Dr. Alexander Markarian, MD

I was initially very excited to see Dr. Markarian. At my first appointment, I explained a medical condition I have, and he seemed confident it wouldn’t be an issue, mentioning he had successfully operated on many patients with it. However, that visit was fairly brief and not very in-depth. At my second appointment, I met with a nurse who went much more thoroughly into surgical options. This was actually the most informative visit, and we were able to get many of our questions answered. I was then told I would need a follow-up appointment with Dr. Markarian to review and finalize the surgical plan. At the third appointment, I brought a friend who asked thoughtful and relevant questions about the procedure, including approach, turbinates, and other details that hadn’t yet been addressed. We left that appointment with the understanding that the surgery team would follow up soon with scheduling now that we had a surgery plan. Unfortunately, no one ever reached out. I had to follow up… myself, only to be told I wasn’t even scheduled and that they would check with the doctor. Later, I received a call saying Dr. Markarian was no longer comfortable performing the surgery due to my medical condition—which was confusing given he had previously reassured me multiple times that it wouldn’t be an issue. I attempted to get clarification by calling twice and messaging through the patient portal but never received a response, despite being told I would hear back within 48 hours… I hear absolutely nothing. After three appointments (each requiring about an hour drive each way), multiple payments, and significant time invested, not to mentionI was mentally really excited and comfortable with our plan, it was very disappointing to not even receive a courtesy explanation of the real reason. I ultimately found another surgeon who was thorough, communicative, and addressed all of my questions during the first visit without hesitation. I share this in hopes that communication and follow-through can be improved for future patients as this was quite hurtful and unprofessional. I honestly would go to another doctor, I'm so grateful I did.

I had a septorhinoplasty procedure done by Dr. Markarian in May 2021 and the result is extremely poor. (1.) Instead of my breathing improving it’s gotten significantly worse, with a constant feel of dryness and stuffiness while there is nothing there. (2.) He RUINED the appearance of my nose. I have a very noticeable scar where the incision was made, the bridge of my nose is much wider and has ridges. My nostrils are not symmetrical (they were before). My nose is and looks more crooked, hence my breathing problems persist. If you want to breath better and feel better, save yourself the trouble and go elsewhere.

Had a simple septoplasty surgery with this doctor 4 months ago. Not only did he botch the entire surgery he made my nose x3 larger and I have worse breathing after the surgery than before. My biggest regret is having surgery with this doctor STAY AWAY. I’ve also noticed the a lot bad reviews have been deleted. Very sketchy.

I have been a patient of Dr. Markarian for 2 years. He is amazing. He is smart, caring and can be trusted with your health.

Dr. Alexander Markarian conducted my second sinus surgery. I needed a second surgery because the first one was botched by a different ENT. I made it clear that I cannot have another surgery and asked him to please open up both sinuses wide so I won’t have to have a third surgery. This did not happen unfortunately, only one sinus was opened the other one is still extremely narrow and because of it I now need an emergency surgery. I have tried to reach Dr Markarians Office via phone calls and email and have never received a response back. I find it truly shameful that that’s how they would treat their patients. No communication, no relief of this disease. The only reason why I gave two stars is because Dr Markarians did a decent job on my deviated septum. So I want to be fair. But I would never go to him again and his nursing staff is flat out awful.

Dr. Alexander Markarian conducted my second sinus surgery. I needed a second surgery because the first one was botched by a different ENT. I made it clear that I cannot have another surgery and asked him to please open up both sinuses wide so I won’t have to have a third surgery. This did not happen unfortunately, only one sinus was opened the other one is still extremely narrow and because of it I now need an emergency surgery. I have tried to reach Dr Markarians Office via phone calls and email and have never received a response back. I find it truly shameful that that’s how they would treat their patients. No communication, no relief of this disease. The only reason why I gave two stars is because Dr Markarians did a decent job on my deviated septum. So I want to be fair. But I would never go to him again and his nursing staff is flat out awful.

This doctor just made a bunch of "stuff" up ... Dr. Markarian didn't care about me at all. (NO BUENO). I couldn't wait to leave and will not pay this "NUT".

REALLY BAD PERSON !.

THE WORST POSSIBLE DOCTOR !. Dr. Alexander Markarian just lies and lies !. (Over and Over).

Let me preface that Dr. Markarian is a really nice guy, empathetic, listens, nonjudgemental, etc... I cannot recommend him for the following: he told me originally that he did surgery that he has not done since he was a resident (he said there were two forks and he went to the straight basic facial surgery), he had ZERO photos of past surgeries (really, you are a freakin' plastic surgeon and you have no evidence that you have any skills (red flag), additionally proceeds to tell me I may want to have him release some of the stitches due to tension (when did a patient become a doctor..how would I know what to do with this?!). Only one word for this surgeons skills: RUN! Let's review: he is head of facial plastics at USC Keck and he has no proof of his outcomes (nadda). You have to be crazy to entrust your face to someone based on their word alone. USC should be shamed to no end for having this surgeon as 'head of this division.' I understand the HIPAA standard of patient… confidentiality however, every facial plastic surgeon has photos to show patients even if they cannot post them online. This lack of evidence tells me that noone has had a decent surgical outcome. Thousands of other surgeons across the US ( and world for that matter) can offer proof of their outcomes. Secondly, he takes my info and tells me he will follow up and doesn't, never answered an email to request some references as he mentioned he may have some (yeah right) until I called the guest relations of USC to intervene). Even then, this doctor took almost three weeks to pick up the phone. He offers extremely poor follow-up. What would happen if I had a question AFTER a surgery? I did read some other patient feedback that he disappeared after the surgery and was not seen again. I did not believe that until having this poor interaction with this surgeon. I do not want a doctor that is 'nice,' I want one that is competent. I know a lot of people will find themselves at USC because they take virtually all types of private insurance but I would rethink this decision. This is your face...NEVER SETTLE! BTW: I went to another facial plastic surgeon (actually two) and they said an aggressive filler would do the job and not have the risks involved with a mid face lift/face lift. This was not even mentioned in my consultation. Never settle on subpar surgeons (which seem to be the offerings of late (last few years, anyway) at USC. The doctors are not stellar and most do not come from top medical training (many have substandard ratings by the actual patients). Do not believe US News Reports because these are rankings based on pier to pier ratings and not actual patients. I do not care that doctor A plays golf with doctor B and they like each other (get my drift)?! You get what you pay for so, pay more and up your chance at a decent outcome (or save up and rethink your decision). You will be very thankful. All face procedures have involved risk so, make sure you go to the best!