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POSTED UNDER Labiaplasty REVIEWS

Dr Gary Alter - Labiaplasty Bad Experience

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Dr Gary Alter - Labiaplasty Bad Experience

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sadgirl1
$7,726
I had labiaplasty surgery a couple of years ago with Dr Gary Alter in LA. I don't think the cosmetic results are good. I've looked at other reviews and my results look like people’s before photos except with scars. I also have issues with pain. I have always thought things weren't "quite right" down there as I was unable to orgasm until age 24 (I am now 31). My pain issues sparked up again recently and I reached out to Dr Alter. First he replied saying he has no patient with my name. Then he replied again saying he had found my file and recommended I see a gynaecologist. I said I thought this was his specialty and he ignored my emails after that. When I called local gynaecologist offices they said this is not something they deal with. I soon after made a phone appointment with Dr Alter and he said “I’m looking at your file now” and he confirmed I had a problem with my clitoris and recommended revision surgery. He said this was all in his notes and claimed the failure to communicate this to me was due to a "miscommunication".
The original surgery involved flying to LA a day before the procedure was scheduled. At the consultation Dr Alter began to examine me and I yelped due to pain, and he made random comments about "steroid cream" and "dog ears" and demanded "Do you want the surgery or not?" So it went ahead without knowing much of anything. When I woke up from surgery and the nurse who assisted said "It looks good" but her eyes darted away like they do when you lie, so I knew something wasn’t right. The recovery was confronting. The pain drugs made me vomit. I remember having difficulty walking in a straight line down the corridor at the follow-up appointment, and Dr Alter chuckling because I was disoriented from the drugs. I spent an hour on the street outside his office because I couldn’t work out how to get home. I was alone, in a foreign country. There was no compassion or care. So after this recent phone call, his office has sent me a quote for amount very similar to the original fee I paid, even though my original surgery obviously did not address the issues supposedly noted in my file. Have emailed both Zena and Dr Alter with questions – god knows if either will reply.
I was stunned to read the following on Dr Alter’s website: “Patient-First Policy - Dr. Alter and the entire team are dedicated to providing every patient with exceptional individualized care—from consultation to recovery. We take the time to learn about your concerns, goals, and desires, so we can build a plan that addresses your concerns and gets you the results you deserve.” Um ok then??? I guess it’s easy to say you do something rather than actually do it. I feel invisible to these people.
Have spent the past few days feeling down. If anyone has similar issues, feel free to reach out.

sadgirl1's provider

Gary J. Alter, MD

Gary J. Alter, MD

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

4.7 | 68 Reviews
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sadgirl1

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Replies (21)

March 17, 2020
i wouldn't pay him for the revision. And I'm sorry to hear this was so awful for you.
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March 17, 2020
Thank you. It's been upsetting to say the least.
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March 19, 2020
I’m so sorry to here what happen to you! Thank you so much for your review it’s greatly appreciate!
March 20, 2020
I dont trust him just by looking at him... so sad to hear you are going through this. Hopefully people will read this thanks to you and not go anywhere near him! All the best
April 20, 2020
Have you gotten anything by him?
April 17, 2020
Hi, i had a labia correction surgery by dr. Alter recently and i feel like it’s done more harm then good... i’m feeling very terrified and i don’t know what to do or who to reach out to
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April 17, 2020
I'm sorry to hear that. You can message me if you want to chat. x
April 20, 2020
Hello can I ask you some question about dr alter if you don't mind you thin I should go to him ?
April 20, 2020
Sure, pm me
June 15, 2020
How long ago was this if you don't mind me asking
December 4, 2021
Hi, could I know what went wrong with your procedure? I am considering a revision but being careful and anything would help. thanks
December 28, 2021
Hello! Is there anyway I can email you directly? I'd love to share my story and hear yours as well. I hope you get notified of my comment as there's no way for me to direct message you on here :/.
November 17, 2022
Hello - how can I get a hold of you as well?
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May 4, 2020
I had the same problem but my outcome is much worse. So sorry.
May 4, 2020
With the same doctor?
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May 6, 2020
Yes
December 4, 2021
Hello, could i get some information on your issues and what is it you didn't like of the procedure?
UPDATED FROM sadgirl1

No response

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sadgirl1
This is just an update to confirm that Dr Alter never did respond to my emails. Zena didn't reply either. It is apparent that they stopped replying because I questioned why they were quoting me full price a second time after an unsuccessful first surgery. The fact that they can leave someone in pain, without any medical care, is reprehensible in my opinion. I've read some other reviews and it seems to be a common practice within their office.

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UPDATED FROM sadgirl1

Photos taken without consent

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sadgirl1
I wanted to mention something I found strange when I spoke to Dr Alter on the phone. He said “I’m looking at your file now”, and he referred to my photos. I said "You didn't take any photos". And he went silent. The photos were taken after I was put under general anesthesia, because they definitely weren't taken when I was awake. I don't recall giving any sort of consent for these photos to be taken. Considering this is surgery of the genitals I find this disturbing? Are doctors allowed to take photos of patients without consent?

Replies (4)

July 1, 2020
Usually when you sign all the forms there is a photo release form somewhere in there I signed one because I was very comfortable with my doctor, I would look into your files if you kept them and see if you signed a waiver if not, he can be in very big trouble and you should do something about it!
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July 1, 2020
He definitely didn't get a photo release. Where can I make a complaint to? xx
July 1, 2020
"If you believe that a HIPAA-covered entity or its business associate violated your (or someone else's) health information privacy rights or committed another violation of the Privacy, Security, or Breach Notification Rules, you may file a complaint with the Office for Civil Rights (OCR)"

I would look into this, it is in violation of your privacy, so you can file a complaint over HIPPA.
July 17, 2020
Could you pm me?