Some questions for Mr Levick's patients...

[turbouk]

Sounds like you are both very happy with the surgery from Dr Levick. 

I think maybe his spiel and presentation could do with some work, its a shame to come away from a consultation feeling it was unprofessional. Maybe some before and after shots would have given me a little more confidence, plus the fact he mentioned someone was trying to sue him as they felt he had damaged muscle tissue - this was seriously off putting too. It's really not something you should be mentioning as a surgeon to a prospective client.

Like I say the recent before and afters posted on here really don't look so good - one is a 10 month update which looks like too much has been taken out leaving an unnatural looking chest, and one guy on here has a nipple which sits significantly higher than the other and looks like its being pulled...

I did look at the Karadis website, but there was only one before and after shot, which again didn't look great. At the moment it seems the only choice in the UK is either Levick or Karadis? Any other options I should be considering here or is this the cream of the crop?

[Myers]

Sounds like you are both very happy with the surgery from Dr Levick. 

I think maybe his spiel and presentation could do with some work, its a shame to come away from a consultation feeling it was unprofessional. Maybe some before and after shots would have given me a little more confidence, plus the fact he mentioned someone was trying to sue him as they felt he had damaged muscle tissue - this was seriously off putting too. It's really not something you should be mentioning as a surgeon to a prospective client.

Like I say the recent before and afters posted on here really don't look so good - one is a 10 month update which looks like too much has been taken out leaving an unnatural looking chest, and one guy on here has a nipple which sits significantly higher than the other and looks like its being pulled...

I did look at the Karadis website, but there was only one before and after shot, which again didn't look great. At the moment it seems the only choice in the UK is either Levick or Karadis? Any other options I should be considering here or is this the cream of the crop?

Hmm, yeh that's not really what you want from a consultation and its not going to give you the best impression. I wonder why he was like that, when i had the consultation he was really professional and showed me a whole book of before and after photos. My mum was even impressed with him and she wasn't really sold on the whole thing before the consultation. I think if you want it done in the UK then Levick and Karidis are considered to be the best we have over here, I remember someone going with another Dr but i cant seem to find the thread. Whats your body type like if you don't mind me asking, e.g high bf etc

[Donut]

The most important thing is that you are clearly doing lots of research and forming your own personal view on which surgeon - and that is absolutely the right thing to do!

We can all only give honest opinions of how our own surgery/recovery has been in the hope that that helps other people, like yourself, who very wisely put in the time to research.

Why not have a consultation with Karidis and see how you feel then? - or try a different surgeon altogether, you may find an even better one that is deserving of a bit of a spotlight shining on them?

You must feel comfortable with your choice; it is life-changing after all.

Good luck!

[NorthernPhysique]

Sounds like you are both very happy with the surgery from Dr Levick. 

I think maybe his spiel and presentation could do with some work, its a shame to come away from a consultation feeling it was unprofessional. Maybe some before and after shots would have given me a little more confidence, plus the fact he mentioned someone was trying to sue him as they felt he had damaged muscle tissue - this was seriously off putting too. It's really not something you should be mentioning as a surgeon to a prospective client.

Like I say the recent before and afters posted on here really don't look so good - one is a 10 month update which looks like too much has been taken out leaving an unnatural looking chest, and one guy on here has a nipple which sits significantly higher than the other and looks like its being pulled...

I did look at the Karadis website, but there was only one before and after shot, which again didn't look great. At the moment it seems the only choice in the UK is either Levick or Karadis? Any other options I should be considering here or is this the cream of the crop?

I'm a bit surprised at this to be honest. At my consultation with Mr Levick, I felt it was extremely professional. He showed me many before and after pictures, talked through the whole procedure, and I generally found him very charming and professional.

On a side note - you mentioned Dr "removed doctor". I've just had a look at some of his before and afters, especially on the bodybuilding section. Very impressive. Are you considering going over to the US? (I'm assuming you're from UK too). Have you considered costs etc?

EDIT: I've just been through Dr "removed doctor"'s entire gallery of before and afters. I'm not entirely convinced some of those guys would not look 'booby' with t-shirts on after surgery. Personally, I'd rather be completely flat than to still have some sort of curvature that suggests man-boobs.

[turbouk]

Good to hear you had a more professional consultation. Maybe I had been expecting too much from the feedback left on here!

Anyway, regarding the other doctor, a quick search has revealed that he has plenty of unhappy clients too. That coupled with the fact its in the USA, I think I may need to have look closer to home.

[NorthernPhysique]

I suppose we can use this as a general Question and Answer thread between Mr Levick's patients/potential patients, instead of clogging up someone's personal thread.

[NorthernPhysique]

Some questions I have:

1. Vest - I'll be having my surgery with Mr Levick in the summer. I don't have any plans to tell any friends/family that I'm going ahead with this. Is wearing the compression vest under a t-shirt going to be really obvious/bring about lots of questions? Or is it quite discrete?

2. I do boxing. How long would you guys say it would be safe before I can engage in sparring again? I'll ask Mr Levick this myself when I see him next, but would be interested to know when you guys felt you were 'fully recovered'.

3. How long before you can, well, get cuddly with someone again?

Thanks again.

[Squire]

1. I had a similar approach with regards the vest. I have found it fine with formal shirts at work, apart from the one day I attempted to wear a white compression t shirt underneath, that showed a massive contrast. In terms of t-shirts, it has been typically fine, the neck line of the vest is low enough so it doesn't show when wearing a polo shirt. Wearing a tighter plain t-shirt will show the eyes of the vest. I tend to wear polo or a striped t.

2. Levick will say listen to your body but probably advise 6 weeks for heavier contact sports, possibly 4 for lighter gym work. I didn't feel comfortable with any training until about 5-6 weeks but left it because I was still a little tender and restricted in moving my arms above my head. I'm 7 weeks today and went circuit training last night for the first time. There's no aches or pains today and I'm feeling good.

3. Probably day 7 when you've showered and removed the smelly garment!

Hope that helps.

[NorthernPhysique]

1. I had a similar approach with regards the vest. I have found it fine with formal shirts at work, apart from the one day I attempted to wear a white compression t shirt underneath, that showed a massive contrast. In terms of t-shirts, it has been typically fine, the neck line of the vest is low enough so it doesn't show when wearing a polo shirt. Wearing a tighter plain t-shirt will show the eyes of the vest. I tend to wear polo or a striped t.

2. Levick will say listen to your body but probably advise 6 weeks for heavier contact sports, possibly 4 for lighter gym work. I didn't feel comfortable with any training until about 5-6 weeks but left it because I was still a little tender and restricted in moving my arms above my head. I'm 7 weeks today and went circuit training last night for the first time. There's no aches or pains today and I'm feeling good.

3. Probably day 7 when you've showered and removed the smelly garment!

Hope that helps.

Thanks for your reply Squire.

Awesome re vest. From some of the pics it looked a bit like a bullet proof vest. Wasnt looking forward to 'are the mafia after ya or something?' questions in the summer if I wore it under a t-shirt.

So day 7, your chest isnt tender at all?

[Squire]

Ha! It doesn't hurt for people to think your prepared for the mafia! It does hide really well with the exception of the hooks and eyes but you'll work out quickly what t shirts work and which don't.

Still tender in WEEK 7; just depends on your needs! I'd say day 7 at the earliest. I held off for 2-3 weeks (I think). However, doesn't matter if the mafia get to you first

[NorthernPhysique]

Ha yeah.

So what's the general consensus on the size and brand for the best compression vest?

Where is the best place to order from?

[NorthernPhysique]

Also, I think my surgery will be first thing in the morning.

Will I be discharged the same day, all going well?

Just wondering when I should tell my chauffeur to turn up

Is public transport a big no-no straight after surgery?

[Swils29]

Hello.

I bought the design Veronique vest from euro surgical (recommended by levick when they sent me my information pack).

I'm wearing it now for work. Yesterday was first day and it was a little uncomfortable when rubbing against the wounds under armpits, but today it is absolutely fine.

I ordered large and am usually a large in other tops...fits quite well. They do come with a size guide so you can measure which would be best. If you order early enough you can try it on and return it (they have instructions on the packet about trying it on for size to avoid spoiling it and not being able to return it).

I only ordered one vest, so took it off for washing last night and reverted to the vest provided by levick during the night whilst it dried. If you have the money I guess 2 vests would be ideal so you can swap them as they need washing.

You will be required to stay overnight at the priory, I was discharged the following day at around 11am. From what I can gather this is pretty standard as levick does his rounds on the morning, the nurses then make sure you are ok for discharge (check wounds and give you meds and aftercare instructions), then you get your discharge note and are free to go.

I'm not sure I would have liked to go on public transport, was nice having own car (wife drove) and I reclined the seat a bit to make the journey comfortable. I suppose it depends how far you are travelling as I had 4hour trip home!

[paul786]

Not everyone is going to be happy 100% of the time some people expect to come out like superman.

I personally like Mr Levick and his work is backed by BMI's free revision work if needed.

2 names come up all the time as the best for gyno in the UK Levick and Karidis

This is why I went for Levick

Fixed price inc revisions and free consultations
no cuts to the nipple
he has done far more than Karidis and is much more experienced and developed his own way.


Things that put me off Karidis

Every patent has to pay £170 for a bloodtest
I have seen people quoted almost £2000 more than Levick from him
I am unsure if he charges for revisions.

[NorthernPhysique]

Hello.

I bought the design Veronique vest from euro surgical (recommended by levick when they sent me my information pack).

I'm wearing it now for work. Yesterday was first day and it was a little uncomfortable when rubbing against the wounds under armpits, but today it is absolutely fine.

I ordered large and am usually a large in other tops...fits quite well. They do come with a size guide so you can measure which would be best. If you order early enough you can try it on and return it (they have instructions on the packet about trying it on for size to avoid spoiling it and not being able to return it).

I only ordered one vest, so took it off for washing last night and reverted to the vest provided by levick during the night whilst it dried. If you have the money I guess 2 vests would be ideal so you can swap them as they need washing.

You will be required to stay overnight at the priory, I was discharged the following day at around 11am. From what I can gather this is pretty standard as levick does his rounds on the morning, the nurses then make sure you are ok for discharge (check wounds and give you meds and aftercare instructions), then you get your discharge note and are free to go.

I'm not sure I would have liked to go on public transport, was nice having own car (wife drove) and I reclined the seat a bit to make the journey comfortable. I suppose it depends how far you are travelling as I had 4hour trip home!

Thanks for your reply Swilson, was very helpful. So just to confirm the vest that is given by Mr Levick to wear overnight..you're allowed to keep this?

So if I understand it right, if my surgery is on...

Monday morning: Surgery
Monday day/evening/night: Recovery
Tuesday: Around 11am ward round and (if all clear) discharged.

Have I got it about right?

Thanks again.
Have