Looking for highly recomennded Brisbane surgeons

[Brisboy]

Hi.

I've been lurking on these forums for a while now but now I'm getting ready to take some action on my gynecomastia so I figure it's time to start posting

Bit of background/venting: I'm 21 years old, not overweight at the moment (although I have had chubby phases throughout the past 5 years) and have a minor case of gyencomastia. I still live with my parents and am financially dependent upon. I've tried bringing up my gyne to a GP on two different occasions, the first time was when I was 18 and the doctor essentially told me that it was likely to go down within the next few years and the second time a different doctor pretty much denied its existence. My parents have laughed at the idea of surgery and equated it to just another teen anxiety thing which is pretty frustrating.

I'm now looking for a job pretty much for the sole purpose of covering the cost of the surgery. I want the surgery done well by a PS that truly understands gynecomastia.

My question to this forum is what (if any) Brisbane based surgeons come highly recommended? Am I better off traveling for the surgery? I've looked into Dr Paul Belt and he looks promising but I'm interested in hearing other people's experiences.

[ms123]

I had a consultation with Dr Belt but didn't proceed as I didn't have time before leaving the country. If you have private health insurance you'll get a much better deal since he has access to Greenslopes private hospital. He and his staff seemed quite friendly and even shuffled their diary to fit me in, although I didn't proceed. I had mine done in the USA for roughly the same price as if I had it done with private health insurance. You should at least have a consultation with him, it's $150 but Medicare refunds $75.

[Brisboy]

I had a consultation with Dr Belt but didn't proceed as I didn't have time before leaving the country. If you have private health insurance you'll get a much better deal since he has access to Greenslopes private hospital. He and his staff seemed quite friendly and even shuffled their diary to fit me in, although I didn't proceed. I had mine done in the USA for roughly the same price as if I had it done with private health insurance. You should at least have a consultation with him, it's $150 but Medicare refunds $75.

From your consultation did he seem to a good understanding of gyne? Obviously he's a plastic surgeon but I gather from here that there's certain surgeons who are more knowledgeable about gynecomastia than others.

[ms123]

Yes, most definitely. He said it has been one of his special interested for the past 9 years (I think it was 9). Had some good before and after pics too.

[Brisboy]

Yes, most definitely. He said it has been one of his special interested for the past 9 years (I think it was 9). Had some good before and after pics too.

Sorry for posting again so late, but any indication on what his costs would be all up?

[ms123]

With insurance I think around 6k, without was around 8800.

[Brisboy]

Bumping to see if anybody else has suggestions/input

[jeff_geier48]

Just thought I would see if anyone else had any feedback on this Dr in this thread instead of making a new thread?

Anyone before and after photos (that aren't on his site?).

Thank you

[happinessisachoice]

HEY!!! Sorry I'm copy pasting this from my new topic!!
Please read it will definitely help make your decision.
Paul belt is a fantastic choice!!
"Like some of you I almost never post anything online.. I generally 'lurk' too afraid to speak in an open forum (one of the symptoms of gynae, making me bloody afraid of what other people think of me)

I hope my story inspires other sufferers to 'pull the trigger' on getting surgery for gynaecomastia. Please note, know the difference between true gynaecomastia and pseudogynaecomastia (i.e. you're globally fat/have a lot of subcut adipose tissue thus giving the appearance of breasts)

Funnily enough I myself am a registered doctor in Australia. I have most likely developed this condition secondary to excessive endogenous production of estrogen throughout puberty.. hence an idiopathic cause (yes there are definitely some other primary causes such as iatrogenic anabolic steroids, liver dysfunc, chronic thyroid issues, endocrine tumours/cancers - why we look at ur testes!, some medications like spironolactone etcetc ). My brother also has this condition although it never effected him that much because he chose to look past it and has a wife that loves him for who HE IS and not his looks (yes guys, looks aren't everything but it's still important to be confident with your own appearance). I on the other hand never moved passed it and thus my self confidence has been stunted since i was a teenager.. this can be devastating for anyone at any stage in their life.

(by the way i'm a bit loopy/high from the 'stronger' analgesia I have been taking post op so please excuse the poor grammar etc!!)

Just wanted to say I'm BMI 22. Relatively toned/muscular but always seemed to have a centralised body fat distribution (i.e. man boobs and a belly BUT who cares about a belly, that's masculine even at a moderate level (BUT BOOBS AREN'T), augmented by my obvious gynae. I never bothered going full healthy or getting in better shape because I always knew I had the gynae/puffy nipples that would never go (i never take my shirt off in public and rarely wear NON black t shirts by themselves!! so sad..). Now it's gone and I have nothing stopping me from achieving the body I want.. and it's possible, trust me. This can also happen for you, take the risk and reap the endless confidence and self esteem. Happiness is a choice NOT something you earn - being comfortable with urself will help you achieve this.

So in summary I have NOTHING bad to say about Dr Paul Belt (lol sorry I spoke more about my story than the surgeon), extremely professional, qualified and genuinely knows how to run things. He insipred confidence from me, a doctor, and trust me being a doctor makes you VERY critical about someone's capabilities and Dr Belt has already earned my trust.

I had the surgery last week (today is Monday 30th March 2015) so I'm roughly a week post op and my chest is now my best asset instead of my worst! I'm not even 6 weeks post op and I'm happy with the result.. Yeah it's amazing.

When I'm not as intoxicated from stronger analgesia such as tramadol (a very underestimated yet effective analgesic, not commonly used (compared to oxycodone etc) due to it's severe naeuseating ADR's in some people, potential serotonergic toxicity, increase risk of seizure and potential dangerous dosing in renally impaired). Sorry I went on a tangent.

But yes I'm more than happy to post some before and after shots when I'm more alert/with it lol.

Thanks and hope that all made sense.

All the best"

[happinessisachoice]

Hi.

I've been lurking on these forums for a while now but now I'm getting ready to take some action on my gynecomastia so I figure it's time to start posting

Bit of background/venting: I'm 21 years old, not overweight at the moment (although I have had chubby phases throughout the past 5 years) and have a minor case of gyencomastia. I still live with my parents and am financially dependent upon. I've tried bringing up my gyne to a GP on two different occasions, the first time was when I was 18 and the doctor essentially told me that it was likely to go down within the next few years and the second time a different doctor pretty much denied its existence. My parents have laughed at the idea of surgery and equated it to just another teen anxiety thing which is pretty frustrating.

I'm now looking for a job pretty much for the sole purpose of covering the cost of the surgery. I want the surgery done well by a PS that truly understands gynecomastia.

My question to this forum is what (if any) Brisbane based surgeons come highly recommended? Am I better off traveling for the surgery? I've looked into Dr Paul Belt and he looks promising but I'm interested in hearing other people's experiences.

Brisboy,

I went through the same thing where oblivious GP's wouldn't ackowledge it's existence. In my teens one GP said I might outgrow it (he wasn't completely wrong) then the GP i started seeing as a young adult (i.e. early 20's) didn't even think it was worth worrying about - COMPLETELY disregarding the emotional pain it causes which is what you can't see sometimes as a doctor.. They aren't bad doctors, they just CAN'T empathise for something as unique and devastating as this - gynaecomastia is an insidious disease that can cause deep self esteem issues which give root to other problems.

My point is, doctor's don't know everything and never let anyone belittle any problem you have in life - sometimes you are right and they are wrong.. simple as that and you shouldn't have to suffer

[njd]

Hi Everyone,
Any more feed back on Dr. Paul Belt? I'm going to see him at the end of the month. I was trying to decide between him or Dr. Sue Thistlethwaite in Melbourne. As I live on the Gold Coast i decided to just book in with Dr. Belt. I will keep everyone informed. Any more feedback on either of these surgeons?

[cky2k]

Do you have any photos? I have a consultation booked.

HEY!!! Sorry I'm copy pasting this from my new topic!!
Please read it will definitely help make your decision.
Paul belt is a fantastic choice!!
"Like some of you I almost never post anything online.. I generally 'lurk' too afraid to speak in an open forum (one of the symptoms of gynae, making me bloody afraid of what other people think of me)

I hope my story inspires other sufferers to 'pull the trigger' on getting surgery for gynaecomastia. Please note, know the difference between true gynaecomastia and pseudogynaecomastia (i.e. you're globally fat/have a lot of subcut adipose tissue thus giving the appearance of breasts)

Funnily enough I myself am a registered doctor in Australia. I have most likely developed this condition secondary to excessive endogenous production of estrogen throughout puberty.. hence an idiopathic cause (yes there are definitely some other primary causes such as iatrogenic anabolic steroids, liver dysfunc, chronic thyroid issues, endocrine tumours/cancers - why we look at ur testes!, some medications like spironolactone etcetc ). My brother also has this condition although it never effected him that much because he chose to look past it and has a wife that loves him for who HE IS and not his looks (yes guys, looks aren't everything but it's still important to be confident with your own appearance). I on the other hand never moved passed it and thus my self confidence has been stunted since i was a teenager.. this can be devastating for anyone at any stage in their life.

(by the way i'm a bit loopy/high from the 'stronger' analgesia I have been taking post op so please excuse the poor grammar etc!!)

Just wanted to say I'm BMI 22. Relatively toned/muscular but always seemed to have a centralised body fat distribution (i.e. man boobs and a belly BUT who cares about a belly, that's masculine even at a moderate level (BUT BOOBS AREN'T), augmented by my obvious gynae. I never bothered going full healthy or getting in better shape because I always knew I had the gynae/puffy nipples that would never go (i never take my shirt off in public and rarely wear NON black t shirts by themselves!! so sad..). Now it's gone and I have nothing stopping me from achieving the body I want.. and it's possible, trust me. This can also happen for you, take the risk and reap the endless confidence and self esteem. Happiness is a choice NOT something you earn - being comfortable with urself will help you achieve this.

So in summary I have NOTHING bad to say about Dr Paul Belt (lol sorry I spoke more about my story than the surgeon), extremely professional, qualified and genuinely knows how to run things. He insipred confidence from me, a doctor, and trust me being a doctor makes you VERY critical about someone's capabilities and Dr Belt has already earned my trust.

I had the surgery last week (today is Monday 30th March 2015) so I'm roughly a week post op and my chest is now my best asset instead of my worst! I'm not even 6 weeks post op and I'm happy with the result.. Yeah it's amazing.

When I'm not as intoxicated from stronger analgesia such as tramadol (a very underestimated yet effective analgesic, not commonly used (compared to oxycodone etc) due to it's severe naeuseating ADR's in some people, potential serotonergic toxicity, increase risk of seizure and potential dangerous dosing in renally impaired). Sorry I went on a tangent.

But yes I'm more than happy to post some before and after shots when I'm more alert/with it lol.

Thanks and hope that all made sense.

All the best"