Which doctor would you use?

Thanks for the recommendations! I'm now deciding between 2 doctors. I can't decide which one I should use.

Here's the background...I had a cyst removed from the back of my neck about 8 years ago. The doctor who did it botched it up and now the cyst grew back (bigger) and the scar looks deformed. I want the cyst removed again and the scar fixed.

#1
Doctor does not take my insurance...so I would have to cover my $1500 deductible. He seemed extremely confident that he can fix my neck and make it look smooth and perfect. He said I have the option to do it in the office or out patient at the hospital, but he recommends the hospital since it will be a large incision.

#2
Takes my insurance so it will only be a $35 co-pay. He told me due to the location of the cyst i will have a scar no matter what, it will not be perfect. (which i'm ok with as long as it looks better than what it does now). He said depending on how my skin heals and how often i move my head while healing will depend on how the scar looks. he said because theres massive scar tissue the incision will be large. he said he would use more heavy duty stitches to help the skin heal without moving and those stitches will need to come out about a week or 2 after the procedure. he said i can do it in the office or out patient but said he recommends in the office, but its up to me.

So..which doctor would you use? And would you do in the office or in the hospital? Hospital would require me to be sedated, but not fully under...like twilight. and in the office would require a slightly painful numbing needle to my neck then lay on my stomach for 45 minutes.

THANKS!!

Message edited 7/24/2013 2:07:34 PM.

Re: Which doctor would you use?

Is one doctor "better" then the other?

If they are equal I'd probably go with the one that would cost me less. For me, scars aren't a big deal. I look at it as a battle scar...a battle I've won.

Which doctor would you use?

I chose #1. I would do some research on the first doctor and read reviews online if they are available and may be ask family and friends to see if anyone has used him in the past. Ask your family doctor if she/he would recommend the first dr. As for sedation, I don't like pain so I would do it in a hospital with sedation. GL!

Re: Which doctor would you use?

the reviews i found online show #1 with 11 reviews...7 are horrible. the other 4 are good. the reviews for #2 are 2 great and 2 not great. but #1 came recommended.

ETA just found 2 more good reviews about #2.

Message edited 7/24/2013 2:25:42 PM.

Re: Which doctor would you use?

Re: Which doctor would you use?

Message edited 7/24/2013 4:04:16 PM.

Re: Which doctor would you use?

I would almost go to a third doctor to have something to compare #1 and #2 against.

Money aside, the way they will treat the cyst and scar are very different.
#1 almost seems like he is glossing over the reality that #2 is giving you.

There is just too much doubt for me to be able to choose between these 2.

Re: Which doctor would you use?

are they both the same type of doctor?

for instance I had a mole on my face that I wanted removed. I was deciding between a general surgeon or a dermatological surgeon. I chose the dermatological surgeon.

Re: Which doctor would you use?

OMG...I have the same exact situation. I had a cyst removed from my upper back and it has grown back two years later. The surgeon that did it, left a horrible scar. I now have to have it done again. I am thinking of going to a plastic surgeon for this, but don't know where to start with my search. Can you FM me the drs you are thinking of and how you came about with the two names? I don't know where to start.

Re: Which doctor would you use?

Re: Which doctor would you use?

Re: Which doctor would you use?

Re: Which doctor would you use?

Re: Which doctor would you use?

Re: Which doctor would you use?

Maybe option C? Can you try to find a really top dr and get a third opinion. It is not unusual when you have 2 different opinions to get another.

But to choose from your two some additional info is needed.

What are their educational backgrounds, residency/fellowships located at? Which hospitals? It would make me nervous that one appears more honest. Is it bc the other is a better doctor who can deliver or one just over confident.

If doc number 1 can deliver (would ask how often he has had positive results for this surgery. What the chances are it will heal worse, whether your skin type is more likely to scar easier etc). I still think maybe a 3rd opinion here would be good.

Re: Which doctor would you use?

Re: Which doctor would you use?

Re: Which doctor would you use?

Turns out my dermatologist recommends a guy who takes my insurance! woohoo! and got good reviews. but his earliest appt is september. which is fine...i can wait. thanks!

Re: Which doctor would you use?

That's great! Good luck to you!

Re: Which doctor would you use?

What type of insurance do you have. I recently had something removed by a facial head neck plastic surgeon and he did a good job. Dr. Andrew Jacono I think he only take empire, GHI, and a few other insurances.

Re: Which doctor would you use?

I would always go with the doc my doc recommends and NEVER chose a doctor from online reviews. You are not buying a couch, this is your health.