Bear,
I live in Chicago and decided to travel to get surgery with someone whose results I really liked. I think it's a matter of preference. I have only recently seen some of Shecter's results, and I had a friend who had to have a revision with Steinwald and said he would've gone to someone else if he had to do it again. I have seen some good results from him since then, but I also heard that he is moving to Colorado and not taking any more patients in his Lake Forest, IL practice. That would be worth checking. If keeping your nerve attached to your nipple matters to you, though, I think Steinwald does some of the best "t anchor" or "pedicle technique". There is also a plastic surgeon who kinda flies under the radar in Chicago, Dr. Horn. His site may not even show the top surgeries he does, but you can look at pictures in his office. If I couldn't swing the flight/hotel, etc, to Garramone in FL, I probably would've driven to Medalie in OH. Some things I have heard make it sound like he doesn't require you to stay local too long. Also, if my chest was small enough to go to Medalie for keyhole, he would've been my first choice.
There are lots of surgeons, happy hunting and congrats on taking the step.
