Patient Testimonials 7

Dr. Scott Spiro,

I started to write a testimonial many times and never really knew where to begin. However, after today’s checkup, thirteen months after the seven hour procedure (which included a breast lift, tummy tuck and liposuction of the buttocks and hips) I sat in my car in the parking lot of the Atkins-Kent office building and penned this testimonial to express my gratitude. When I refer to gratitude, I do not just mean for changing my body from what it looked like thirteen months ago, but for being the honest, caring and dedicated doctor that you are.

Seven years ago, I sat in your office after a good friend recommended you. I made an appointment and went to see you. After careful evaluation, you told me to go home, lose weight and not come back until I was ready for the surgery. In fact, your words were, “I am not a diet doctor!.” You knew, I wasn’t ready.

I wasn’t ready. It took seven years for me to lose seventy pounds and find the courage to reschedule an appointment and bite the bullet to commit to surgery. Many women and men both say that they are not going to live like “this” anymore. The operative word “this” meaning their out of control body, the way they have let themselves go, but not many have the determination to do something about it.

I am an ex-teacher and have a sales position working in an industry that deals with young people. I had made up my mind that I do not want to be that woman who looked like someone’s grandmother who came to the schoolhouse to work with the students anymore. So, after joining the YMCA, going to classes, changing the way I eat and losing enough weight to give me the courage to make a second appointment, I was ready. My second visit was a little more refreshing and relaxing. I had done the work. I had lost the weight necessary to have a successful outcome. I made an appointment for the surgery. Dr. Spiro, you have changed my life.

The frightening part of any surgery is the unknown. Everyone responds differently; emotionally, mentally and physically. The only surgery that I ever had were two C-sections when I delivered my children over thirty years ago. To say I wasn’t frightened would be a lie. I was frightened. I even wrote a letter to my family in the event I didn’t wake up. Deep down, I knew that everything was going to be just fine, it just made me feel better to go through the exercise.

Having finally reached the decision to go ahead, I spoke with three patients of yours. They all had experienced the same procedure I was about to undertake. One woman was forty, one fifty and the third, a sixty year old. All of the women convinced me to go ahead with the surgery, and that it was the best decision they had ever made, but it had to be you performing the operation. I went ahead and have never looked back.

Dr. Spiro, you are the “wizard of artistry,” in your field, as well as a kind, caring and compassionate individual. You are an artist as well as a surgeon. You have made me feel special. No, you have made me feel beautiful. You explained everything you were going to do, sometimes more times than you would have liked to. You gave me the time to digest the procedure, to my level of understanding.

You looked at me as a human being, one that you wanted to improve physically for my best interest and because of your artistic talent, you could. You are a proud man and extremely proud of your work. You work unrushed, are attentive both pre and post-op and have reassured me every time that I have had any doubt about myself.

Because of your gentleness, kindness and talent, I also had you perform a full face lift six months later. I believe that because of the weight loss, my face looks even more natural than I ever expected. I look twenty plus years younger and feel great. Wow, what a feeling!

Only a few close friends even know about the surgery, when asked about the pain I can’t honestly remember. I guess it is like having children. You forget what it was like. All I know is that when I look in the mirror and see the new me, I am grateful that I made the commitment to myself and I have you as my surgeon.

When you feel better about yourself, mentally and emotionally and then add the physical component to the mix, I honestly believe that you become more active and better contributor to society. You make a difference. You are noticed. Regardless of what you do, whether it be working full time, volunteering or taking care of your family, you must take care of yourself first. If you can’t do it yourself, don’t be afraid to ask for help. I needed help… I asked.

As far as I am concerned, people considering plastic surgery of any kind should not look any further than your office door. Your compassion, talent and your incredible staff is the perfect combination for success. Just like the old slogan, New Jersey and You… Perfect Together. It should read on your door… Dr. Scott Spiro and You… the Best Fit for Now and the Future.