Testimonials

Single Stage Prophylactic Mastectomy and Reconstruction in New Jersey

I am one of four sisters all of whom have the BRACA 2 gene. I was the only lucky one to find out that I was positive and to act BEFORE I had cancer!

My mother and oldest sister are survivors of more than 20 years, my youngest sister is only two years out and going back to have a preventative mastectomy on the remaining breast; a decision she came to after learning that our middle sister has ovarian cancer.

My choice to to have my breasts removed was not an easy one. However, I always knew that if I were to get breast cancer I would rather have the mastectomy than have chemo,radiation and uncertainty. So once I understood that it was a “when” not an “if” then the decision was forgone.

I was fortunate enough to have Dr. Rafizedah doing my reconstruction. I met with him several times, bringing along girlfriends to help me understand all the options I had and pick out just the right implants! I felt fortunate in that I knew I would do well with the surgery because I have for years committed to a daily regime of yoga, running and strength training. My concerns were about how quickly I could get back into my workout routines and would the mastectomy change my ability to do yoga and lift weights.

Dr. Rafizedah took my lifestyle into consideration, along with my body type and thought I was a good candidate to try a single surgery procedure. I liked my small chest and did not really want to go bigger, what a shock to learn they “don’t make them that small!” ; a fact that Dr. Rafizedah very diplomatically explained to me!! I was also able to have the nipple saving surgery which was a huge benefit in terms of how I looked. I knew that there would be loss of feeling regardless and tried to prepare myself for the changes.

I won’t sugar coat the surgery and recovery it is not easy! I felt I had prepared myself well, doing a lot of yoga breathing, relaxation and meditation techniques etc. But despite all the doctors explanations, Dr. Rafizedah’s artistry and skillful reconstruction; and my own mental preparations, the first few days and weeks were difficult.

Physical pain and discomfort don’t last too long but the adjustment to breasts that feel numb and like pillows attached to my body was the hardest. Initially I felt a tightness across my chest and a sense I was permanently wearing a tight padded bra! Lying on my stomach no longer felt comfortable. I hated for anyone to think I had a “boob job” and resented the sense of having “fake” ones. I did what I could to ignore them and was eager to return to my daily athletic activities.

I started out slowly doing stretching exercises to loosen up my chest muscles and regain my range of motion. I used the Pink RIbbon program and the help of trainers to be able to go back to all my normal fitness activities. Happily six weeks out I was fully recovered and able to do most activities with some modifications.

Learning to love my implants was the final and hardest part for me. I had to embrace them, literally, to accept the new me. I was surprised that I really had to wait over a full year before I would know what the new me really felt like. Initially I felt almost nothing but gradually some sensations came back. First the skin at the outermost edges of my breasts started to have sensation, then over time in between the breasts I had normal feelings.

I am happy to report that two years out from surgery even my nipples have some mild sensations!!

There are always trade offs in life and I can honestly say that I am much happier, as is my husband, knowing I will NOT have breast cancer or ovarian (I had surgery for that too) at what turned out to be a very small price.

I hope my story reassures other women facing the same choice to realize they can do this! You may not have real breasts anymore, but you will feel like and BE A WARRIOR GODDESS!!

August, 2013

Dear Dr. Rafizadeh, I just wanted to thank you for the life-changing surgery you performed on me at MorristownMemorial on May 8. I tried over 5 years ago to get approved for this surgery without success. Then my

mother passed away and I took over the care for my 46 year old sister with Down Syndrome who was in

a wheelchair. I had to revamp my house by building a handicapped accessible bathroom for Gina and

installing a handicapped ramp in order to get her into and out of my house. I took care of her for 3 years

and then she developed dementia which added to the stress of being a care giver.

My sister got up one day and while using her walker, fell and broke her leg. I could no longer lift her

which I had been doing for the past 3 years. I had to place her Into a nursing home facility where I

visited every single day since Gina was always taken care of by family. This nearly broke my heart, to see

her in the care of others. She eventually developed double pneumonia and died last April. I then decided

to pursue the breast reduction that I had put on hold for SO many years.

My friends are amazed when they see me. I am amazed when I look in the mirror. I just wanted to

thank you and your staff for always being there to answer my questions and concerns. I have been talking

about you to everyone I meet. I should have taken a bunch of your cards to hand out to everyone I

meet because I say your name several times a day. You are indeed a miracle worker when I look at the

before pictures of myself. I NEVER thought I would look like this. I feel like a new woman thanks to you!

I will always keep you in my prayers to continue being the excellent plastic surgeon that you are.

What an incredibly talented person you are. YOU have a special gift and I’m glad I was the lucky one to

find you to perform this surgery. Thank you so very much.

D.P.
When I was 50 years old, I found myself in need of a pick-me-up. I had been through both a personal and a medical crisis, and the tension they produced was apparent in my face.I thought it was time for a facelift.

The process of visiting plastic surgeons was new to me. I had a total of five consultations with doctors in New York City; in each case I found that these physicians, no doubt competent, were ready to do more work than I had asked for. They tended not to listen to me, and had a more or less fixed idea of what procedures I should have, whether I wanted them or not almost like a formula. I was not comfortable with them.

Then a friend suggested that I see Dr. Rafizadeh. From the beginning of the consultation with Dr. Rafizadeh, I knew this was a different experience. He listened to me and made intelligent suggestions that had to do with my face, not a formula. He was sophisticated, elegant, warm, and comforting. I felt secure in his care, and I had my facelift performed by him.

The procedure itself was not uncomfortable, the aftercare was meticulous, and the results were absolutely amazing, much more than I had hoped for. I was still me, but people I knew noticed there was something different: I looked great and rested. In truth, I looked a lot younger. This surgery was a huge success.

I am 70 years old now, and I have continued to see Dr. Rafizadeh these many years for maintenance procedures, essentially fine tuning, a touch-up here and there, sometimes the use of injectables (Restylane®, Radiesse®, etc.).

Dr. Rafizadeh is truly an artist. I still look younger than my years, due to his skill and artistry. I believe truly that there is no-one like him in the field of plastic surgery.

D.J.H.
I HAD A FACE LIFT WITH EXCELLENT RESULTS

I wholeheartedly recommend Dr. R. He is calm, pleasant and easy to talk to. Most importantly he is an ‘artist’ and the results are excellent.In 2010, fewer than 3% of the nation’s 720,000 active physicians were honored with a Compassionate Doctor Award. Congratulations on your inclusion in this distinct group.

Dr. Rafizadeh, You excel at treating patients, not just the disease. Your patients appreciate the kindness you have dispensed along with your medical care. The Compassionate Doctor Award from Patient’s Choice is based on reviews written by hundreds of thousands of patients. While physicians generally receive positive feedback from patients, few receive high praise about the compassion that accompanies their care.
I had Liposuction and Fat Grafting

He’s the best in the area. My father in law is a surgeon and he would send his patients to Dr R for reconstructive surgery after breast cancer and would be amazed with the results. Always pick a doctor that your own doctor would send his wife to!

I had Liposuction

If you want perfection, you will want Farhad Rafizadeh as your Doctor. Just go over to Morristown Memorial in the Carol Simon Cancer Center wing and ask who they love and respect for his tremendous experience and talent! Yes it will be Farhad Rafizadeh and I speak from experience. Thanks for all your help over the years.

B.B.
I had Breast Reconstruction by Dr. Rafizadeh

He and his staff work together very professionally. They accommodate you with the times you need to be seen. Dr. R. explains everything in full detail and draws exactly what he will be doing.

I had a Face lift and Eyelid Surgery by Dr. Rafizadeh

Overall experience with the doctor and staff was outstanding. I had a facelift and eyelid surgery… results are excellent and most think I have lost weight and been sleeping!! Dr. Rafizadeh is an artist and top of the line surgeon with an excellent bedside manner.

DR RAFIZADEH IS AN ARTIST

I had a facelift with Dr. Rafizadeh and I am very pleased with the results. Everyone tells me how ‘rested’ I look and no one suspects I have had plastic surgery because the results are so natural. The Dr. is easy to talk to and the office staff is very friendly and helpful.

I had a mastectomy and Dr. Rafizadeh did a TRAM flap breast reconstruction

I had a mastectomy with a TRAM reconstruction. Then I had the nipple surgery. He did an excellent job and you can not even tell that the breast was re-made. He is an artist.

I HAD AN ABDOMINOPLASTY BY DR RAFIZADEH
I had a very positive experience with Dr. Rafizadeh’s office. The office is very friendly and helpful. I never waited for more than 5 minutes for an appointment. But most importantly, Dr. Rafizadeh’s surgical skills are excellent. I had an abdominoplasty and 2 days after surgery, I was already starting to walk around and spend time with my family. My recovery went really fast and very smoothly.
Dear Dr. Rafizadeh: Congratulations! You have once again been recognized as a Patients’ Choice physician.The Patients’ Choice honor is given to you as a reflection of your patients’ continued appreciation and praise for the quality of care and service you provide.

Every month, more than 200,000 patients across the U.S. provide online feedback about their doctor experiences. They rate various components of the care they receive, such as bedside manner, doctor-patient face time, follow-up care, ease of appointment setting, and courtesy of office staff. They also share their overall opinions.

Over the course of 2011, hundreds of thousands of patient reviews were written and shared. While physicians generally receive positive feedback from their patients, only a select few consistently receive rave reviews. Of those with high praise, only physicians like yourself – with near perfect scores – have been voted by their patients for this honor. In fact, of the nation’s 720,000 active physicians, only 5 percent were accorded this honor by their patients in 2011. You are, indeed, the Patients’ Choice; a physician so highly regarded by patients that they feel the need to talk to others about the positive influence of your work.

This notation of your distinction as a 2011 Patients’ Choice physician will be prominently displayed in your Profile on a broad collection of web sites, including Patients’ Choice, Vitals, Google, and a variety of managed care sites as well as top health insurance sites. More than 500,000 people view these websites on a daily basis.

To ensure all aspects of your profile are correct, please go to www.vitals.com and click “login: physician” in the upper right hand corner of the site. There you will be able to log in using your previously registered email and password, or if you have not previously registered you will be able to do so by clicking “get started.”

Congratulations once again on this outstanding distinction.

Sincerely, Erika Boyer Vice President, Consumer ResearchMDx Medical, Inc.

Erika Boyer Vice President, Consumer ResearchMDx Medical, Inc.
“AMAZING EXPERIENCE!! – MORRISTOWN, NJ”

He’s the best!! I chose him from his website which says painless and no bruising fillers. It lived up to all my expectations and more! September 24th, 2012

Daniella1212
“TRAM FLAP RECONSTRUCTION AFTER BILATERAL MASECTOMY – MORRISTOWN, NJ”

When I met with my breast surgeon after being diagnosed with cancer I was ecstatic to find that he recommended Dr. Rafizadeh as a plastic surgeon. I immediately had more confidence in my surgeon based on his recommendation and had absolute faith in Dr. Rafizadeh. Many years ago he was a miracle worker for my mother-in-law after a dreadful car accident and many years later he was able to work with me. He is patient and has a great bedside manner. His knowledge & experience with this particular procedure is the best in the business and I could not recommend him more. To be able to trust a doctor at this level is a blessing when facing such a dreadful disease and although I am only two weeks post-operative the results are astounding. Lower Face Lift

September 20th, 2012

tubhaus
“EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE, SMOOTH RECOVERY – MORRISTOWN, NJ”

i heard about him from a friend saw him several times over about 3 years was always treated kindly with questions answered . When i finally got procedure it was a good experience. I got face and necklift so far a week and a half in recovery but minimal bruising some swelling but all in all much less discomfort then expected.No photos yet too early

Facelift September 17th, 2012

speill
“FACE AND EYE LIFTS – MORRISTOWN, NJ”

Thank you, Dr. Rafizadeh, for making this experience so much more tolerable than I ever thought possible. In less than a week, people have been telling me how much better I look already and that’s with still being swollen. Can’t wait to see the real me in a few weeks to come. Dr. Rafizadeh is a compassionate, caring, professional and a true artist at what he does. Thank you Dr. Rafizadeh for everything you have done for me. I would not hesitate to recommend you to everyone who is in need of plastic surgery. September 15th, 2011

jnebus
“SPENT 18 MONTHS LOOKING FOR AN EXCEPTIONAL PLASTIC SURGEON – MORRISTOWN, NJ”

I immigrated from Australia last year and have spent 18 months looking for an exceptional plastic surgeon. I found him in Dr R. He is an artist as well as a highly qualified surgeon. So far Dr R has done Dysport for my brow area and used Juvaderm to correct my very deep under-eye hollows. Notoriously difficult to treat, Dr R has done an incredible job on the dark circles under my eyes. He did not in any way rush the procedure. During the session it was clear that it was as important to him as it was to me that he got the best/most natural looking result possible. Dr R also has a great “bedside manner”. He answered all of my questions and spent as much time as I wanted to explain the technique and products he would use and why. I strongly recommend Dr Rafizadeh to anyone who is planning to have any work done on their face. June 6th, 2011

Aussie 1
“LIPOSUCTION AND FAT GRAFTING – MORRISTOWN, NJ”

He’s the best in the area. My father in law is a surgeon and he would send his patients to Dr R for reconstructive surgery after breast cancer and would be amazed with the results. Always pick a doctor that your own doctor would send his wife to!

Facelift May 28th, 2011

Netcong
“EXCELLENT – MORRISTOWN, NJ”

He and his staff work together very professionally. They accommodate you with the times you need to be seen. Dr. R. explains everything in full detail and draws exactly what he will be doing.

Susan
BREAST AUGMENTATION IN NEW JERSEY

Dear Dr. Rafizadeh,

After many years of thinking about it, I had finally decided to augment my breasts and fix the damage two years of nursing my beautiful little girls did to my breasts. My research led me to you. It was fate – my only regret is that I had not done it sooner. Now, only three days after surgery, my breasts look natural, round and firm. The previous sagginess and wrinkles are gone and they are a work of art. The limitations in my movements are minimal and the stitches are practically invisible. The pain level was next to nil and I only needed to take over the counter meds on the day of the surgery. You are a miracle worker and your hands are magical. Your measures are entirely unaggressive, your approach appropriately conservative and you have the eye of an artist. Thank you for giving me the body I have always dreamed of. The life-long impact you make on peoples’ lives is truly immeasurable.

Vicky B, NJ