UK Surgeon Options - Who to go with?

[gtm91]

Hi all, 

I'm finding it hard to decide who to go with, can anyone recommend please?

Linkback: https://www.gynecomastia.org/forum/index.php?topic=35677.0

[Life's too short]

Ii was in the same situation 3 years ago, found out about Karidis and did a ton of research into his results there are tons of reviews. Went with him... fantastic results life changed forever worth every penny.

[gtm91]

Thanks for your reply.

Yes I have seen Karidis mentioned a lot but I have not had a consultation with him.

There is Dr. Nurein too and I believe there is a quite a cost difference between the two. 

Mine is a secondary case as I had an OP before around 9 years ago.

[zink]

If you can afford to go private and lucky to have that option then I'd suggest to arrange an initial consultation with both and make a choice following meeting them, talking about yourself and understanding how they will approach it for the best result for you. It will be worth paying more if that surgeon fills you with confidence and the other doesn't but is cheaper, if you see what I mean.

Good to hear how you get on.

[throwaway1]

I reckon you may have made a choice already by now but just dropping my £0.02. Seems like the 3 guys in the UK are Karidis, Nurein and Vijh. I had consults with the first 2 and just had surgery with Karidis.
My choice was based on the fact that Karidis appeared more pro, confident and polished. Nurein was nice as well and I’m sure he does his job well, but it was kind of an orange flag for me that he agreed to do the op after only a video consult (during covid). Karidis on the other hand I met in person with his nurse. I figured that I would live with whatever the result is for my entire life and therefore had to go with “the guy”.
The price difference between the 2, which id about £2k, is almost 100% due to Karidis operating under general vs Nurein under local. I have to say, I was way more comfortable having general after seeing videos and comments of people saying local was definitely not pain free. General is like a nice nap and you’ve got all these people and gear around. I just felt safer in a renowned private hospital. The other thing to consider is technique. I watched all the videos there are to watch, read everything, etc and at least to me, Dr. K seems like he’s got it more thought out. His incisions are really tiny as he cuts the gland little by little, so small that he doesn’t stitch them. He quilt-stitches the chest for 24h to avoid haematoma. In recovery you stay all day with an ice machine around your chest to reduce swelling. Tons of little things which made it look better to me. I’m now saying this as gospel but just detailing what made the difference for me. Now let’s see how healing goes

[zink]

@throwaway that sound positive. Let us know how you get on.

I had surgery on the NHS. Recently looked up my surgeon (who I thought was amazing and did a great job) - she is a specialist in breast reconstruction including gynecomastia. Looks like now she works at St Thomas' and Kings in London (both NHS and privately), as well as privately with a surgery on Harley Street. I would definitely recommend here - Karadis and the others aren't the only option!

https://finder.bupa.co.uk/Consultant/view/157439/miss_victoria_rose
https://guysandstthomasprivatehealthcare.co.uk/consultants/miss-victoria-rose/
https://drg-plasticsurgery.co.uk/

[throwaway1]

It's true but (i) the chances of getting it covered by the NHS are slim to none unless the case is really bad as I understand and (ii) I don't believe you get to choose the surgeon?

[BFG]

If it helps anyone who might be lurking, I had my surgery with Karidis in September 2017 and never looked back. I was pretty slim but had very big puffy nipples and lots of fat, asymmetrical as well since I was a teenager. I was 28 when I had the op and it cost me about 5.5k. 

I was under general anaesthetic which was fine. He used very small (you can barely see them even right after) incisions which I dont think you can see any more. All I would say to those making the decision is this - it's an important and obvious part of the body, do you really want to risk it to save a couple of grand? Just find the best where you are and pay up. My results were good but not perfect but I literally dont think about gyno any more or my surgery. The recovery is a rollercoaster of pain and worry but I knew I had picked a tried and tested surgeon and trusted it would end well and it did.

I'm going to do a full post in the success stories about my experience so look there if you want to know more.

Cheers
Ryan

[zink]

It's true but (i) the chances of getting it covered by the NHS are slim to none unless the case is really bad as I understand and (ii) I don't believe you get to choose the surgeon?

not necessarily - I was able to do both. No harm in trying that route as well