This is the page where you can review questions and stories from patients, view the opinions of lay persons, and see answers from Dr. Bermant and other physicians. Do you want to ask a question, post an answer, or make a comment? Information E-mailed to me will be considered for posting.
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More Chat and Forums about Travel to Virginia for Dr. Bermant's Gynecomastia Surgery
The following are a series of threads excerpted with permission of our patient:
Travel to Virginia from Canada for Gynecomastia Surgery Before Male Breast Reduction Surgery
First time inputing anything. Only recently found site and find it very useful. I am a 29 year old firefighter. I have what would be considered a mild case. Mainly areola puffiness due to gland. I am 5 10 175 pounds, muscular and 9% body fat. I have been dealing with this problem for 15 years to varying degrees as changes in body composition seemed to change appearance (used to be about 200 pounds of muscle but couldn't maintain due to shoulder injury and busy schedule).
Like I said I have puffy nipples(areola) which effects my life in many ways (avoiding certain circumstances, wearing multiple layers, self esteem etc). What I would first off like to know is if a few of my personal circumstances are common or not. First of all I never mentioned a word about it to anyone for almost twelve years until I was forced to, to my now wife. Not my parents, siblings no one. Has anyone else experienced such extreme levels of secrecy. Also, what I think is quite rare is that for me when my nipples/areola are stimulated (water, contact, sweating, cold) they constrict to the point that the problem is undetectable and I have the body that I want. This has been a good thing in many ways as I have never once revealed this problem to a single soul. However, it has produced a bizarre personal mental conflict as I can be complimented for my physique regularly (eg gym locker room) yet despise my appearance in private constantly.
I have looked into surgery and am strongly considering it. I figure risking losing the good situation is worth it to reduce a constant fear of humiliation and shirtless phobia.
Travel to Virginia from Canada for Gynecomastia Surgery Before Male Breast Reduction Surgery
I went to see Dr. Bermant earlier in the year for a consultation. I am 5 10 , 175 pounds with puffy nipples and am reasonably muscular. Dr. Bermant's consult was very thorough and included a lengthy exam including many questions, a lot of information and even measurements taken. It wasn't the simplest thing to do as I am from canada and therefore had a 12 hour drive each way. Since that time I became aware of a qualified surgeon in my area who is experienced at this procedure and has the glandular excision covered by our provincial health plan. Therefore the entire procedure was going to only cost me about $850 Canadian. This was a very tempting option as it would be less than two hours away and would cost so little.
However, after much thought I have decided to stick with my original plan to have it done by Bermant and am actually having it done this weekend. Frankly it is going to cost a lot more because of the surgery costs but also travel expenses (meals, hotels, gas), hiring of a nurse (I have to come alone) and the exchange rate on the money ( about an extra 25% on top of any American costs). In addition I have to drive myself 12 hours each way into a different country. Some people might think that I should just do it here. However, I feel comfort in Dr. Bermant's consultation, his photos, his website, his techniques, and his obvious dedication to this problem.
The other surgeon that I saw was very considerate, experienced and had promising things to say about my potential outcome. However, the consult was quite brief, I saw no photos and some techniques are different from Dr. Bermant's I felt that Dr. Bermant's techniques seemed superior. For example the other doctor left gland in to avoid a defect. I feel good about Dr. Bermant's dynamic technique, fat flap option, removing the gland first (as that is the major source of concern for me, puffy nipples), and his dedication to tailoring each procedure so specifically to the individual. I am a 30 year old firefighter. I am just middle class with a young family(2 little guys). It is not the greatest time for me to be spending this money however I can come up with it and may be in a different situation than many of the younger people on here who are students or have to rely on parents money.
Simply put this has been a thorn in my side for 15 years and is therefore very important for my future. That is why I had to base it solely on the surgery and no outside factors (money, location). I am looking forward to seeing Dr. Bermant this weekend for my surgery. I will let you know how it goes. I simply couldn't do it with anyone else and then always wonder if my results were as good as they could have been.
Travel to Virginia from Canada for Gynecomastia Surgery After Male Breast Reduction Surgery
I thought that I would post my surgery experience here from start to finish. I don't mean to make it painfully long but here it goes.
Near the beginning of the year I made the 12 hour drive each way to see Dr. Bermant for my initial consultation. He was extremely thorough, taking measurements, giving me information and checking things out from all angles. To be honest he can throw you off a little at first because he is all business and takes his job as your surgeon very seriously. However, you quickly see why, with his attention to detail and desire for great results.
I recently returned for my surgery. ( I was the one who posted earlier that I had the surgery covered by insurance if I did it here [Canada] but opted to pay to use Bermant). I could go into a great deal of detail however I will try to summarize but will gladly answer anyone's questions about my experience or Bermant in general.
I had my pre op consultation the day before in which he took numerous pictures, described many details, fitted me for the vest, drew the markings on my chest and had me sign all the necessary paperwork. I couldn't eat after midnight the night before and my surgery was for 730 a.m. It was a Saturday so there was nobody else in the medical building. The considerate anesthesiologist greeted me and after a short while began giving me the IV. I met with the other nurses as well who were also very comforting. I have to admit that I was very nervous which I am sure is natural. Before I knew it I was being taken into the operating room. I saw numerous photos of myself hanging and they strapped my arms out to my sides. Within minutes Dr. Bermant was asking me some questions about an imaginary trip which I knew meant they were putting me to sleep (actually sedated). The next thing I knew I was waking up in the recovery room. I felt groggy for a while but everyone was very patient while I got my bearings. I was soon driven back to my hotel (Fairfield) by a hired nurse who was actually also quite nice. I basically lied in bed for the rest of the day and slept a little bit. I had a nice big feed from the Cracker Barrel around 530.
I was shocked at the doctors personal attention even after the procedure. Jane had phoned the nurse a few times throughout the day to check on me and between Saturday and Sunday I think Dr. Bermant called me personally three times. He said that he could walk me through taking my vest off to see my new contour (not nipples as they were covered in dressings) but I opted to just do it in his office on Monday.
A very important point is that, to this day I have not taken a single pain killer for chest discomfort. My chest has been tender but no pain killers needed.
So Monday morning I went in to see him to have a look under the vest. NO BRUISES , NO SWELLING!!! I mean that literally. I didn't have any bruises. (By the way I had glandular excision as well as lipo 50cc each side). I could instantly see the contour difference in my chest. One week later I drove all the way back to see him again to have the bandages removed. This blew my mind. I know it is very early, I am only 12 days post now, but WOW. If my condition was to stay as it is now I would say it far far exceeded my wildest expectations. My areola are flat and they were quite puffy before. Again I know it is very early, so knock on wood, but I can't say enough about my current results. I want to thank Dr. Bermant and his staff for being so thorough and professional. Thanks to Jane for being so friendly and considerate. I could probably say a lot more but I am trying to be brief. All I can say is GO TO THE BEST. USE DR. Bermant. WHY DO IT WITH ANYONE ELSE?
Dr. Bermant responds:
Thank you for your kind words and permitting us to share them in this forum.
Travel to Virginia from Canada for Gynecomastia Surgery - 10 Months After Male Breast Reduction Surgery
I am now about 10 months post op with Dr. Bermant for gynecomastia surgery. I am a fairly muscular male who essentially was unhappy with the puffy nipples that I had been living with for many years. I may have had a case that some other sufferers may have considered minor however I think that it is quite subjective as it was everything to me. I had searched many sites and visited a few doctors before deciding to have my surgery done with Dr. Bermant. It was simply impossible to rationalize using anyone else after seeing his experience and results on his website. The level of service was professional from start to finish and I appreciated that very much. However, service is great but I think that what anyone is really interested in is results. I am completely happy with my results and cannot express in words how much it has changed my life. The strange thing for me is that I have been so busy living a normal life that I quickly forgot about the pain I went through for basically 15 years before having the surgery. Before the surgery I was very self conscious, wore multiple layers, took my shirt off rarely and had it wearing me down mentally. However , since, I spend most of my time in a tank top, have spent a lot of the summer at the beach (by far the best tan I have ever had) and am so much more content with myself and my life that it is mind boggling. Like I said I have had my shirt off around all friends, family and strangers and not a single person has ever noticed the scars. I think his placement was perfect and very important in your post operative self esteem. I know that I sent the Dr.many thank you's shortly after but I just wanted to reiterate how valuable his service was to me. My only regret? My only regret is that I had to wait from onset (about age 14) to age 29 to find out that there are a lot of others out there with it and that there is something that can be done about it. I think largely having access to Dr. Bermants website was the catalyst for that awakening. My only fear? My only fear is that Dr. Bermants great skill and techniques will stop whenever he decides to get out of the business. I only pray that other doctors are learning from him in some way to ensure that future generations can have this problem rectified in the proper and highly successful manner. In my circumstances I could have had my surgery paid for by doing it in my local area. However, I am not a wealthy man but decided to pay the money to have it done with Dr. Bermant and I think that that was one of the most important decisions that I have ever made. Thanks again Dr. Bermant I truly appreciate it.
Dr. Bermant responds:
Thank you for keeping us up to date about your progress. It is great to hear how well you are doing.
More Chat and Forums about Travel to Virginia for Dr. Bermant's Gynecomastia Surgery
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Gynecomastia |
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