Dr. Spiegel consult; need some opinons

[Rachel]

I had a consult with Dr. Spiegel yesterday for FFS. His recommendations are in order of need from his perspective:

1 Forehead contouring with scalp advancement and browlift $10,125
2 Mandible contouring                                                       $  8,525
3 Trachea shave                                                               $  4,495
4 Tightening of neck jowls and mid face  (face lift)               $ 10,995
5 lip lift                                                                            $  3,750
6 lower blepharoplasty   (lower eye lids)                             $  4,495
7 Fat Grafting to cheeks and temples                                  $  5,000
8 OR                                                                                $  4,750
9 Anesthesia                                                                    $  1,800
10Recovery                                                                     $     700
total                                                                              $54,635

Dr. Spiegel stated he can not see my adam's apple and I said it bothered me a lot so that could be moved much lower on the list.

I asked the doctor what are reasonable expectations if everything is done. He said you will look beautiful. I was really happy to hear that ( really surprised) but immediately my BS flag went up. Question 1- Is the reasonable expectation real or has the doctor had a history of embellishment on expected results?

As far as what I have heard a face lift #4 should be done after the face has healed 6 months to 1 year. I need to reduce the cost. I was thinking of doing 1, 2, 5 and 6. Any comments?

I have gcs scheduled for November and I will contact that doctor for a recommendation for a window before GCS. May 15 would be 6 months prior to GCS and most likely my last opportunity before GCS. Dr. Spiegel is starting to schedule in May. Would you recommend FFS prior to GCS or should I wait for after?

Aetna PPO does not cover FFS. If I do the 2 appeals and submission to the state insurance board it will add time and may have a negative outcome. If I submit to insurance it will be for the full amount. Any thoughts?

I will be alone in Boston, any thoughts?

Any help or comments would be appreciated,

Rachel

[oneoftwo]

I had a consult with Dr. Spiegel yesterday for FFS. His recommendations are in order of need from his perspective:

   . . .

I asked the doctor what are reasonable expectations if everything is done. He said you will look beautiful. I was really happy to hear that ( really surprised) but immediately my BS flag went up. Question 1- Is the reasonable expectation real or has the doctor had a history of embellishment on expected results?

. . .  comments would be appreciated,

Rachel

Re:  BS flags.  Yeah...  that was maybe a bit too much.

Should the question be better divided into two parts ?   

One: Will my face look female ?    If not,  then why not ?   Then,

Two: Scale from 1 to 10 - -  how attractive ? 

[KarmaGirl]

Wow, I think his prices have gone up. 

I am having a consult with him in March. I think that is more than the quote I got from Dr. Ousterhout a few years ago by about $20,000.00!!  It's your money and face, so you should do what you think is best.  You may want to look into other doctors.  It's not about the money in the end it's about who will give you the face you expect.  I'm sure you will look great whether you go with him or anyone else.

Do some research.

[michelle82]

beauty is all subjective anyways, so thats a bull->-bleeped-<- way of answering the question. I had my FFS with Facial team, and while I didn't need any soft tissue work such as face lifts, they do stress doing the bone work first, and then face lift type work 6 months after.  I would be concerned with the recovery doing everything all at once.

The most important thing about FFS is setting realistic expectations with results of the surgery. Anyone telling you that you are going to be a gorgeous super model is playing into your insecurities.  I would recommend doing virtual FFS photos, its really a good way to setting expectations for yourself and having better control over your own face and making decisions about what will look good and what wont.

[Paula1]

£37671.00 Sterling that equates to .... 

No wonder Brits or Europeans hardly ever go to the USA for FFS these days and now many US girls are coming over to Europe or flying south to South America for their surgery.

Gee the USA is as bad now as "Rip Off UK".

[KarmaGirl]

beauty is all subjective anyways, so thats a bull->-bleeped-<- way of answering the question.

Anyone telling you that you are going to be a gorgeous super model is playing into your insecurities.  I would recommend doing virtual FFS photos, its really a good way to setting expectations for yourself and having better control over your own face and making decisions about what will look good and what wont.

Great Advice!  Research Research Research. 

[Danielle11746]

Had surgery with Speigel last Febuary on my chin and jaw.  Now I am seeking revision work.  I not so patiently waited a full year for healing, now have 2 apts booked this month with other doctors about a ct custom implant as i was was left with an uneven jaw and witches chin after Speigel.  I wouldn't go back to him if he was doing surgery for free.  His aftercare and bedside manner are none existent, he seems truly uninterested in the people he works on and looks at it as a business.   

[KarmaGirl]

Had surgery with Speigel last Febuary on my chin and jaw.  Now I am seeking revision work.  I not so patiently waited a full year for healing, now have 2 apts booked this month with other doctors about a ct custom implant as i was was left with an uneven jaw and witches chin after Speigel.  I wouldn't go back to him if he was doing surgery for free.  His aftercare and bedside manner are none existent, he seems truly uninterested in the people he works on and looks at it as a business.

I'm so sad you went through that.  How frustrating.  You are not the first to say that. However, maybe writing a very neutral email to him may work? Are you able to get any legal help?  Maybe a letter written by an attorney might get his attention.  I'm just thinking (and writing outloud).

Hope you heal better and things end up in your favor.

Best

[Paula1]

Hi Danielle,

I am deeply saddened what has happened to you .... 

You and I don't have much luck with US surgeons, it seems.

PM me if you wish.

Hugs

Paula  xx

Had surgery with Speigel last Febuary on my chin and jaw.  Now I am seeking revision work.  I not so patiently waited a full year for healing, now have 2 apts booked this month with other doctors about a ct custom implant as i was was left with an uneven jaw and witches chin after Speigel.  I wouldn't go back to him if he was doing surgery for free.  His aftercare and bedside manner are none existent, he seems truly uninterested in the people he works on and looks at it as a business.