Ello all. I'm considering a tracheal shave for my first procedure and was wondering if anyone has gone to Bowers for one. If so how much was it and are you satisfied with the result.

Any other surgeons people might recommend?

Any specific location you are looking?

I went to Ousterhout in SF, he did an awesome job and I had an absolutely massive thyroid cartilage. I went to him because I heard he was aggressive with the amount that he takes off- he was! Also the way he closed the suture under the chin, you can't see the scar without me lifting my head and pointing a bright flashlight right at it a foot away. It's invisible

I've also seen great work from Dr. Mayer who has excellent suture closure technique, probably the best in my opinion. But, he places the incision right on the neck which I didn't like.

The under chin point of entry hides the scar so much better and provides a better view of the vocal structures for the surgeon. Not sure how Dr. Bowers does it, but it might be worth asking if that is important to you. Though, I would say the biggest difference between the two points of entry is the scar. Basically any PS should be fine to handle this procedure, it is very common and basic. Not much to worry about

Quote from: Jennygirl on January 07, 2015, 12:42:09 PM
Any specific location you are looking?

I went to Ousterhout in SF, he did an awesome job and I had an absolutely massive thyroid cartilage. I went to him because I heard he was aggressive with the amount that he takes off- he was! Also the way he closed the suture under the chin, you can't see the scar without me lifting my head and pointing a bright flashlight right at it a foot away. It's invisible

I've also seen great work from Dr. Mayer who has excellent suture closure technique, probably the best in my opinion. But, he places the incision right on the neck which I didn't like.

The under chin point of entry hides the scar so much better and provides a better view of the vocal structures for the surgeon. Not sure how Dr. Bowers does it, but it might be worth asking if that is important to you. Though, I would say the biggest difference between the two points of entry is the scar. Basically any PS should be fine to handle this procedure, it is very common and basic. Not much to worry about

Thank you, Jenny! Osterhout is on my short list for FFS. Any idea how much the shave alone costs? I'm wanting to get it done before I have the Yeson procedure so fairly soon.

You're welcome!

Ousterhout is probably the most expensive you will find. I think I paid $4,500 in the end.

I have seen trach shaves go for as little as $2,000. I tend to think you get what you pay for with these things, so to me it's all about the surgeon and the price means much less.

Quote from: Jennygirl on January 07, 2015, 01:05:44 PM
You're welcome!

Ousterhout is probably the most expensive you will find. I think I paid $4,500 in the end.

I have seen trach shaves go for as little as $2,000. I tend to think you get what you pay for with these things, so to me it's all about the surgeon and the price means much less.

Agreed! I'm not doing anything bargain basement. You only get one chance to get it right.

My thoughts exactly

Are you going for just the tracheal shave or other procedures? I had a recent visit with an FFS surgeon, who wants to do my brow bossing and nose job seperate from my trache shave because of possible breathing issues. I've visited other surgeons who never mentioned this and had no problem doing the whole package.

Quote from: Christine Eryn on January 07, 2015, 03:02:22 PM
Are you going for just the tracheal shave or other procedures? I had a recent visit with an FFS surgeon, who wants to do my brow bossing and nose job seperate from my trache shave because of possible breathing issues. I've visited other surgeons who never mentioned this and had no problem doing the whole package.

At this point just the shave. After that I'm thinking the Yeson procedure and then socially transitioning and donig my RLT whilst I decide on the GRS surgeon and continue saving money .

Quote from: Wynternight on January 07, 2015, 12:23:07 PM
Ello all. I'm considering a tracheal shave for my first procedure and was wondering if anyone has gone to Bowers for one. If so how much was it and are you satisfied with the result.

Any other surgeons people might recommend?

My first procedure  was tracheal shave with Dr. Brassard.
What's amazing about the procedure, it took less than 20 minutes, and I was awake the whole time. Lot of money for a short procedure, but oh, so worth it.
The only thing I've ever been self conscious of had been my adams apple.
FYI, make sure you diligently rub Vitamin e daily on the scar so it'll disappear.

Quote from: Muffinheart on February 09, 2015, 11:37:37 AM
My first procedure  was tracheal shave with Dr. Brassard.
What's amazing about the procedure, it took less than 20 minutes, and I was awake the whole time. Lot of money for a short procedure, but oh, so worth it.
The only thing I've ever been self conscious of had been my adams apple.
FYI, make sure you diligently rub Vitamin e daily on the scar so it'll disappear.

What did Brassard charge, if I may ask?

Quote from: Wynternight on February 09, 2015, 01:45:02 PM
What did Brassard charge, if I may ask?

I seem to remember a figure of $4200...or so.
Seems like a lot, considering only 20 minutes work.
But, you are there 3 hours before as they like you to be calm, then the quick surgery, and then out the door.
I left Ottawa by train at 7am, was back in Ottawa by 6pm same day.

As I'm sure you know, the cost is a lot less if combined with other surgeries.

Quote from: Muffinheart on February 09, 2015, 01:49:51 PM
I seem to remember a figure of $4200...or so.
Seems like a lot, considering only 20 minutes work.
But, you are there 3 hours before as they like you to be calm, then the quick surgery, and then out the door.
I left Ottawa by train at 7am, was back in Ottawa by 6pm same day.

As I'm sure you know, the cost is a lot less if combined with other surgeries.

I'm leaning towards having Kin do the Yeson procedure and the shave at the same time.