I am deeply grateful and ever so appreciative of your truly welcome and much needed help! Your surgery results are nothing short of awesome! Thoughtfulness like yours indeed takes a special caring. Again, ‘Thanks a Million’ for everything!!
- P.B.S., Revision Rhinoplasty
I wonder how you create a living thing with your hands. How do you build something out of nothing? The thought of the task baffles me, but to my father, it is mundane.
- Katharine Searcy Menick click here for the rest of her perspective
I wanted to take a minute of your precious time to thank you and to let you know the true meaning of what you have restored in her. Yours is a truly special gift and the confidence in which you handled her case allowed her to focus on healing, not worrying!
- V.B., patient’s daughter Nasal Reconstruction
I feel great every time I look into the mirror. Thank you for that gift.
- C.G., Nasal Reconstruction
Needless to say, I am overjoyed at the acquisition of my new nose - something I never imagined I would need - turned out so splendidly. It is a wonderful gift that you bring the world with your expertise, your care, and your artistry. It replaces despair with hope and, indeed verges on the miraculous. My deepest thanks.
- D.L., Nasal Reconstruction - click here for case details
I think of you every time I look in the mirror and know how blessed I am to have you as my doctor – the genius….. Everyone tells me how beautiful I look and they are amazed at your ability. Thank you for making a nightmare experience quite pleasant and even fun at times…. We have so much to thank you for. You were beyond considerate and we are beyond grateful… I get compliments almost every day on my beautiful nose.
-J.D. Nasal Reconstruction - click here for case details
You are really a miracle worker! My nose is healing rapidly and I feel normal again - a delicious feeling.
- P.F., Nasal Reconstruction - click here for case details
I am so happy for getting the surgery. The surgery has changed the outlook I have about myself and my self-confidence. So thanks again because how can I repay someone who has changed my life.
- T.P., Revision Rhinoplasty after Congenital Nasal Hemangioma
You truly gave me a new lease on life, as the saying goes. My nose is absolutely beautiful; I still get compliments on it!
- D.W., Nasal Reconstruction/Revision
Thank you so much for taking such great care of our son. We couldn’t have made it through all this without your kindness and compassion.
- B. and G. S., Nasal Reconstruction for their child
Words will never be enough to express our gratitude for the work you have done with our daughter. You have made her a whole person again. From the first day we met you, we had unending hope for her. You plainly said you could fix her when everyone else warned us not to expect much.
- Mother of K.B. Facial Reconstruction - click here for case details
I would like to take this opportunity to tell you what a magnificent doctor and artist you are! My two surgeries a few months ago - nose repair and facelift - changed my life. Everyone remarks how beautiful the work is. I feel I have lived on both sides of appearance; that is, going from droopy and haggard to looking vibrant and pleasing.
- J.T., Facelift and Rhinoplasty - click here for case details
There is rarely a day that goes by that I don't Thank God for sending me your way. My nose is beautiful.
- K.D.
Magician performs excision: arm scar disappears!
- 6 word memoir dedicated to Dr. Menick by M.F. - click here for case details
We are back home...The result is fantastic and completely in line with the vision I had in mind. Thank you for understanding and making that vision a reality. The vastly significant improvement to my breathing will certainly enhance my overall health and quality of life as well. I have the best of both worlds in aesthetics and function. I am beyond happy and satisfied. Your staff is attentive, warm and caring.
- A.C., Revision Rhinoplasty
You restored my nose and therefore my face. You gave me back my identity, and allowed me for the first time in 26 years, to feel physically whole again. I could only begin to imagine how rewarding it must be to change and restore peoples' lives, getting back confidence, changing their outlook on life and making them ready to embrace life again as it was. Because of your surgical skills and the changes you made externally, I am feeling stronger internally...
- A.C., Revision Rhinoplasty
Thank you for giving me my identity back. While I could have lived with the scars from the dogbite, my psyche feels better knowing that I present the best face I can- with your help. Thanks for sharing the benefits of your skills with me. I am honored.
- M.T., Facial and Nasal Trauma after previous failed repair
I am thankful every day for what the Doctor was able to do for my daughter.
- D.L., Father of Nasal Trauma patient after previous failed repair
I hope you know deep in your heart how thankful I am for your skills. Let's call it a higher power that we met. I have no clue why things happen. However, I do know that our meeting each other and your willingness to come to my rescue was evident from the start. I just wanted you to know I was treated with great respect and care (kindness) which has continued to this day. I truly am a better man for having known you mentally and physically. From the bottom of my heart, thank you so very much...
- D.G., Facial and Nasal burn
I don't get on your side of town during working hours very often. I think in another month or so I will be over there and would just like to stop in real quick to shake your hand and thank you for my beautiful nose! Everything is going great. It gets better all the time.
- A.C., Nasal Reconstruction
Thank you very much for being brilliant, talented, and fun to be with. It was an amazing journey and the confidence Harper and I have in your skills made it easy to keep the Faith. We will never believe that we have said "Thank You" enough. God richly blessed our package of three, and it is important to include the hundreds of people that joined us in the long process. The kindness and helpfulness of Rachel and Tina your office staff.
- J.D., Nasal Reconstruction
I have been thinking of you and wondering how you are. My son will turn 18 soon and he is doing very well. His surgery all started with you and now he is almost grown! He wears a BAHA, a bone conducting hearing aid. I just want to say thank you for your very tender care of my son. His mom passed away nearly 4 years ago and I know she would join me in extending this thank you! You are a pretty decent ear maker too, and I would be willing to tell Dr. Brent!
- R.S., Father of Ear Reconstruction patient
I wanted to tell you how thankful I am that you worked on me today. I think it looks terrific! Your work must be so rewarding. You are life changing to so many. Thank you!
- K.D., Nasal Reconstruction
I just want to tell you and everyone else at the office, THANK YOU! You helped make my dreams come true with your patience and superb hospitality. I will be sure to tell all my friends how terrific this experience was for me. Thank you again very much!
- D.G., Rhinoplasty
I am deeply grateful and ever so appreciative of your truly welcome and much needed help! Your surgery results are nothing short of awesome! Thoughtfulness like yours indeed takes a special caring. Again, "Thanks a Million" for everything!!
- P.S., Revision Rhinoplasty
I wanted to thank you again for the great work that you did on my nose. My wife and I are very pleased. You are truly gifted. God bless.
- K.V., Nasal Reconstruction
Breast Augmentation Patient Care
1. Because of drowsiness after surgery, someone must drive the patient home and stay with them overnight.
2. The elastic bandage is removed by the following morning. The paper tape over the incisions is left in place until it falls off or is removed by the patient or Dr Menick in one week. The patient may shower the day after surgery.
3. A brassiere should be worn during the day for two weeks to support the breast. No other dressing is needed. Although uncomfortable for the first 24-48 hours, discomfort is mild with several days. You can return to work after one or two days, if desired. Avoid heavy exertion or lifting for 3 weeks.
RISKS
1. Bleeding. Although uncommon, bleeding can occur after surgery. To best prevent this, avoid all Aspirin products and Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, etc.) and megavitamin and herbal supplements for two weeks before and after surgery and avoid exercise and excessive arm use after surgery for two weeks. Tylenol may be taken without risk. If a hematoma develops, it is necessary to remove the hematoma in the operating room. No physician’s fee is charged to remove a hematoma. The patient is, however, responsible for anesthesia, operating room costs and /or replacement of the implant.
2. Infection. Infection is uncommon after any surgery, including a breast augmentation. If it does occur, however, the implant must usually be removed. It can usually be replaced after three or more months, although additional costs apply.
3. Scarring. The most common incisions employed for a breast augmentation are just at the areolar border or in the fold underneath the breast. Sutures are placed so that no stitch marks are uncommon. There is some black-and-blue for one to two weeks around the incision. There may be some slight crusting along the incision for that time. All incisions become red, raised and lumpy at one month and then become soft, pale and flat over the next six to twelve months. Although all scars are visible, they are usually relatively hidden in the normal color and contour of the breast and most women find the improvement in breast shape and size worth the scar.
4. Nipple Anesthesia. Although uncommon, temporary or permanent anesthesia (numbness) of one or both nipples, or other areas of the breast can follow a breast augmentation. Occasionally the nipple will be hypersensitive and have a pins-and-needles feeling for several weeks to months after surgery.
5. Capsule Formation (an unnatural hardness or firmness of the breast). Breast implants do not change in the body and they remain soft. However, a thin layer of scar tissue forms around all implants. In some women, this sac of scar shrinks and squeezes the implant, like tightening a tube of toothpaste (the toothpaste is soft inside, but the aluminum tube feels firm as the outer envelope is tightened down). This occurs gradually over months. If excessive, the breast shape and consistency can be unnatural. Correction requires re-operation, excision of scar, and replacement of the same or different implants. Sometimes the breast will become hard again, despite re-operation. If a revision is required months or yeas after your surgery, you are responsible for additional operating room fees, the implant costs, anesthesia costs, and the surgeon’s fee.
6. Implant Rupture. It is unusual for implants to break, even after significant automobile or other accidents. However, implant rupture does occur occasionally and may require re-operation to replace the implant and the associated inconvenience and expense. If they are filled with saline, the water is simply absorbed within the body and the breast goes “flat.” If this occurs, the collapsed implant is removed and replaced. If filled with silicone gel, the gel can be forced in to the adjacent breast tissue and can cause abnormally firm lumps. This is uncommon. Usually the silicone gel simply remains within the sac of scar that normally forms about the implant. Rupture of a silicone implant is often undetectable by physical or mammographic examination, requiring an MRI scan to confirm a rupture. Usually few or no symptoms or problems occur.Once identified, however, the ruptured implant is removed and replaced. The risk of rupture is about 1% per year.
AFTER SURGERY
1. An ace bandage will be wrapped around your chest at the time of surgery. Leave it in place until the doctor removes it the day after surgery.
2. After the ace bandage is removed, you may shower as desired. Steri-strips will be present over your incisions. They will fall off after a few days to a week, or may be removed after 7 days. After surgery, you may continue to wear the ace bandage for comfort, or any bra you desire, or go braless. Some women prefer to remove the wire from an underwire bra for comfort for a week or two.
3. Most strong discomfort is gone in 24-48 hours, but you will be sore for several weeks.
4. You can increase the inferior fullness of your breasts more quickly after surgery by applying an ace bandage over the top of your breasts. This applies pressure and stretches the skin below.
5. Most patients will notice a gurgling sound and feel to the breasts for a few days to a few weeks after surgery. This is air, which enters the dissected pocket about the implant at the time of surgery. It is normal and resolves spontaneously. Some patients note a firm “line” under the skin in the fold under the breast for a few weeks. It is not serious or abnormal and will disappear.
6. If you use a smooth implant, 2 days after your surgery you should start breast massage to stretch the pocket about the implant and decrease the risk of late tight scar (capsule formation), which can create a breast that feels too firm. This should be done 5-10 times a day. Simply push the flat of your hand on the inferior part of your breast, pushing the breast up until it bulges under your collarbone. Then release the pressure. Repeat this 5 times, 5 times a day. You do not need to get undressed. So that you don’t forget, you might do this every time you go to the bathroom. This massage should be continued for at least 6 month. Massage is not useful for textured implants.