Glottoplasty - difference between Yeson and Europe?

[thegreenrabbit]

What are the differences between the techniques used in Belgium and Germany compared to the Yeson Voice clinic. They all seem to use the basis of the Glottoplasty Wendler procedure, albeit with laser in Germany and Belgium, but what is the main difference?

[anjaq]

Amy explained it once a bit to me. It seems the main differences are:
Using microscalpels instead of lasers,
Using permanent sutures that will support the surgery site for more than the 2 weeks,
Using a tapered suture,
More experience and precision (although I only saw that to be valid for the surgeries in Berlin and Stuttgart. There are Photos around of a surgery result in Stuttgart and compared to the photos we have seen from Dr Kim it is like they did a criscross of sutures instead of three neat straight ones.

[thegreenrabbit]

Using permanent sutures that will support the surgery site for more than the 2 weeks

Is there evidence that dissolving sutures do not hold the surgical site for more than 2 weeks? I would also prefer that a skilled surgeon used laser than a physical blade. The difference I would tend to go for would be the aftercare offered by Yeson. The first weeks are critical. However having reading what I can find etc. I would say that an equally good results could be found here in Europe. Its just people wish to remain in stealth and the majority of clinics in Europe are not that self promoting. I found the same scenario when looking at SRS.

[anjaq]

That would be sad then - if such an important procedure would remain in the Taboo zone in Europe just because people are not willing to give voice samples openly. Its not that you break "stealth" by doing this - plus I think there are probably more people going "stealth" in the US than in Germany for example - there should be plenty of people sho do not care about being out.

I am not sure about the laser. The disadvantage I see is that it may cause the tissue to react to the laser different to a clean cut. The cells at the cut site would probably get a heat shock and maybe this can impede healing? I am thinking about touching a hot handle of a pot vompared to cutting myself with a clean and sharp knife in the kitchen - the latter heals faster and with less scarring than the first.

Dissolvable sutures will start to dissolve after 2 weeks. I think I even read that in one of the descriptions. By that time the surgery site is fused together by the tissue growing together. I personally think that it may take longer to grow together in a way that makes a good voice, but maybe I am mistaken. If someone can point me to some better indication that surgery in Europe is as good as Dr Kim, I am happy to consider it - Especially in Germany since I could save a lot of money then if it is insurance paid. But according to Amy the people in Berlin even semi-admitted that they do not have the experience that Dr Kim has. I believe she said, that she will visit the Phoniater again now post-op and they will  have a look and then maybe we can find out if they are impressed by Dr Kims work or if they say they can do the same.

[Maira]

Any news here? I m also very interested.. . 

[AmyBerlin]

The news here is that I'll have my follow-up at Charite on Oct 16. In the meantime, I've sung in jazz bands without ill effect and I've also led synagogue services without problem as an alto. The follow-up will reveal how good the surgery actually was.

However, my endurance still isn't near pre-op levels. My singing voice still tires quickly, although this has gotten better recently. I don't regret any of it, since my speaking voice is just so much better. I'll keep you posted of further developments.

Kind regards,

Amy