightlifting on a dedicated program for over 6 months, and have lost nearly 20 lbs, I have about 15 more to go. The results from my surgery keep getting better as I get leaner. I feel like a million bucks. I’m nearly back to being more the person on the outside I am on the inside and feel great about my age. I wish I had more grey hair, I look too young. Also, a few fringe benefits, I had an eyelid twitch and dry eyes prior to my surgery that lasted nearly a year- it’s gone. I also was diagnosed with sleep apnea just a few months before my surgery, and with the removal of deep neck fat, I have not slept or breathed easier in a long time and feel more rested in the mornings. I’ve had this retested and went from moderate-severe, to less than half of the obstruction I had while sleeping before.
All this said, Dr. Elyassnia and his staff are not just the best, they are kind and tactful, genuine, good folks. Zero pretention; overly modest. If every I hear a friend even suggest that they might want to have some kind of surgery, I pull them aside and tell them they must at least interview at The Marten Clinic, and they can’t believe I’ve actually done anything, maybe a little botox.
Best of luck to you in your research. There are a lot of good doctors out there; you get what you pay for most of the time. Dr. Elyassnia was a clear match for me, and also a few people I’ve sent his way.
Thank you Dr. Dino, Nancy, Helen, Kelly, Desiree who helped make this happen and for putting up with my ridiculous looks and sense of humor while recovering. Lifechanging. Absolutely love you guys!
Provider Review
