Patient's Experiences - Facial Surgery

Dr Sorensen took the time to listen to what I hoped could be achieved and was very reassuring about the concerns I had. With his medical expertise he was able to explain in a clear and understandable way the most appropriate procedures that would bring about a rejuvenated and totally natural look afterwards. Having considered everything that Dr Sorensen had said, I also decided to go ahead with a very discrete chin implant to add subtle emphasis to my jawline.

Following the surgery itself it took two or three days to really start feeling back to normal and it was a week before I was confident about being out and about and ready to face the world - albeit with the help of a little careful camouflage make-up. It was only two or three weeks after surgery when I started receiving compliments on my appearance from both friends I hadn't seen for a while and also people I'd only just met.

At every step of the journey Dr Sorensen and his team were there providing support and guidance whenever it was needed.

I'm absolutely delighted with the outcome of the surgery; it's exceeded everything I hoped might be possible - now the person I am on the outside once again looks like the person I've always been on the inside.

All of this made me very self conscious in my work as a communications professional. My job involves a lot of presentations and international travel within a youthful and image led industry. After a thorough consultation, I felt confident with the recommended fat grafting and gentle lifting.

These procedures were conducted in two stages. Following the first two combined procedures, I was very satisfied indeed. The result was entirely natural looking, my face regained symmetry and a youthful freshness.

Seeing how well my skin and facial contours responded, I returned for a followup procedure two years later, after an accident and subsequent dramatic weight loss had taken its toll on my face. Three weeks after the fat grafting and face/neck lift, I was confident enough to go for a top job interview. I was able to walk into the room and perform well without worrying about my looks and I managed to clinch the role.

At every stage - from consultation to procedure and after care, I felt fully informed and confident that I was in the hands of experts. I knew through meticulous preparation and detailed discussions, that the results would be significant yet also subtle enough to not look as if I had 'had something done'. This was essential for my high profile career.

My confidence has increased and I feel I can now perform better in all aspects of life, feeling that I can now really be myself.

Elective surgery is usually a leap of faith and in our case it was no different. So Initially, my husband and I approached and interviewed several cosmetic surgeons, in addition to Dr Sorensen. All of whom were rated amongst “The UK’s Top 10 Cosmetic Surgeons” by Tatler Magazine. However, after other consultations, we walked away with some doubts and/or other sorts of reservations. However, it was easy to choose Dr. Sorensen following our first consultation with him. He met all our criteria: professional, a perfectionist with an eye for detail, (as they say, it takes one to know one!), a genuine interest in knowing the patient’s concerns and honesty in giving suggestions with the ultimate goal of achieving the best possible results. From the first consultation visit, through the pre-op visits, he takes the time to get to understand you and your desired outcome and explains the various options and procedures and what to expect in great depth and always with great patience.

When a surgeon spends time with you, unrushed and focused time, makes sure you are comfortable, listens, thoughtfully responds, and has photographic examples of his work that demonstrate both his level of expertise and his sense of aesthetics, it ensures your trust and confidence. After doing due diligence, anyone would be impressed by Dr. Sorensen’s credentials and his calm, gentle and reassuring demeanour; just some of the fine qualities which have led us to come to hold him in such high regard over the years, both personally as well as professionally.

Both my husbands and my results for the following procedures; upper and lower eyelift, facelift including neck and brow lift as well as fat grafting and a few other minor procedures exceeded expectations and have made a very real and positive difference in our lives to our self-confidence and how we see ourselves. We both had quick recoveries from surgery; minimal bruising and Yes, there is discomfort, but no real pain.

Along the way, the compliments his dedicated and loyal team of staff gave him, were reflected in his work. And just when you think you know everything that you need to know about your doctor and your procedure(s) after surgery, you may learn a little something that would not seem like much right now, however, after surgery you are delightfully surprised. Another testimony to Dr. Sorensen’s integrity, thoroughness, thoughtfulness, anticipation of your needs, and overall patient experience. Not to mention that it is apparent he loves what he does for a living and the people he does it for.

Strangely the word “pleasure” doesn’t usually come to mind when talking about surgery, but we have to say that in our experience it has been an absolute pleasure dealing with Dr Sorensen and we would recommend him in a heartbeat!

I was told by several specialists that surgery wasn’t an option, so lived with the disfigurement for over 20 years. It first appeared when I was 38 years old, out of the blue and without any prior warning. I just woke up with a large swelling in my left cheek one morning and that was that. My life changed dramatically overnight. I wasn’t pretty anymore. I became reclusive and didn’t want to be seen. I lost my confidence and it took a lot of determination to get back out there and live a normal life.

A doctor in Knightsbridge told me about Dr Sorensen and so I made an appointment to see him. I heard that he had special surgical tools and was an expert in facial aesthetic and reconstructive surgery. I was really excited that someone might be able to help me look normal again. I’d always lived with that hope.

My operation was scheduled for mid-November and lasted 9 hours. When I came round after surgery, I was amazed at how painless it was. I was rather bruised and swollen, but could see immediately that my face was going to look a lot better than it had for a very long time.

Three months post surgery and I have completely healed and look amazing, beyond what I had dared to hope for. The best part about it is, that I look completely natural. Nobody would guess that I’d had facial surgery. But in fact I had extensive surgery. The venous malformation was corrected, the displaced cheek tissue was moved back to where it used to be. In addition, I had a face and neck lift combined with an upper blepharoplasty and fat transfer to several areas of my face.

Dr Sorensen has made me look fabulous and youthful again. My confidence has returned and I am extremely happy. I smile all the time. I love Dr Sorensen. I cannot thank him enough and his lovely clinic team, especially Jane and Sarah. They have all been so kind and helpful.

Thank you.

I read about the extremely natural results Dr Sorensen was achieving, and decided to go and see him. He was completely honest about what he could and could not achieve, and I absolutely knew that he would only enhance, not overdo.

I am absolutely thrilled with the subtle but extraordinary results. I have had more comments on how well and happy I look than I could possible imagine. Dr Sorensen himself is genuinely caring and charming, as are his support team. The initial bruising and swelling are a bit scary but there is no pain involved.

All in all, highly recommended.

No, but I have have received brilliant facial reconstructive surgery from one of the nicest and most talented surgeons of our time!

Born with a facial palsy and having undergone various surgeries throughout my life, I was left with a somewhat unnatural lip placement and an uneven smile. Although an improvement on the pre-surgery me, it was still far away from what I felt comfortable with. 

After having consulted several times with Dr Sorensen, I felt confident enough to undergo a series of reconstructive surgeries and the result is amazing. It was subtle but made a big impact. I am not saying that I am perfect and never will be, but the improvement achieved is fantastic. It has made a huge difference to my appearance and given me a sunnier outlook on life and a renewed confidence.

The other bonus is that I also look 10 years younger!

Bless your hands Dr Sorensen.

The injury in medical terms was a full thickness laceration which dissected the corner of my mouth and finished on my cheek bone; it also cut through my nose joining my mouth. This damaged the five branches of the facial nerve, leaving me with temporary paralysis, some lasting loss of feeling and temporary loss of movement as the motor nerves healed.

This injury completely changed every aspect of my life. I no longer considered myself to be ‘pretty’; I couldn’t see past the huge scar, plain for everyone to see and comment on. I couldn’t hide it. I became a shell of my former self, mentally affected, not wanting to see anyone or socialise; completely embarrassed and unhappy. I was 20, turning 21 and couldn’t imagine living for another 80 years (yes I am going to make it to 100) with a hideous deformity covering half of my face. Not only did I find it visibly disgusting, the muscle layer had healed to the skin making it tight and uncomfortable. I felt like I couldn’t move forward, I was stuck, unable to overcome the injury and outcome; it completely held me back.

Before returning to the UK, I decided that enough was enough. I was sure that I could change my appearance and better myself. I googled scar removal and specifically who did it and where in London to get it done. I researched into quite a few places and made advances in contacting surgeons and clinics via email and telephone. Dr Sorensen particularly interested me. Being a qualified equine scientist I have worked in surgeries and performed medical procedures myself, so I feel I have an understanding of equipment etc. Reading about Dr Sorensen I discovered he designed his instruments specifically for the in-depth minuscule procedures pertaining to microsurgery and aesthetic surgery.

Upon returning to the UK a consultation was arranged. Following this, I have had surgical removal of the scar and a course of micro needling, which continues to improve the appearance and soften the scar; aiding correct normal movement and elasticity.

During my time under Dr Sorensen’s care I can honestly say I have never felt more personally cared for. Every aspect of my appointments have been professional and relaxing. I have always felt welcomed and every need met. Something which I find very reassuring about Dr Sorensen, is his ability to be perfectly honest without being sharp or abrupt; I don’t feel he is giving a false sense of security or unrealistic hope; he gives answers as they are and truly explains realistic outcomes and what is possible.

During my treatment I feel I have completely changed for the better. I now have the confidence to do as I choose and my appearance no longer holds me back. It may sound cliché, but I often think it really is how you feel which affects how you view things. Due to the treatment I have become a happier, more confident person. I finally feel positive and ready to live the rest of my 80 years.

I am now 23, the injury was three years ago, and I know the steps I have taken with the Sorensen Clinic are some of the most important decisions for the future of my health (both mentally and otherwise). And choosing the Sorensen Clinic will no doubt be one of the most well thought out and advised decisions I have ever made.

A special mention must also go out to Sarah and Jane for their guidance throughout every step. I cannot express in words how much I respect and care for you both and I’m sure I am not alone in my admiration, as I’m sure other patients share it. You have always made me feel comfortable and understood.

Thank you.

The neuroma had already damaged the hypoglossal (XII cranial nerve) and accessory (XI cranial nerve), resulting in paralysis and atrophy of the tongue’s right side and sternocleidomastoid muscle. The surgical procedure to unbridle vagus fibres (X cranial nerve), damaged laryngeal ones causing paralysis of the right vocal cord. Swallowing was impaired to such an extent that all care was focused on preventing the risk of pneumonia ab ingestis (aspiration pneumonia), which lasted for months.

The neurologist's advice about the facial palsy was to wait for at least a year for neural activity to reappear. The EMG however remained silent in all muscles, while the soft tissues were slipping down and rotating relentlessly leftwards. In addition to the changes in appearance, quality of life deteriorated in several other aspects. While drinking from a cup or a bottle, liquids could no more be retained by my incompetent lips. The articulation of words containing the consonant “P”, of which the Italian language has plenty, was defective. In addition, stillness of the paralysed vocal cord contributed to transforming my speech into a sequence of grimaces.

The right eyelid could not close completely and did not blink at all. The cornea required constant protection from injury, for example from water under the shower, removal of a T-shirt over my head, mosquitos, or dust outside. Computer screen, theatre or movies was not possible for more than half an hour at a time, due to the burning sensation in my eye which no drops could relieve.

At the time of my first visit to the Sorensen Clinic, 18 months after my neurosurgery, a weak movement could be aroused by pinching the cheek, as if some muscle fibres still survived. Based on these clinical symptoms (as hope is the last to die), I asked Dr Sorensen to perform a cross-facial nerve graft together with the proposed right sided lift of soft-tissue and fat graft.

Following my surgery, I was so pleased to experience how the facelift raised the right hemiface and the corner of my mouth to the same level as on the left side. Meanwhile the fat graft compensated for the empty muscle space and improved on my eye closure by pushing up the lower eyelid.

Nine months later, I had recovered a light degree of muscle function, but it did not correct my facial asymmetry. In the second surgery, Dr Sorensen used three facial slings collected from my thigh’s fascia lata and gave me back a perfect symmetry. The improvement was not only in aesthetic appearance, the slings also strengthened my cheek and enhanced my speaking and swallowing. A week after surgery I was able to pronounce my own name for the first time in 3 years.

After another six months, a third and final procedure was performed, in where the right upper lip was raised, recreating the nasolabial fold. Combined with this, a minor surgery on the upper and lower eyelid restored a complete closure of the right eye.

It is true that I am “a work in progress” since age-related gravity will continue to move tissue downwards and the unaffected hemifacial muscles will continue pulling across the midline. I will likely need further adjustments in the future. However this surgery, performed in several steps, has been successful in restoring symmetry and function to such a level that I often forget that I had a grade VI facial palsy.

I returned early this year (five years later) to once again discuss my face and neck. Dr Sorensen and I spent considerable time talking through all my concerns and we both agreed that I could benefit from a face and necklift, upper eyelid surgery, fat transfer to the face and a conservative liposuction to my waistline.

Undergoing procedures such as these are quite daunting - after all you are going to undergo surgery to your face for cosmetic reasons and which brings out many fears and emotions. I was guided and supported every step of the way, nothing was too much trouble or dismissed. Dr Sorensen and his team accurately predicted every stage of my recovery which relieved me of unnecessary anxiety. All I had to do was to trust their process, follow instructions and focus on my healing.

The first 2 weeks I was very swollen and bruised, however there was no pain. Within 3 weeks I was looking relatively normal although still post-surgery. Within 6 weeks you could not tell that I had any procedures done, the scars were invisible. Every day I continue to see improvement, even now after 3 months.

Dr Sorensen is the best of the best! Another consultant surgeon once advised me that he is 'the surgeon's surgeon' and being under his care I can appreciate why. His passion, knowledge, skill and attention to detail is unmatched.

As for my result? I look and feel fantastic with a very natural rejuvenation - a delicately refreshed version of my previous self.

Dr Sorensen and his team headed by the wonderful Jane, are all first class. I would not and cannot imagine putting my trust into the hands of any other surgeon, I would follow him and his team around the world if I had to!

From our very first meeting he put me at ease and allayed all the fears I had about his forthcoming surgery on my eyes. No longer do I hear "you look tired" but rather "you do look well". My 'bags' have completely disappeared, my cheekbones are enhanced and my confidence has returned.

I could not sing his praises highly enough.

Thank you Dr Sorensen from the bottom of my heart.

There was a marked difference in the way Dr Sorensen conducted his appointments. His explanations were thorough and measured, and he fully examined the proportions of my face and jaw before making any recommendations. I felt in control of my treatment, and supported by his expertise. The process was highly personalised and everyone at the clinic was unfailingly friendly. It was always made clear that I could contact anyone at any time after my surgery, and I was given Dr Sorensen's direct line in case anything went wrong.

From the beginning I always felt that the information offered was completely honest and straight-forward. As a young person on an average income who had never undergone any surgical procedure before, I appreciated that reassurance and felt completely justified in having saved up to come to one of the best doctors in his field.

Five weeks after surgery, I'm happier than ever with my final result. I just wish I had been able to do it sooner.

I was very concerned about having an upper blepharoplasty since the eyes are the most noticeable part of the face. I felt the results might vary depending on the skill and ‘artistry’ of the surgeon involved. I was nervous of a result that may feminise the eyes or of an overcorrection, leaving a startled or obviously ‘done’ look.

I did a lot of research before arranging a consultation with Dr Sorensen. I was impressed with his credentials and appreciated his Scandinavian ‘less is more’ and ‘conservative’ approach to cosmetic work. I also felt secure knowing this is a man who is clearly still enthused by his work. He has even developed his own surgical tools to give greater dexterity and control and hence finer results in his work. These attributes made me feel a consultation with him would be the correct next step.

Upon meeting him in his office, I appreciated his objectivity and patience. The consultation was unhurried and I felt genuinely understood by him. I felt fully informed and left feeling very sure that I could trust his aesthetic eye and surgical skills, and also to offer the most natural and ‘appropriate’ result for me.

Immediately after surgery I felt comfortable and went home a few hours afterwards. I never needed any form of pain relief, which is something I wasn't expecting to be the case at all. The bruising was very minimal, only on my upper lids, as expected along with some swelling. Six days later when the sutures and steristrips were removed in Dr Sorensen's clinic, I was genuinely amazed at how flawless the result was and that there was no bruising or any sign of visible scarring. I wasn't expecting that this surgery could be so fast and painless to recover from.

I am extremely happy with the result of my surgery. There is perfect symmetry now and I look rested and well. I feel I now project a more positive and healthy image to the world, and most importantly for me, is that I look completely natural. I feel like they are the same eyes I had ten years ago looking back at me in the mirror, rather than a ‘different' set of eyes. I feel confident that I don’t look like somebody who has had cosmetic surgery, but rather that I am well rested and rejuvenated in a way that would be difficult to pinpoint.

I feel that the whole experience from beginning to end was beyond my expectations in every aspect. His clinic team are really helpful and a pleasure to deal with. I can’t thank Dr Sorensen and his team enough for what has been a truly high-end experience.

Your work is a piece of art.

Thank you so much for all your kindness

Pre-surgery he breezily chats away – never rushed - very down to earth. He is an aesthete however, so while he is listening intently, he is also assessing acutely. Hence his results.

When I returned home after my first procedure with Dr Sorensen (forehead/brow lift, upper/lower blepharoplasty and facial/hand fat graft), friends didn’t say I looked younger or refreshed. For the first time ever, they said ‘You look so much better’. I had never heard that before. For the first time in years, I got second glances.

His office staff are kind and reassuring and provide a superb backup service. I once said to Jane or Alexandra – I can’t remember which - ‘anything the rest can do, Dr Sorensen can do better.’

I still endorse that sentiment.