Surgeon in Pittsburgh PA?

[P1TT]

Hi, I'm looking to have surgery done under local anesthesia. Who do you recommend in Pittsburgh, PA?

[Msp6767]

From pitt and asked this question a few months ago. Don’t think I ever got a response. From my own research it seems dr. Fernau has a good reputation for this surgery in Pittsburgh. However I don’t think he offers local. I don’t think I was ever able to find a doc in pitt that offered local. Would suggest not limiting your search to just pitt.

[THFE]

A friend, and colleague (we are both Physicians), of mine had surgery with Dr Francis Johns of Artisan Plastic Surgery end of 2017.  Dr Johns was recommended to him by friends and family who had Non-gynecomastia surgeries done with Dr Johns.  My friend was Very pleased and spoke Highly of Dr Johns.  I had my surgery last week and have No complaints as well.  Dr Johns and his staff took very good care of me.  I'm looking forward to seeing the results in a few weeks.

[Msp6767]

Thanks for sharing. Would you mind sharing how much the surgery cost? Also, what was Dr. Johns technique (local anesthesia)? Drains used? Incision locations?

[THFE]

Thanks for sharing. Would you mind sharing how much the surgery cost? Also, what was Dr. Johns technique (local anesthesia)? Drains used? Incision locations?

You're welcome.  I had my one week follow up and was told I'm doing well.

cost was just under $5k, I think $4850

general anesthesia with a Nurse Anesthestist

No drains in my case (mild-ish Gyne), but he does use them when necessary

incision is lower nipple and small. 

two small incsions for Lipo between the nipple and the armpit (single suture used to close each.  removed at 1st post-op visit)

abdominal binder is given (used for the upper torso and taped in place) post-op and recommendations for Under Armour type compression are given as well.  The ONLY thing I would change is have a compression vest before you have the surgery ($40 from Medco online) and making sure you have the appropriate Under Armour shirts home and ready to go post-op.  I bought compression shirts from Target (all short sleeve) and had the Doc cut one (neck and sleeves) for me at the Surgery Center so I knew how to cut the others.  1 1/2 weeks out you can probably change to sleeveless (but with neck) Under Armour plus compression vest.  These are kind of what I have decided per Doc's recommendations and what I've read here and on the sites of the Gyne Plastics Docs Here.

Keep in mind, Plastic Surgeons do MUCH MUCH More complicated reconstructive procedures (and God bless them for their mission trips to do cleft palate repair, etc.) and knowing that I was comfortable going with a relatively local Plastic surgeon who did the procedure in the way stated above (even if he didn't do Lipo I was good, again, mild Gyne).  The fact that a friend had done his procedure with him as well and was happy with the results, was kind of the icing on the cake for me.  I don't have the ability to take a week off and travel to one of the Gyne speciaist Plastics guys.  If I was 15-20 years younger and considering fitness modeling, I probably would have.  I'm a mid 40s full time physician, happily married (wife told me Countless times I'm perfect and don't need this) with two active young kids and this was the Perfect time for me to have this done.  I'm still very early post-op, but I know I will be happier.  The Lipo causes TONS of bruising and more discomfort (not pain - I did Not take any narcotic pain meds after leaving the surgery center) than the Gyne repair, but I'm good with occasional soreness for the time being.  I took 1 Tylenol the day after.

If I were to rate the outcome I would say I'm guessing my chest looked like a 45 / 100, pre-op.  I'm hoping it looks like an 85-90 / 100 after.  If it looks better, I will be thrilled.  Maybe it will look like a 95.

If I opted for one of the Gyne specialist Plastics guys here posting...  I'm betting my outcome would be 95+ / 100

I'm a Specialist Physician myself and know when it's time to refer to the Specialists.  Given my overall circumstances, I felt General Plastics would be best for me. 

I hope this helps