I wish to express my written thanks for the excellent results following my facial surgery. As you know, after careful research I chose you over better known Manhattan surgeons. Today, two weeks post-op, the wisdom of my choice is obvious to all I meet - particularly friends who have had facial reconstruction in better known locations.

The before and after photos should demonstrate your ability better than anything I can express in this note. Photos, taken two weeks apart cannot show the minimal swelling and bruising I experienced...perhaps as significant, the care and sensitive consideration of your and your team made the surgery and follow up less of an ordeal than I could have imagined.

Please feel free to show this note and photo's to any prospective patients. I would be pleased if others would benefit as I have from your talents.

Again, thanks for using your skill and knowledge to such a wonderful effect.

Yours sincerely,
LK

Candle #7 dedicated to Dr. Mark Epstein. Song: "Hero" by Mariah Carey. Candle Speech written by Tara Reilly

Some of you know that a while ago something happened to me that would change my life forever. It took a long time for me to realize that what happened to me on that day was not an accident. I have learned that good comes out of every bad situation, if you just look for it. This changed my life forever because someone came into my life that made me into the person I am today. If it wasn't for him, I wouldn't be able to feel confident enough to stand in front of you tonight and I would not appreciate the differences in other people.

My mom and I thank God for him every night. This person once made a promise to me once that he would make me better but above all he and I would be the best of friends. Dr. Epstein is that person. He changed my physical appearance but he also showed me things that I wouldn't have learned if it wasn't for him. Some of us look at others different because the way we look, I looked different but I wasn't different inside. I was the same person as I was back then. Dr. Epstein is my angel. He is such a wonderful doctor. Because of you Dr. Epstein, I have been able to do things that I wouldn't have been able to do. I had my junior prom this year, and because of you I was able to go and not worry about the way I would look ever again. You are my idol, my friend and my hero. I love you so much and will love you for the rest of my life. Thank you so much for everything! Please help me light my seventh candle.

Hello,

My name is Tara Reilly. I am one of Dr. Epstein's favorite patients. On Labor Day Sunday, 1996, I was on a go-cart and had a terrible accident. I was scalped. I bled a lot and was terrified. I thought I was going to die and there was nothing I could do about it. I prayed that I would live. After all, I was only 8 years old.

I went to the hospital and met a wonderful man, Dr. Mark Epstein. I thought at that very moment that he was my angel. He operated on me that day and two more times. During those operations, it was very hard for me. I cried a lot. Not so much because of the surgeries, but because other kids teased me because of how I looked.

I would go to McDonalds and get French Fries thrown at me. Teenagers would go by and point at me, and they would show their friends. If it wasn't for Dr. Epstein, that would still happen. I would go to my prom and my wedding wondering if someone was looking at me. Before my final surgery, I was called Baldy the Eagle and Bald Headed Girl. It hurt my feelings a lot.

The truth is Dr. Epstein saved me in every way a person could be saved! No one makes fun of me anymore. He made me normal again! He, will always be my hero and my best friend!

Sincerely,
Tara A. Reilly

If you're seeking a surgeon with the utmost desire for perfection as well as an outstanding gift of kindness and compassion, search no more! In my eyes, Dr. Mark Epstein is truly a magnificent doctor!

I have personally witnessed his incredible talent as a surgeon, and kind caring nature. My 8 year old daughter, Tara was scalped following a horrific go-cart accident. Tara would need 17 hour vascular surgery to reattach her scalp. We were terrified. He assured me that he would surgically graft the area, and attempt to reattach every hair cell and follicle. Dr. Epstein promised he would completely return Tara to back to her beautiful self, and that he and she would become best friends. During surgery, he apprised me every step of the way. He also requested a surgical team member wash, clean, and braid her remaining hair. So when she awoke, it would be a bit less traumatic. Most doctors would have shaved the site for easier surgical access. Three operating room nurses told me "he went above and beyond for my daughter". Tara was O.K., however she was bald in the rear of her head. Dr. Epstein suggested Tissue Expansion Surgery. He implanted balloons around the site of her defect. Once a week, he inflated them. Upon completion, he removed the expanders. Tara now has a full head of hair and is indeed back to her beautiful self. She is now able to live a normal life!

I credit him with saving her life, fulfilling his promise, and becoming our friend. Tara adores him. She wears a jacket that reads "Dr. Epstein is my Hero!" and he truly is. I recommend him with 100% confidence of excellence. My child is my life, and if you're considering him to treat your child, please do not hesitate for I know you have simply found the BEST. If you would personally like to see my daughters results, ask Dr. Epstein to give us a call.

Dr. Mark Epstein is a wonderful plastic surgeon, and caring human being!!!

Very sincerely,
The family of Tara A. Reilly