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POSTED UNDER Gynecomastia Surgery REVIEWS

Newport Beach, CA

ORIGINAL POST

I want to start off on a positive note, The staff...

Fitandbuilt
$5,400
I want to start off on a positive note,
The staff here are wonderful, as is doctor cruise's attitude. He is also probably wonderful in many other procedures. Jennifer is a standout - very professional and caring.

However, I had gynecomastia surgery here in 2013, as well as a revision following that in 2014. As a result, I've spent now over $6,000 and I am really not happy with the outcome. I feel I still have my condition and it effects my work.

I went in at low bodyfat, with minor gynecomastia of left side and stage 2 on the right. Nothing severe or skin issues, as I am a fitness model.

I had concerns that my chest was puffy and fatty, even at low bodyfat. I was told that my case wasnt that serious, and that gland removal with local anesthetic would be enough, no lipo required.

My surgery was great, smooth, and no worries, It was also a fast...
After care is also great.
However, soon after the bandages came off I noticed that my left side was still puffy and my right side looked very uneven - as if too much tissue was taken from side areas and not enough on the other side.

Also to be noted, I wore the compression vest a few weeks longer to make sure I healed 100% and did all the aftercare 100%.

I was told for months that it would get better. The left side was still puffy and I was given a steroid shot. No talk was given about side effects at the time of shot.
A week or two later, I had cratering on the left side (steroid shot side).

I was 'later' told that these shots can cause issues with fat atrophy.
Another plastic surgeon told me that this is usually from overuse or wrongly administered kenalog shots.

Anyway, after almost a year, I was told that the right side could have a revision on the right side, due to there still being glandular tissue.

I showed dr cruise where the tissue was and he marked the area.

The surgery the second time was even faster than the 1st surgery (which was fast) and some other doctor was in there that I didn't even know would be in the surgery with Dr Cruise - and he even stitched me up.

Anyway, after over 10 weeks, the side that got the revision still has noticeable glandular tissue (gynecomastia) protruding out that I can grab from my pec muscle. At least that's what I imagine it is if I can pull firm tissue away from my pec.

The left side craters when I flex and is puffy when relaxed.

When I flex, one side craters and the other protrudes where the gland is - making the chest look weird.

COnsidering I wanted the best results, and wanted to look like I had a really athletic chest free of gynecomastia, I am upset.

I am around 6% bodyfat and still my chest doesn't look great because of the cratering and the excess firm tissue.

Although I didn't pay a surgeons fee for revision, I still had to pay for room and costs, as well as recovery.

So all in all over $6000 with revision, and this is local anesthesia operation....
I can't afford yet another revision, time off work, healing period, and the whole point of Picking a professional is that you pay a little more so you don't have to do a revision in first place.

I also did not receive my before and after pictures.

Fitandbuilt's provider

Joseph Thomas Cruise, MD

Joseph Thomas Cruise, MD

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Fitandbuilt rating for Dr. Cruise:

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Replies (7)

September 13, 2014
My case was true gynecomastia without fat as I'm very skinny. I had the surgery done by Dr. Cruise also. It's been 7 weeks since the surgery. It's too early to evaluate. Initially though, I felt that too much tissue has been excised as my nipples looked a little caved in and too flat (nipples caved in, almost inverted). After my first post PO (less than 3 weeks in), I could tell he wasn't thrilled by the results, despite the pep talk I received. I didn't comment on the caved-in nipples because it was too early, and the surrounding skin and muscles were still swollen. I pushed my next PO until week 8. Currently, the nipples appear a little bit fuller and less caved in than before. If this continues I may end up with the results I wanted (fingers crossed). I'm realistic. I understand that no doctor can deliver a perfect surgery. Right now, I jut hope that scar tissue can help push the nipples just a little bit forward.
September 13, 2014
There was just one patient here complaining about his results from Dr. Cruise. He had a more severe case. Had I seen your post, maybe it would have deterred me from going to Dr. Cruise even though my case was minor.
September 13, 2014
How's your nipple sensation? Did you experience temporary loss, permanent change, or any sort of sensation shift? Your answer will determine what I can expect in that regard. Thanks!
September 13, 2014
The good: I had a lack of sensation after my initial surgery and revision (on right side). On both occasions, nipple sensation/sensitivity did indeed return to normal. My revision removed tissue that made the divot just as noticeable, probably more. Maybe its because the glandular tissue I can grab and see around the tissue removed is still present - wasn't removed even at the revision. Either that or too much tissue was removed in an uneven pattern.
September 21, 2014
Sorry guys, poor job performed. You guys have big heart and patience. Wish you the best !
UPDATED FROM Fitandbuilt
2 years post

issues resolved

Fitandbuilt
I would like to disregard my previous review, as issues have now been resolved.

Replies (1)

July 8, 2015
Hi Fitandbuilt,
If you do not mind me asking, were your issues resolved the third time through Dr. Cruise?
I had surgery with him almost 10 months ago and have experienced much of the same disappointment. I did not have a 2nd surgery but was given a kenalog shot for puffiness on left side of my chest after 4 months. I even brought to light your review to Dr. C., and he told me I shouldnt worry. Although you are at much lower body fat than I, the shot has caused noticeable cratering and continued numbness even after 6 months. Also, scarring along the incision area is Godawful, and I'm missing a small chunk of the left areola.
Needless to say, I'm very hesitant to have him do any revision work given both our experiences thus far. But, if he was able to resolve your cratering, then it's a little more reassuring. Still very scared to do any scar revision though...
I really appreciate the insight!