Consultation
Ok, so here is an account of my consultation with Mr Levick and some practical info about the process. I don't want this to seem pedantic since the consultation is not a big deal and not worth discussing at length, but thought writing something might be of benefit to some people in terms of what to expect on the day. Also, I realise some of the practical advice could just be got from Levick, his website, or the hospital, but you will find yourself having to keep email/telephone questions as they come to you, so here it is in one place.
Where?
The BMI priory hospital, Birmingham: the ‘consulting suites’ to be exact. These are separate, signposted buildings, located behind the main hospital. So don't waste time as I did and bother going to the main hospital reception, it's not necessary, just go straight around the back to the consulting building. On google maps you get street view from the hospital grounds all the way to the consulting suite.
I guess most of you guys will probably go by car so it's worth noting that the consulting suites have their own, free car park, right outside the door. If you go by train like I did then you'll find it's not too far from Birmingham New St station. In fact, I walked it from the station to the hospital on my way back (around 45min). Taxi from Birmingham New St to the hospital was about £5. Or, bus No's 61,62,63 go from the hospital road to the city centre.
When?
Consultations are on Mondays and Tuesdays (surgery takes place on weds + thurs)
Cost and booking?
Consultation costs £100 - this is payable after you've had the consultation, not before. There was a 4 week wait until consultation when I booked. I've also read other people talk about a 4 week wait so maybe that is typical, unless you're lucky enough to get a cancellation. (Expect a few weeks wait from consultation to surgery as well).
How long?
Varies, particularly according to how many questions you have to ask. My consultation was a good 45mins in total. About half an hour of that was spent consulting with Levick, around 10 minutes filling out forms/registering, and 10 minute or so waiting in reception.
What happens during the consultation?
The actual consultation mainly consists of a medical history, physical examination and an explanation from Levick about his surgical technique. In addition, you have the chance to put across any questions that you might have.
When you arrive at the consulting suites you report to the reception as you walk in the door. The receptionist will take some contact details. You should have a debit/credit card handy for an ‘imprint’ (priory hospital policy) Also, you might want to have your GP’s details handy here, unless you don't want him/her in on it! You are then shown upstairs to a small waiting room. From here you will be called into see Gail Levick, Paul Levick’s wife and receptionist. Gail takes you through most of the paper work you will encounter, which are mainly for the purpose of assessing your medical history. Following on from that, you are given an information folder. This includes a lot of good info, such as; information about general anaesthesia; pre-operative advice; post-operative advice, and common FAQ’s.
Finally you see the man himself, Levick. He is friendly and quite cheery and good at putting you at ease if you feel uncomfortable at the idea of showing/discussing your condition: Just what you need in a surgeon. In fact, I felt quite comfortable talking to Levick about it, especially after he said that he used to have gynecomastia himself until he underwent surgery.
You get to see some of Levicks work in the form of before and after photos. What's surprising about these is to see just how much gland comes out, even when the gyne appeared to be mild. You also get to see the tools he uses (a type of metal cannula). In addition, he gives some background to the condition. When I saw him he expressed his belief that genetics play an important role in predisposing you to the condition, and dismissed the theories surrounding oestrogen's/chemicals in the water supply as a cause.
After this discussion you will have a physical examination, basically a feel of the gland to see how big it is and how surgery might be able to help.
In regard to Levicks technique, he prefers to make 2 incisions, one at each armpit. This is in contrast to what seems to be the more popular method of making incisions at the nipples. One obvious advantage is less scarring, particularly at the nipples. Of course all methods have disadvantages and I put this question to Levick, to which he said, the approach from the armpit can make it more difficult to get at the gland. I suppose there is no ‘best’ per se, just different methods with different advantages and you should weigh these up and choose the right one for you. Personally I feel the experience of the surgeon is the more important factor, and Levick has done a lot in his time.
You will end your consultation back in Gail's office where you can make your payment, and, if desired, arrange for your surgery.
Topic: Surgery with Levick. (Read 14021 times)
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