Narrowing the list, choosing a Dr

[mr2short91]

So I've consulted with 3 surgeons regarding my gyne.  Frankly I'm very overwhelmed and borderline frustrated because I'm not sure who to choose.

Dr A - Does great work.  My wife had an tummy tuck done by him.  Offered to do it with local anesthesia for $3000 or general for $3500.  Has the cockiest and most arrogant attitude and is very condescending.  He will not be my surgeon, easy choice.  No claims comes up on florida office for insurance regulation.

Dr B - Specializes in Gyne.  "Has done the procedure more than any other doctor in the area."  Has a whole bound photo album of before and after photos.  Great attitude.  Very nice.  Non judgemental.  Makes feel like I've known him my whole life.  Most expensive of the 3, $5600.  Wants to do it using Valium, Percocet and Versed then lido injection. Lipo with excision of tissue.  Requests I get a physical and lab work done myself.  9 claims come up on florida office for insurance regulation.

Dr C - Has been locally in business for over 20 years.  "Has done the procedure countless times" but patient coordinator is only able to show me 3 before and afters on an iPad.  Strongly prefers to do under general anesthesia but will do twilight, no local. Lipo with excision of tissue.  all preop labs and physical is done by him.  $4250.  2 claims come up on florida office of insurance regulation.  Very blunt and honest attitude.  told me that he wouldnt do local because if i started moving or talking it would "piss him off".  Uses Propofol administered by one of 4 highly respected anesthesiologists for general or twilight.

I'm so ready to say screw the whole thing because I'm so overwhelmed.  They are all Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.  They are all members of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons

I like Dr B best, according to what i've read here the method of anesthesia is not recommended, he's very expensive and he's got 9 inquiries.

[Miguel Delgado MD]

This is a very important decision and your comfort level and trust of the doctor is critically important.  About 40% of my practice is revision gynecomastia surgery and many express they didn't do their homework, liposuction only and in some cases local anesthesia.  The other issue is the extent of you gynecomastia.  How difficult is it, is there skin issues, caused by steroids or developed at puberty.  A picture would be helpful.  I perform all of my primary gynecomastia surgeries under general anesthesia and there are many reasons for this.  My fee is double what you are being quoted.  You are certainly doing your research and this is a great start.  The surgeons in this forum are real experts in this surgery and one may be located near you.  You want to have this done one time ideally. Good luck.

[mr2short91]

The price is not the biggest concern as having it done correctly the first time.  Dr B seems to be the most experienced in my area but the more I research him, the less comfortable I feel with his methods.  Obviously he IS the Dr and has the schooling and I'm just a patient but from what I've read here there are so many things I question.  Also found out this weekend after speaking with his patient coordinator that he does not use a an anesthesiologist to administer the "twilight cocktail" but himself and a nurse are the ones who do.  This makes me very uneasy.  I'm leaning toward Dr C. now.  The guys has been in the same place for 20 years, same building.  I've personally spoken with several clients of his who are friends and no one has anything negative to say of his work. 

Still wish I had more piece of mind. 

[DrPensler]

There is an old adage that sometimes you get what you pay for. I thought the prices ranged from low to average.I am not sure what you mean by " 9 claims come up on Florida office for insurance regulation." I use conscious sedation not general anesthesia typically, but on occasion use local but that is really rare. There are not many doctors who have a significant experience with gynecomastia so if I do not know the physician, claims of I have done countless procedure are usually met which a smile on my part.

[mr2short91]

The state of Florida has a website that lists any malpractice claims that have been filed against any Dr over their career in Florida. Its public knowledge.  Most have a status as "abandoned" which makes me think it was someone that was not happy with results and tried to get their money back or something.  The claim is dropped and nothing is paid out.  A few have actual settlements listed.  As in their malpractice insurance actually paid out on the claim.

Price is not my biggest concern.  My primary concern is that I'm safe and the results meet my expectations. I definitely don't want to pay more and get less though.  To me 9 inquiries for claims against someone's insurance over 10 years seems a bit high.  Especially since all the other drs i've looked up had 2, 1 and 0 over the course of 20 years or so.

Thanks for your time Drs  I think im pretty set on who I'm going to now.

[Dr. Schuster]

I can understand your concerns. Sounds like you've done your homework, but if you're not really comfortable with any one of them, than perhaps you should take "time out" and begin your search again after a break. You should also consider traveling if you can't find someone in your area. It is a straight forward procedure that should give excellent results. Good luck.