Completed surgery with Lista last week. Surgery was one & half hours, one hour recovery.
Pain - I had one Percocet in recovery room. I took no pain killers since, not even tylenol! I felt no pain after surgery. Only discomfort has been from wearing compression vest, but I am getting more used to it. The surgery area is tender and feels the same as when you touch a bruise, only this time the bruise is your whole chest area. I understand that people experience pain differently so I don't want to say this will occur to everyone.
Bruising - Next morning, I was very purple. day 3, purple and yellow. day 7, mostly yellow, some purple.
Recovery - I don't want to recommend this to anyone, but I found that the office overly stresses how difficult the recovery week is to be. I was told to stay in bed or couch to watch TV or read only for the week after surgery. I was told not to drive for a week. Reality was that I could carefully go out the next morning, and drive. Actually, I went out everyday following surgery. I was very careful of course. I didn't watch any videos that I had rented in anticipation of the week-long "recovery".
Results - I am happy. Dr. Lista said I can expect 90% improvement. I feel that is a good way of describing result. I feel I can take my shirt off anywhere after I heal. The swelling and bruising has shifted around, so I still can't tell what the final result will be. I will try not to gain any weight in future for fear of adding fat to my new chest.
Cost - $5,000 + GST.
Why Lista? - I was paranoid about scar on my nipples any other way. I consulted with Lista and a "celebrity-type" cosmetic doctor. I got a bad feeling from the other doctor. I had booked Dr. Fielding, but had to cancel my consult and his secretary wasn't very accomodating at all. So, I chose Lista.
Lista pros - With Lista there will be two consults pre-op. There will be a check the day after and another a week and a half after surgery. The nurses are fantastic. They have a lot of experience, for example they had 5 surgeries just on the day I was there! They do about 3-5 surgeries a day every day of the week. Lista makes you feel comfortable and he has a lot of experience with gynecomastia, having developed his own PAL technique.
Lista cons - the office is shabby. The building is shabby. Written instructions are not up-to-date, however, the administrative staff is very helpful and always there to offer advice. I waited a long time pre-op. Expensive.
Recommedation - Guys, just do it (if you can afford it). Surgery is straightforward and recovery is not a big deal. I recommend having surgery in colder months, so you can wear compression vest inconspicuously under heavier clothing.