Posted on September 15, 2009 in Patient Stories
I am a forty-five year old female who has just reached the highest confidence level of my whole life thanks totally to Dr. Ditesheim and his staff.
Ever since my early twenties I began to notice my breasts becoming much bigger than I ever anticipated. Of course I thought I was still growing into “womanhood”, but as I reached my thirties it became clear that this was not the case. On the mental level I became depressed, embarrassed, and ashamed of my breasts and of myself. On the physical level I could not sleep well, had constant back pain, and felt like dying the week before that time of the month with my breasts discomfort. I of course wore the big shirts hoping to hide my breasts, wore bras that made my breasts appear smaller (not even Houdini could do that), and hold items like books, and papers in front of my breasts. When I stood beside someone who was sitting down, my breasts would be in-line with their eyes, or give them shade if I were standing behind them. Not joking, this is what I felt like my breasts were doing.
Relationships were very hard to have. I began to think that every guy only wanted to be with me because of the size of my breasts. This of course led to break-ups and loneliness.
Working in television, my station airs “Maury” and one day he had big breasted women on the show. Well, the guys around me were looking, and making comments about the show and their likes and dislikes of the size of the women. As I listened to them and watched the ladies on the show, I felt even more ashamed because with those ladies on “Maury” their breasts were at least perky and not going down to their stomach as mine were.
I began to discuss breast reduction with a close friend and co-worker, and she told me of her experience with breast enlargement. This of course was information that didn’t pertain to me somewhat, because I wanted to get rid of what I had and here she gained it. She told me of the pain, discomfort, and the long healing process she went through. She also informed me of a friend who also had a reduction procedure that didn’t go well at all. This friend (to this day) has a very long scar from her breasts to almost mid back. Due to this scar, her boyfriend at the time left her because he said she looked like Frankenstein. After hearing of their experiences, different procedure or not, I decided to have it because it was bad enough I didn’t have a boyfriend due to the size of my breasts, even worse to get one and he leave because of my breasts.
Finally, I couldn’t take it any longer and at forty-four decided to do some internet research on breast reduction. I looked at both the private sector and the partnership sector. I found so many sites without any of the information I needed. No before or after pictures, nothing in detail about the doctor’s credentials, hardly any information about the procedure a particular doctor may use, and what some did say almost scared me off again. Seeing the words “You may experience complications or death”, just didn’t have me jumping at the chance. I did find two that read pretty well. I called to set up a consultation and all I received from the medical assistant/receptionist was “we’ll send you some information in the mail. Goodbye.” This was very cold and definitely non-caring. It became apparent that these doctors did not like that I couldn’t go through my work insurance and would have to finance the procedure. Those never returned my calls.
I was about to give up, again, until I came to Dr. Ditesheim’s website. It was like God opened up the gates of happiness. All the information I wanted, needed, and reassurance was all right there. It was just a matter of calling and setting up a consultation. It was at that moment after I spoke with Jan that I began to feel excited about changing my life, not just my body.
Once I met with Dr. Ditesheim and Debra, we began talking about what I read on his website. They both answered my questions and then some. They totally made me feel comfortable and at ease at going through with the procedure. I left their office feeling this was going to be the first day of my “real” life.
The pre-op and after information that Dr. Ditesheim and Debra told me to expect was straight on. I never really experienced any pain, just a little discomfort for a very short while. I was only out of work for two weeks and the change was very noticeable.
No one will ever know how truly happy I am both mentally and physically for the first time in my life. I can sleep comfortably, I don’t hide behind items, and guys are not looking at my breasts but my face.
I am so elated with the work that Dr. Ditesheim has done. I love the way he and his staff treat me like a person and not just a patient. It’s like I am going to a home and not a doctor’s office. Again, I love the way my breasts look, and feel. I love having confidence in my life for the first time. Not to mention I can finally buy a pretty bra that fits instead of an “old lady” bra that doesn’t fit well.
I honestly believe that God picks who he believes should be and would be a great cosmetic surgeon, and Dr. Ditesheim was definitely at the top of his list.
Posted on September 8, 2009 in Patient Stories
Want to know what liposuction is really like? Recent patient Maria B. shares her experience:
WHY? “I have been carrying around extra weight for quite some time. I’m short, and I was starting to look “boxy.”
WHERE? “I had liposuction in several areas: under breasts to pubic bone, from bra line to lower back, across my butt and outer thighs and on the back of my upper arms.”
RECOVERY? “My procedure was done on Friday and I went back to work on Monday. Because I had so much done, I could have rested two more days. But, on the 10th day after surgery, I felt great!
HOW DO YOU FEEL NOW? “Dr. Ditesheim always talks about empowerment… wow, is he right! I feel so much better about myself! I’m no longer wearing my shirts outside of my pants and I carry myself differently; much more confidently!”
WILL YOU STAY FIT? “I know this isn’t the answer to staying in shape. but it gave me the jump start that I needed to take better care of myself.”
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO OTHERS? “If something about your body is bothering you, fix it! We go to the hair salon, we get manicures, we wax our legs… if we can do something to feel better about ourselves, we should DO IT!”
CONSIDERING LIPOSUCTION? Dr. Ditesheim specializes in breast and body contouring and can help you to define your goals for liposuction. Although the most common areas for liposuction are hips, thighs and tummy, several other areas of the body can benefit from the procedure as well. Dr. Ditesheim can perform liposuction on ankles, knees, arms, under the chin and several other areas that one might not readily consider.
Posted on September 3, 2009 in Patient Stories
In April, the Charlotte Observer ran a story about breast cancer survivor Pam Phillips and her mission to send a girl from Garinger High School to the prom. Pam wanted to show her appreciation for the kindnesses shown to her during her journey through breast cancer and survivorship.
Pam is a patient of ours, and has also become our friend. There is so much more to Pam’s personal story of empowerment and she has allowed us to share it with you.
The tangible facts are these: Pam was 40 with two growing children when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She has had seven surgeries in the past four years. She is a survivor.
Like most breast cancer survivors, Pam was faces with many choices about breast reconstruction. “The choices available on that road were both confusing and frustrating. I was entering a world of unknowns,” she says.
After two lengthy consultations, Dr. Ditesheim and Pam agreed upon a plan for her breast reconstruction. “My entire family became Dr. Ditesheim’s patient. He talked with all of us and included everyone in the process.” Pam’s reconstruction schedule included several surgeries, and she still has one more procedure to finish. But, the dramatic change has already been realized: “I feel like I never had cancer,” says Pam.
It is the intangible feeling of hope, encouragement and empowerment that began when Pam joined Team Ditesheim for the Koman Race for the Cure last year that led her to want to give back to the world. “For me, the walk was an end and a beginning at the same time. It was an end to the cancer diagnoses that brought fear and despair and a beginning that gives hope and encouragement to the rest of my life,” Pam says.
With the help of several Charlotteans that were moved by the story about Pam in the Observer, she was able to send not one, but three girls from Garinger High to the prom of their dreams on April 23.
Pam says, “My experience with Dr. Ditesheim made me whole and complete; mind, body and spirit. I wanted to share that feeling with others and hope to continue to do it even more!”
Posted on September 1, 2009 in Patient Stories
“When I decided that I needed cosmetic surgery I thought my only option was a facelift but there are several reasons why that would not work for me. I have a very busy schedule and a hectic lifestyle with teenagers at home, a husband that travels and a demanding job. I knew that I could not take off a month to six weeks for the recovery time it would take to heal properly, and the cost was more than I could fit into my budget. Furthermore, I didn’t need a full face lift.
Then last year I saw a commercial about a procedure called Quick Lift* and started looking into the possibility of doing that. It sounded perfect for me since it required little recovery time and would allow me to continue with my life…and it fit my budget. So I went for a couple of consultations and was told that I was a good candidate for this procedure so I thought I had found my answer. Then, after hearing his commercial on the radio I scheduled a consultation with Dr. Ditesheim and everything changed for me.
When I first walked into the office Jan gave me a warm reception welcoming me by name instead of asking for my name. I didn’t have to wait 30 minutes, or more, for my appointment but was received right away (they expected me!). When Lainie took me to the room where I would meet with the Doctor she chatted briefly with me to put me at ease and make sure I was comfortable, she even brought me a bottle of water. Then Debra came in smiling, bright and cheerful; she made me feel like we were long time friends getting reacquainted. I felt an instant connection with her while she asked me questions about what I wanted to do as she gathered some basic information and assured me of her great confidence in Dr. Ditesheim. Wow, I was amazed and I had not even seen the Doctor!
Then Dr. Ditesheim came in and sat in the chair beside me, turned toward me and had a conversation with me. We discussed why I was there, my lifestyle, hobbies, habits, family, work situation and activity level. It was obvious that he wanted to know enough to understand me and help me make the best decision. He was familiar with the Quick Lift procedure but as we continued talking he told me that I did have another option. As he explained about his lower face lift I felt like “this is it! He knows exactly what I’m looking for”. He told that the lower face lift would give me better results and last longer as well. He allowed me to ask questions as we talked and was never rushed or distracted. Best of all he told me that this better procedure was within my budget and he understood clearly about my recovery limitations. I have never been happier that I heard a commercial on the radio.
We scheduled the surgery for a Friday morning and when I arrived at the hospital they too were professional, pleasant and efficient. My husband was allowed to stay with me until I went to the operating room and Dr. Ditesheim came to visit before the surgery, met my husband and asked if we had any questions. After that I don’t remember much about that day.
The evening of my surgery I do remember getting a call from Debra checking on me to see how I was doing and to make sure everything was going as it should. By Monday when I went back for my follow-up visit I was already up and around, just moving a little slower. I did skip church that Sunday but was back at work on Monday and by day six I was pretty much back to full speed. My healing went well, the scars are almost invisible and I look like a younger, more rested version of my adult self. I no longer have the parentheses around my mouth and I don’t have the turkey skin from my chin to neck.
Dr. Ditesheim went beyond my expectations and when all was said and done he had done everything, and more, that he had promised. The results were so close to his predicted outcome it’s uncanny. I’m amazed at how different I feel in public now, especially when attending formal and business events. I feel attractive and confident for the first time in years.
Last week I went for my six month follow up and everyone seems more like family now. I was a little disappointed that it won’t be necessary to go back. However; if I want or need any other cosmetic procedures I will only go to Dr. Ditesheim.
I recommend Dr. Ditesheim to anyone young, old or anywhere in between. The respect and care received from everyone in his office is unsurpassed and the predictability of the outcome is more important than I realized. If I had not chosen Dr. Ditesheim I shutter to think what may have happened, because I have heard stories since my surgery about others who went the route I started to go and their results many times have been less than they had hoped for and some have even resulted in negative results that required additional surgery to correct. That could easily have been my story. Instead I have even better, longer lasting results than I dreamed of and some new friends. God does work in mysterious ways and I thank Him for leading me to Dr. Ditesheim.”
*The “Quicklift” is a procedure that is advertised by an opthalmologist in Charlotte. The advertisement suggests that the procedure can be performed under local anesthesia, not in an operating room, takes little time to perform, has minimal scars and promises a quick recovery. In contrast, this patient elected to have a “short-scar facelift” procedure. The surgery was performed by a board certified plastic surgeon, in an operating room under the care of an anesthesiologist (MD). The procedure lasted just over two hours, the patient returned home and returned to work within the week as promised. The scars were limited to the crease in front of the ear and around the earlobe. There were no scars above the sideburn or behind the ear.
Before and 6 month after short-scar facelift with minimal scar technique: The “sagginess of the cheek skin” is gone, the jawline is defined and the neck has a more youthful shape. The scar is limited to around the front of the ear and blends easily with the skin. The lower eyelid hollow has been “softened” with filler to smooth the transition from the lower eyelid to the cheek.
