The unsightly skin tag ballooning on the margin of my right eyelid and the yellowish cyst on the left eyelid made me feel hopelessly unattractive, as if the natural aging of my 65-year-old face isn’t enough to look at in the mirror. The skin tag in particular was slightly irritating and itching between my lashes. I worried it could only get worse - and bigger! As a freelance writer who often interviews VIPs I thought it looked repulsive and how would that affect my professional appearance?
Coming from Florida to Seattle I had no idea whom to consult. I found the impressive web site about the Northwest Skin Specialists (NSC) and made an appointment with their highly credentialed dermatologist. I had some reservations. Surely this would be a swanky clinic for the rich seeking cosmetic surgery and their services not at all affordable, but still I wanted the best doctors available because I was sure the removal would be difficult. My irrational fear of having a skin tag removed from my eyelid so close to the eyeball produced a restless sleep the night before my appointment.
I have two phobias. One is riding roller coasters. The other is going to an optometrist. I get the jitters when eye drops or any foreign object makes contact with my retina. That is why I don’t wear contacts even though they are preferable to glasses. I have trudged through the wild swamps of the Everglades; have encountered snakes and alligators; have performed on a stage in front of 2000 people; been up close to wild buffalo and rodeo bulls, but I was much more nervous waiting to see Dr. Richard Grabowski at the Northwest Skin Clinic than any of these adventures.
When he entered the room I told him immediately I was scared. I can’t tell you enough how kind he was, and understanding. To my relief he quickly and calmly performed the necessary procedures to remove the growths. He carefully explained what he was doing as he worked and for that I could have kissed him! He reminded me of my sons; he is so youthful and smart and thoughtful, just like my own two about the same age.
Everyone on the staff at NSC –from the receptionists to the medical assistants - were also very thoughtful and friendly. I didn’t feel out of place but welcomed despite being a struggling writer with no insurance, only my Medicare.
Should I become a famous writer and interviewed by Oprah or C-Span’s Book TV, then I will go back to this clinic to get my face to look as youthful as I feel. I am very confident in the exceptional skills and knowledge of Dr. Richard Grabowski, and if you are looking for the same, this is the doctor I recommend.
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