Finally feeling a sense of happiness

Unfortunately, the results of my surgery were not at all what I desired or expected. Very promptly, not long after my first post surgery follow up, I expressed my concern and dissatisfaction with the outcome. Initially, Dr. Malek agreed that the results were not as expected. But, he advised that I continue to wait and let the breasts settle a bit more. I waited and returned in another 2 months even more unhappy with my breasts. At this time, Dr. Malek said he could go in and redo my breasts (again) and he would do this at a discounted rate. With this news, I was feeling a bit of relief, however when I was given the quote for the redo, I was very disappointed with the discounted rate he was offering.

Prior to surgery, Dr. Malek discussed with me the numerous possible options for surgical procedures that might be necessary for my situation. I was advised that he would make the decision on which procedure was deemed proper during the time of surgery. As a patient, I took Dr. Malek's word that he was doing the right job for my situation. (However, I now question his decision and his abilities.)

Upon my third return visit, I tried to convey to Dr. Malek that I was confident about the possible procedures that he discussed with me, and he did not perform as I expected. At this, Dr. Malek was indignant with me and basically told me that I had the information wrong and that I was confused. He told me that I agreed to an implant replacement and basically that was it. Hmmm. That does not make sense. First of all, how would I even know about the other options? But mostly, why would I choose a mediocre procedure when there were options for an optimum outcome? Also important, why would I pay thousands of dollars for breasts that are low and big and heavy? I am a 45 year old, mother of three. There is no logical reason that I would not choose to have the best result possible. Dr. Malek knows full well that he should have performed another lift (as I have had in the past), performed pocket revision and inserted mesh slings to support the new implants, and chosen smaller implants.

Dr. Malek is offering to "fix" my breasts at half the price of the original procedure. This is not acceptable. Honestly, having to go through another surgery because of his poor choice is not acceptable. Considering the multitude of other factors that go into this; having to be put under anesthesia again, having to endure the down time again, having to pay for a caretaker for my children again, is simply frustrating and disappointing. On top of this, Dr Malek expects me to feel fortunate that he is offering to fix his poor choice in procedures.

Nearly nine months later, I am so frustrated, disappointed, and upset about this experience. Returning to Dr. Malek, to fix his own mistake, does not make logical sense to me.

In the end, I am feeling robbed and left to live with the disappointment of having endured a surgery for breasts that do not make me the least bit happy. They are low, heavy, too big and they have already bottomed out within 9 months of surgery.

I would like to add that this review was not posted hastily. It has taken me months to determine that this is the right thing to do. I sincerely appealed to Dr. Malek a number of times in hopes that he would remedy this situation properly and at a fair price for me. As a result of his lack of concern for me and my situation, I want other potential clients to know about my experiene, so that they can better evaluate this doctor and make an informed decision that best suits their expectations. And for the record, I have had a number of surgical procedures done over the years and I have been perfectly pleased with the results. This procedure has been my singular disappointment.

As another side note, it is worth mentioning that I firstly posted a review on yelp. And since then, sadly, I have received messages from other unhappy and even devastated patients of Dr. Malek's. I find this to be truly sad.

Dr. Malek has now kindly offered to redo my breasts on terms that I find agreeable. This gesture is proof of his professionalism and his commitment to ensure his patients are happy with the results he produces. That alone makes me feel a huge sense of relief. The relief is in knowing that he has listened to me and it matters to him that I have felt so disappointed and unhappy with the results of my surgery.

Sometimes, doctors cannot understand the grief felt when a patien has paid for a procedure that turns out awful. There are so many feelings associated with this including regret and guilt for spending money, but most especially devastating is the feeling of insecurity and loss of self esteem on a daily basis, every time you see yourself in a mirror or think about the situation. It's your body. You can't avoid it. I would even say that I have felt an incredible sense of depression because of this whole experience.

To be heard and feel compassion from your doctor is not only comforting and validating, but it is incredibly important to your happiness and sense of self.

I will post pictures of the results once I have the surgery.