Testimonials
Dear Dr. Menick,
I have procrastinated in writing this letter to you because I am having trouble deciding on the best words to use in order to adequately express my gratitude for everything you have done for my son.
While waiting for our first appointment with you I was very stressed and anxious about what lie ahead. I was extremely nervous about meeting a world-renowned plastic surgeon. Upon seeing all of the newspaper and journal articles literally covering your office walls I grew more intimidated to talk to you. I expected to see a very sterile, cold, aloof person walk into the examination room. Instead I met the total opposite person: kind, considerate, caring, warm, welcoming, uplifting and confident…humble even. I could not have asked for a better person to help my 17-year-old son and my family get through the ordeal that faced us. I felt as if we were the only patients you had ever seen. I put my life on hold to travel form the east coast to live in Tucson for 3 months in order to seek your expertise for the reconstruction of my son’s nose and I am extremely fortunate to have done so!
God has given you a gift, and you are so kind and generous to share that gift with others in need. Along with this gift comes much responsibility and sacrifice. I cannot imagine the years of discipline on your part and the sacrifices you and your family have made for the care of others. Your expertise and dedication are outstanding, saint-like; and that matters to people. All of these procedures may seem routine to you after performing them for so many years but to your patients it is like you are performing miracles every day. You give people their “self” back. That touches them to the very core. Now I know what it means to say “Thank you from the bottom of my heart.” My son can now proudly walk into a room and greet people with confidence knowing that his nose is no longer malformed.
I think about you all often and how much you made my trip and ordeal so much better than I could have imagined. I will continue to pray for you all… God bless you.
Sincerely,
— C. M., mother of nasal reconstruction patient
You performed a rhinoplasty and I love the results!! You gave me a chance to have a natural-looking, pretty nose again. You’re truly a gifted surgeon for nasal reconstruction. Many surgeons cautioned me not to have a “traditional rhinoplasty” because of the trauma that happened to my nose, and I never thought I would have a normal nose again. Thank you.
— J. M., revision rhinoplasty
Dear Prof. Menick,
I will always remember with respect and gratitude all what you are doing to my sister Dr. N. In fact we owe you much that may take me ages to pay it back. I thought before seeing you that I will meet a clever surgeon, but knowing you meant much more to me. I found a real gentleman who cares much, respects much and tries his best to change patients depression into a better state that help them have hope. I just wanted to say I am grateful. Please send my regards and full respect to all your office team. I will always remember how helpful and welcoming was Rachel. I will always appreciate kindness of your wife, a lady you should be proud of indeed.
Thanks,
Dr. S., consulting surgeon from Cairo, Egypt
Dear Dr. Menick,
I am so happy I had the pleasure to meet you! You have helped so many people around the world and you’ve helped me too! Thank you so much for restoring my nose–it is so nice to go out in public and feel normal and not have people wonder what happened to me.
You are a world-class surgeon and the techniques you developed and your attention to detail are simply amazing! You are also a world class person–thank you for your kindness and compassion as well.
I’ve also really enjoyed coming to Tucson. It is a beautiful place.
Always, thanks for everything. You will always have a special place in my heart!
Sincerely,
C.B.
I feel such a relief that you said it would be best not to do anything to my nose. I know that you know best and I just accept the way my nose is. I am thankful there are doctors like you in the world.
– G.H.
I thought you might be interested to see an article I wrote for a client’s website on beauty. The truth is that you created the beauty on the outside that allows me to be more confident and creative! I do believe that beauty comes from within, but I don’t think I would have ever gotten to that place if it hadn’t been for you.
– M.F., Nasal Reconstruction Patient
Dear Dr. Menick,
I cannot thank you and your office staff enough for all that you’ve done for me. You
have all made me feel so comfortable and positive throughout the entire reconstruction
process. I honestly came to your office thinking I would never look “normal” again.
Even after looking at the before and after pictures, I never thought mine could ever turn
out that well. Your positive outlook and expertise have gotten me where I am today. You
have truly saved my life, and I cannot thank you enough for giving me that back. It is a
blessing to have known you, and you will always be someone I look up to. Thank you
for your continued compassion and devotion to these types of injuries. You are a miracle
worker in my eyes!
Sincerely Yours,
-K.L., Dog Bite/Nasal Reconstruction
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.
It’s been 6 months since the surgery. I am writing just to let you know that I am very happy with my nose now. It really changed my life a lot, now I can take lots of pictures of my face (doesn’t matter if the light is in my face), it always looks great and I am very confident meeting people, I don’t have to hide anymore.
Thanks a lot for what you have done for me and I hope you will make many other patients happy.
– R.F.
The purpose of this message is to thank you. You are such an amazing person and doctor and the end result is more than I expected. From start to finish you are the best. I also want to add that your office staff is simply wonderful and professional at all times.
– M.T.
Everything is healing well and my nose is looking better and better.
I am very happy with the result and couldn’t have asked for more.
As I’ve told you before, you’ve given me my life back. I look like myself again and I am
no longer self conscious. I’ll be able to put all of this behind me and move forward to a
very successful personal and professional life like I feel I was meant to.
Thanks to you I can attend my 30-year high school reunion with my head held high.
Something that I would have bet against, not that long ago!
BIG THANKS AGAIN!!
Your friend always…
– J.G.
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 just want to thank you again for the confidence you have given me through my surgery. I feel so much better. You did such a wonderful job and it changed my life.
– D.V.
Thanks, Dr. M. There is a very special place in my heart for you.
– D.M.
Words cannot express my appreciation for all you have done for me. I am starting to feel good about myself – I can’t wait to show off my good looks at Mayo Clinic. Thank you!
-P.V.
A new six-word memoir dedicated to Dr. Menick: Magician performs excision. Arm scar disappears!
– M.F., Nasal Reconstruction
Dear Doctor Menick,
No words I write can ever express the heart-filled gratitude my whole family feels for what you have achieved for my Grandson. Tom endured 15 years of stares at his birth defected nose. During those 15 years, he underwent two surgical procedures to try to give him as normal a nose as possible, but to no avail. People still stared as the procedures failed to make any sort of effective solution to his appearance.
I am grateful too, to an honest and feeling surgeon in London, who performed one of Tom’s surgeries, because earlier this year he examined Tom again and with good grace, told us Tom needed complete nasal reconstruction. We asked him who was the best surgeon to carry out this work and he told us without hesitation we should contact Doctor Fred Menick in Tucson. He sealed the deal, as it were, by telling us that “if Tom was my Grandson, I would take him to Doctor Menick.”
When we contacted you, you saw Tom within a few weeks, in spite of what we now know to be a hectic schedule of work you discipline yourself to get through on behalf of your patients. From that initial consultation, we felt such a lift that Tom was where, and with whom, he needed to be. In spite of your hectic schedule, you tirelessly sought access to Tom’s medical records, and battered your way through red tape and bureaucracy to get as much information as possible to help prepare your strategy for Tom’s treatment.
You took great care to take us through the planned surgeries step by step, with an extraordinary warmth and compassion that left me in awe of an eminent surgeon with such a common touch with his patient and family alike.
In four months, you have transformed Tom’s appearance, as you assured us you would. With this change in appearance, and it is a massive change, Tom’s confidence has had a tremendous life-changing boost. We as a family cannot begin to thank you enough for bestowing your gift of incredible skill and caring upon our Grandson. Tom is a young man of few words as you know, but he certainly is happy to be included on your case studies on your website. We all would be delighted if someone could see what you did for Tom, and it prompted them to contact you. You truly have a life-changing gift to offer people with all sorts of facial disfigurements, and the more people that can be made aware of this fact, the better.
Once again Doctor Menick, please accept our heartfelt gratitude for all you have done for Tom. He is looking forward to coming back to Tucson next year to meet you again for his follow-up examination.
Kindest regards,
– Grandmother of Nasal Reconstruction
Disillusioned woman saved by magician’s hand(s).
– 6 word memoir dedicated to Dr. Menick by M.F.
Fantastic, brilliant, amazing, beautiful, gorgeous, perfect, cute, these are some of the words our family and friends have used to describe Tom’s new nose. Tom’s friends thought it was ‘cool’ and his daddy was almost in tears at the airport when he picked us up.
The words ‘thank you’ simply do not fully express our gratitude for what you have done for Tom. You have achieved what we were told for years couldn’t be done and given Tom a normal nose. We are so happy with the results of the surgery and I have to admit that I keep staring at Tom in awe of your talent.
I think my sister summed it up well when she called you “The Wonderful Wizard of AZ”
Thank you so much for everything and making us feel so welcome in Tucson.
Yours sincerely,
– Mother of nasal reconstruction patient
I wanted to let you know how truly grateful I am to you. I know that taking my situation was a big risk, yet you held high hopes and had the sincere determination to help me. No reward in the world is big enough or thanks enough for what you have done from me and for my self-esteem. You have literally given me a second chance to show the world I am worthy enough to live in it! I will be sure to recommend you to anyone who asks for the BEST SURGEON I know!
– E.M., Nasal Reconstruction
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 Menick
Read 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\
I don’t think there is a word that would truly express my gratefulness to you. I feel so blessed to have you as my doctor. The work you did on me changed my life. My nose looks better than I ever thought imaginable. To tell you the truth, after the first surgery, I was a little scared. But with each one my confidence grew, and I love the way my nose turned out. Life is going absolutely fabulous. I am loving every minute of it. 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.
– L.H. Reconstructive Rhinoplasty after Congenital Nasal Hemangioma \
Everyone tells me how beautiful I look, and they are amazed at your ability. Thank you for making a nightmarish 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 \
You are really a miracle worker! My nose is healing rapidly and I feel normal again—a delicious feeling.
– P.F., Nasal Reconstruction -\
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. She has such confidence in herself and feels pretty every day. She loves taking out the CD of pictures you gave us and showing people. People are shocked at how badly disfigured she was and how perfectly normal she looks now. Watching the process from that CD has changed a lot of peoples’ opinion of what plastic surgery is really about. People see the talent and actual artistry involved and can’t believe someone can actually do such an amazing job.
– Mother of facial reconstruction patient
It has been 3 months since the first stage of the forehead flap procedure. I wanted to write you and tell you about my progress. Everything is going splendidly. The contour and color of my nose look great and the donor site has now completely closed. I can’t tell you the number of people who have told me how much better my “new” nose looks, than the old one. I consider myself lucky to have been referred to you for this surgery. As a fellow physician and surgeon, I was both impressed and pleased with your concerned, caring manner. The fact that you were willing to come in and see me on Saturdays and Sundays speaks volumes about your character, integrity, and devotion to your patients. Although the forehead flap procedure is a long and difficult trip for the patient, the end result makes the journey worthwhile.
– W.H., M.D., Nasal Reconstruction
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
I wanted to let you know that, since my surgery with you, I have seen hundreds of other peoples’ rhinoplasties. I am confident that mine is the best, most natural, and most perfect. I am thankful every day that I chose you as my physician.
– S. S. Primary rhinoplasty
Following MOHS surgery for basal cell carcinoma, I was left without most of the right ala of my nose; I felt frightened and sad. I was referred to Dr. Menick’s care the following morning; I was sure that I would be able to have a skin graft and be healed in a short time-in time for Christmas.
Dr. Menick gave me several options but explained that, for a good cosmetic result, I would need a full thickness tissue graft in a two-step surgical procedure. A strip of tissue would be cut from my forehead and the flap brought down to my nostril and would remain attached for at least three weeks and then the final shaping of my nose would be done. A piece of cartilage would be taken from an ear in the first surgery and a strip of tissue would be taken from my groin to sew on the back of the flap to prevent oozing of fluids. My head just “swam” when I heard all this information; it was good my husband was there too because I could hardly grasp it all. I was shown pictures of former patients and their results; after discussion we told him to schedule my first surgery.
The following day a caring office staff person called me with choices of dates and I took the earliest possible date. This required an overnight stay in the hospital; I found the hospital staff to be just as caring as Dr. Menick and his staff. Like getting old, the surgery is not for sissies but I got along well and came home to a husband who waited on me the first day. I truly was shocked when I saw my appearance after the surgery and wondered how I could live with that flap partially obscuring my vision for the next three weeks. I got stronger each day and in a week I got ready for church and put on a pair of dark glasses and went. The glasses were not really comfortable but it was worth it to get out. I found everyone to be kind and supportive – even the checkers in the grocery store told me they would pray for a good recovery.
Time passed quite quickly and my second surgery was scheduled 26 days after the first. This was done as an outpatient and I was overjoyed when the recovery room nurse gave me a mirror. The flap was gone and my nose looked quite normal except for minor swelling. I was careful to follow all directions for my skin care and now 7 weeks after my second surgery I have virtually no scar on my nose and a fading scar on my forehead. I feel very well and have positive comments from all friends and family that followed my progress. It was a real blessing to me that my Mohs surgeon referred me to Dr. Menick.
– D.B., MOHS nasal reconstruction
Letter to the Editor of Pima Medical Society:
I am a patient of Dr. Fred Menick (featured in the August September Sombrero). He has been taking care of me since March 2009.
I had a severe nasal distortion due to repeated surgeries and radiation therapy. The plastic and reconstructive surgeon who had been treating me in Phoenix felt that I needed expert care and recommended Dr. Menick, so since March my wife and I have been commuting between Phoenix and Tucson several times a month. Anyone who’s driven between the two cities and along the Speedway will agree that this is not the most scenic or interesting drive. But it has certainly been worth it.
Dr. Menick has operated on me five times, the first requiring an overnight stay at Carondelet St. Joseph’s Hospital (where the care, incidentally has been first-rate), and the others outpatient surgeries, also at St. Joseph’s.
From the freakish nose that caused me to be self-conscious and caused difficulty breathing and sleeping, a symmetrical, “normal”-looking nose is emerging. Apart from the cosmetic improvement, my breathing has improved greatly
It’s not over yet. The skin flap from my forehead that bridges from my eyebrow to the distal half of my nose has yet to be removed, and Dr. Menick plans a little more tweaking after that.
What strikes me about this gifted surgeon is his quiet competence, personal attention, and most of all, his meticulousness and attention to detail. “Close enough” is not good enough for him. It has to be perfect.
I urge any physician who has not seen his new book on nasal reconstruction to have a look at it. You’ll be amazed by the results he’s achieved with the most awful nasal deformities. The book should be available at the medical college library.
We in Arizona are very fortunate to have a surgeon on Dr. Menick’s abilities in our community.
– C. L., M.D. Nasal Reconstruction
Everything is going great and I have significant feeling in the nose. Once in a while certain vibrations (like singing) cause a most intense tickling/itching sensation. It’s kind of weird and exciting all at the same time. It gets better all the time. 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. I can feel myself awakening from years of slumber and begin to feel so alive! Dr. Menick, you give people foundations??? which they can heal and build the person they are inside. From there, the benefits carry over to all aspects of life. Thank you for accepting my case and for achieving the perfect result for my face. You have given me a wonderful gift for which no words will ever capture the gratitude I feel in my heart, mind, and soul. I can’t and will never forget what you have done for me! Your talent as a world-class surgeon is simply genius, breathtaking, and amazing to behold. I have been blessed and fortunate to have experienced it personally. May God continue to bless you and yours always!
– A.C., Revision Rhinoplasty
Thank you for giving me my identity back. While I could have lived with the scars from the dog bite, 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. A patient for life.
– 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 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
Thank you for making a beautiful nose. I’ve always wanted a “normal” looking nose and without you I wouldn’t have had this life-altering opportunity. You amaze me.
– L.S., Congenital Nasal Deformity Reconstruction
My nose is healing very well and it looks great. I must admit that I am really loving my new nose! Thank you very much, Dr. Menick.
– C.M., Rhinoplasty
Your work is beautiful and so reminiscent of the wabi sabi concept, but did you know that this advanced aesthetic concept is also a perspective and philosophy of life? Thanks for changing my life. I feel so vibrant and alive as a result of your work.
– A.C., Revision Rhinoplasty
Some gifts you hold in your hand. Some you hold in your heart. We are so grateful for the blessing of you! My family and I want to extend a sincere thank you for giving me my life back. You are a special man: Your heart heals us and your hands make us beautiful again. Dr. Menick, you create gifts like no other. No words could ever express the thankfulness I feel for you, your office staff and your hospital team. God bless you. You, Dr. Menick, will always be in God’s loving arms. With love and deep appreciation.
– C.J., Nasal Reconstruction after dog bite