Affordable Gynecomastia Surgery Offered at a Teaching Hospital: Good Idea?

Question

There is a teaching hospital in my city which offers affordable plastic surgery, where I had a consultation with a resident who I really liked. If I choose to have surgery there, the resident would be supervised by a very well-known, board-certified NYC plastic surgeon during the surgery.

	Are the results that one gets from this type of setup comparable to those you would get in a non-teaching setting? Are there greater rates of complications when (supervised) residents perform your surgery?

Miguel Delgado, MD · Answer

This type of program have been around for many years.  It provides you with a way to afford surgery and it helps teach the resident how to perform the surgery.  This can be a win-win.  The surgery will be closely supervised by an experienced plastic surgeon.

However, if you are looking another approach with a seasoned plastic surgeon, the this cost 6 to 10 thousand dollar.  You must way out the risk and benefits.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.This is a unique opportunity for you in that you will get a discounted #gynecomastia #surgery price while allowing a young #surgeon the opportunity to learn.If you have major concerns, however, it is always a good idea to consult a #BoardCertified #PlasticSurgeon with experience in male breast surgery to make sure that gynecomastia surgery is right for you.

Tim Neavin, MD · Answer

At teaching hospitals the residents often do most of the work.  However, that doesn't mean you won't get a good result.  The attending physician should be present for key portions and oversee the result.

John Nguyen, MD, FACS · Answer

Having surgery at a training institution is a perfectly good option.  Your surgery is performed under the supervision of an experienced attending surgeon.  Most plastic surgery resident have spent many years training as general surgeons or ENT surgeons and therefore are already experienced surgeons to some degree.  Good luck and be safe.John T.
Nguyen, MD, FACS, FICSDouble Board
Certified Plastic Surgeon

Jeffrey E. Schreiber, MD, FACS · Answer

Believe it or not, I would ask the resident to show you some of his or her before and after pictures. If none are provided, you are taking a slight risk with your results, but for the most part patients are very pleased at teaching hospitals.

Affordable Gynecomastia Surgery Offered at a Teaching Hospital: Good Idea?

Answers (10)