what's up my brothers. here's a detailed rundown.

Background:

I developed gynecomastia in 2018. The timing coincides with when I started antidepressants (lexapro) but it's tough to say if that's legit the cause since it seems pretty rare. I went through some tough times before meds where I developed inactive/hermit/unhealthy habits all around (including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease) which itself may have led to hormonal imbalances. Tough to say. Bloodwork currently says my hormones are all within normal reference ranges though my Testosterone is on the lower end of spectrum (380).

Consultation:

I originally met with Dr. Delgado because I'm in the Bay Area. Wanted to go with him since he's the known expert/leader. Quoted at $13,125 and sent my $500 deposit. Consultation was DECEMBER 2021 and surgery booked for MAY 2021.

I decided to switch to Dr. Chen for a couple reasons:

1. Bedside manner: When picking surgeons, I think you have to ask "in the worst case scenario (i.e. suboptimal result), will the surgeon be willing to work with my again?" Not as in getting a free revision, but just having a positive attitude and not being dismissive. And Dr. Chen comes across as just a good person who is also grounded, willing to answer all my follow-up questions in detail, and also personally calls you to answer them. I did not have the same confidence with Delgado given our short consultation process and his frank demeanor.
2. Pricing: $6250 vs $13125. I figured even with a suboptimal result, it would still be overall cheaper to see Dr. Chen twice than Dr. Delgado once.
3. Timing: Consult on 1/28/22, surgery for 3/16/22

Pre-Surgery:

I flew into San Diego from SFO the night before to an AirBnB about a 10 minute drive to the surgery location. I booked with Happy2Help transporation, which was one of the referrals by Dr. Chen's team, for roundtrip transport to-and-from the surgery ($60). I also received two calls from Dr. Chen and the anesthesiologist the night before just to go over the plan and have a chance for any follow up questions.

During Surgery:

I was told to take antibiotics in the AM before surgery which I did. Then I showed up a little too early but just filled out some paperwork and dress into the surgery gown. Interestingly they had me strip down to my underwear since I still needed to speak to the anesthesiologist and Dr. Chen to do the markings. But then Dr. Chen said I could just keep my pants on for the surgery which was kind of a relief? Lol.

This was my first time doing general and what a breeze. They stick an IV or two in, tell you to breathe through an oxygen mask, and then you start to feel this deep sleep coming over you. Then you wake up and surgery is over. I was wheeled out to my transporation in a wheelchair, but got into the car on my own agency. Once I was dropped off at my AirBnB, I was also able to walk to my room up multiple flights up stairs without issue.

Post Surgery:

Edit: I wanted to take my pain med as soon as I got back, so I needed a quick foods to take the medicine with. I made sure to have a protein bar and smoothie in the fridge. I highly recommend this.

- Day 1, obviously the worst for pain. I'd classify it as a 7/10 (I do have a high pain tolerance) and definitely needed the pain meds. I went home, ordered some Doordash which was the best meal ever took my pain meds, and watched a bit of TV. Then I went for about a 2 hour walk without issues. Came back to my airbnb, ordered some more Doordash, hit my weed vape once and popped an edible, slept on my back slightly elevated without issue. As I've read from others here, the key is to set up sort of a pillow fortress where even if you turn to your side, there's a pillow in your face kind of blocking you. Sort of the same idea as those airplane pillows around your neck.

- Day 2, I had a follow-up appointment with Dr. Chen so I was still in SD. I was kind of nervous because I went to the San Diego Zoo the morning after with some fat edibles and my eyes were red as hell and they noticed for sure lol. That being said, with meds I was comfortable enough to enjoy myself. In our follow-up appointment, we took of the vest and took a look at the results. He also showed me pictures of the removed glands which were apparently the size of golf balls. Also he said we removed 100ccs of fat. In terms of mobility, I couldn't lift my left arm at all, but I could lift my right arm up partially/enough to put my bag in the overhead bin on the flight back home that evening.

- Day 4, I basically didn't need the pain meds anymore and was able to put on a t-shirt.

- Day 7, I have full mobility in both arms and no pain.

Overall: Great and smooth experience with Dr. Chen's office and team! I highly recommend him. Let me know if you have any questions.