Geneva
05-02-2002, 03:00 PM
Having these guys do a facelift, browlift, lower bleph and lip agumentation (with fat transfer).
Cost $12,500
Anyone know of them or their work? Surgery is for June 7. Scared silly.
Cost $12,500
Anyone know of them or their work? Surgery is for June 7. Scared silly.
Sponsor
BigAl
01-16-2003, 10:40 PM
Hi. I saw your posting re: Dr. Kiener and Dr. Sykes. Did you ever get any feedback? I've seen Dr. Kiener a couple of times (for a consultation). I originally was looking at a browlift and lower bleph. However I asked Dr. Kiener what he'd recommend for my nominally sagging jowls. He's talking facelift. This makes me very nervous for some reason. Seems like overkill for a 43 year old. (He never suggested this the first visit. As a matter of fact he said "You don't really have any other facial wrinkles except for your brow".)
I was wondering if you were able to get any more info. Thanks!
-- Alison
I was wondering if you were able to get any more info. Thanks!
-- Alison
1goodgirl
01-16-2003, 11:48 PM
On 1-10-2003 I posted an answer to Geneva re: Dr. Sykes; apparently these 2 surgeons are BOTH into overkill. Sounds like they want everyone to look alike....what happened to being an individual? (But one with no wrinkles, etc.) I have not heard of the doctor you named with Sykes; my understanding was that Sykes did all his own surgery (alone).
Geneva
01-17-2003, 12:10 AM
This orginal post is so old!!!
Since I posted it I cancelled the surgery (8 weeks before it was scheduled) I did not get my deposit back $1200. Expensive indecision.
I have not had the surgery by anyone. Starting to think I am all talk and never will go through with it. I liked Dr. Sykes as he radiated confidence but gosh he wanted to do so much....I thought I needed upper eyes and a facelift....he thought I also needed nose work, lip work, lower eye and a browlift...
I think Dr. Sykes is training Dr. Keiner. Not sure but I saw Sykes in Keiner's office. I heard about both of them through one of their seminars. Never saw a photo album at the office...just a few slides at seminar. Looked terrific and he showed slides of surgeries of other doctors that he had to correct.
It's a hard decision to make. Go to some seminars. Here in the Sacramento area there seems to be at least one a month. You can get a feel for the doctor for free. Ask the people in attendance what they know about the doctor giving the lecture.
I can tell you that while I was in the waiting room one of the patients there was a doctor and he was a patient of Dr. Keiner's. He must be good!
Good luck with whatever you decide. Keep me posted here at the healthboards....
Geneva
Since I posted it I cancelled the surgery (8 weeks before it was scheduled) I did not get my deposit back $1200. Expensive indecision.
I have not had the surgery by anyone. Starting to think I am all talk and never will go through with it. I liked Dr. Sykes as he radiated confidence but gosh he wanted to do so much....I thought I needed upper eyes and a facelift....he thought I also needed nose work, lip work, lower eye and a browlift...
I think Dr. Sykes is training Dr. Keiner. Not sure but I saw Sykes in Keiner's office. I heard about both of them through one of their seminars. Never saw a photo album at the office...just a few slides at seminar. Looked terrific and he showed slides of surgeries of other doctors that he had to correct.
It's a hard decision to make. Go to some seminars. Here in the Sacramento area there seems to be at least one a month. You can get a feel for the doctor for free. Ask the people in attendance what they know about the doctor giving the lecture.
I can tell you that while I was in the waiting room one of the patients there was a doctor and he was a patient of Dr. Keiner's. He must be good!
Good luck with whatever you decide. Keep me posted here at the healthboards....
Geneva
BigAl
01-17-2003, 05:09 PM
Thanks for the feedback. I think I've pretty much decided to go with just the browlift and lower bleph. I'm not ready to be bruised and swollen (and suffer possible nerve damage...geez..there's almost TOO much stuff out there on the Internet to read, it's scary). I have an appt. with Dr. Owsley in San Francisco. He was listed as one of "The Best Plastic Surgeons" in a book I bought (not sure how objective this book is however). The receptionist at Dr. Owsley office to me to expect to pay around $20,000! (for a facelift, browlift, and bleph). I don't know...that's a heck of a lot of money (and do I really need the "best"?). Oh well..I'd like to go and see what he's had to say. I'll keep everyone posted.
1goodgirl
01-17-2003, 06:46 PM
2 thoughts:
1) Everything costs a lot more in S.F. But you do need to feel you have the best surgeon.
2) If in doubt, don't.
1) Everything costs a lot more in S.F. But you do need to feel you have the best surgeon.
2) If in doubt, don't.
Geneva
01-18-2003, 01:38 AM
Personally I would be leary of a listing in a book....please talk to some of his patients and see photos of his work. Do your research. This is a life altering decision and should not be taken lightly... I know you realize this.. I just don't want you to get caught up in the excitment of it all like I did. The price you quoted is much higher than those I have found here in the Sacramento area. Are you paying for his extra talent or his high rent?
BigAl
01-18-2003, 04:48 PM
I'm sure I'm paying for his high rent and for his private operating room, etc. (I should have said I'm paying for "both"...his skill must be very well respected as he has clients fly in from all over the world). The receptionist I talked to told me "You'll be attended to by a minimum of 6 medical personnel during your surgery. The anethesia is done by a physician not a nurse anethesiologist, your surgery will probably take at least 8 hours and you'll stay the first night in our private suites.". So I think most of the expense is in these "extras". I can see how a Holywood star (who has tons of money) would want to be pampered this way (and would need the privacy). I, on the other hand, really can't afford all of this (and is it medically necessary?). But...I'd like to have a consultation with Dr. Owsley anyway to find out why he prefers the SMAS method over other methods (like the "deep plane face lift that Dr. Sykes and Dr. Keiner prefer). I've heard that he is very very good at explaining to a lay person the different techniques. I've also heard that his main goal is to achieve a very natural appearance (over concentrating too much on erasing the years). So I thinks it's worthwhile to talk to him anyway. Maybe he'll know of a younger physician who he's tutored and shows great skill (but hasn't built up his practice so much that he's charging high fees).
[This message has been edited by BigAl (edited 01-18-2003).]
[This message has been edited by BigAl (edited 01-18-2003).]
simone_petite
01-22-2003, 05:55 AM
Hi Newbie,
Did you see Dr. Owlsley? Did you like him?
Let me know if you find someone you like in SF>
I had consultations with Dr. Gruber, Dr. Mathes, and Dr. Anthony.
I heard Timothy Marten is really good at the face. I called him for an appt but since he won't do body work and I wnated lipo at the same time, I decided against him. Also, very long wait and expensive
consultation kind of freaked me out.
If I had more money and was just doing my face, I definitely consult with him.
Good luck!
Simone
Did you see Dr. Owlsley? Did you like him?
Let me know if you find someone you like in SF>
I had consultations with Dr. Gruber, Dr. Mathes, and Dr. Anthony.
I heard Timothy Marten is really good at the face. I called him for an appt but since he won't do body work and I wnated lipo at the same time, I decided against him. Also, very long wait and expensive
consultation kind of freaked me out.
If I had more money and was just doing my face, I definitely consult with him.
Good luck!
Simone
BigAl
01-22-2003, 04:17 PM
I cancelled my appt. with Dr. Owsley. The more I thought about it the more I realized it just wasn't practical for me. Besides being much more expensive..I'd have to stay in the city for at least a week (for follow-up appts).
I've done more research on Dr. Sykes and Dr. Kiener. I haven't found anything negative except for Dr. Sykes tendency to be a little arrogant (I haven't met him myself yet). I've got a consultation with Dr. Sykes next month...I want to meet him also (so far I've only met with Dr. Kiener..who I liked).
I've only heard good stuff about Dr. Owsley also..but he's a little more expensive (his consultation fee was $150).
Good luck...
I've done more research on Dr. Sykes and Dr. Kiener. I haven't found anything negative except for Dr. Sykes tendency to be a little arrogant (I haven't met him myself yet). I've got a consultation with Dr. Sykes next month...I want to meet him also (so far I've only met with Dr. Kiener..who I liked).
I've only heard good stuff about Dr. Owsley also..but he's a little more expensive (his consultation fee was $150).
Good luck...
Geneva
01-22-2003, 06:57 PM
Big Al
Please post after you meet with Dr. Sykes. Which of his offices are you going to???
I really am anxious to hear your opinion..... Personally I like his confidence.
Anyway good luck and again please post after your consultation.
Geneva
Please post after you meet with Dr. Sykes. Which of his offices are you going to???
I really am anxious to hear your opinion..... Personally I like his confidence.
Anyway good luck and again please post after your consultation.
Geneva
1goodgirl
01-23-2003, 12:20 AM
I also would like to hear your opinion re: Dr. Sykes.
Thanks!
Thanks!
BigAl
01-23-2003, 02:05 PM
My appt. with Dr. Sykes is not until February 28th (although I've asked them to put me on a wait list for any cancellations). The former patient I talked to told me she was willing to meet with me so that I could see her in person (her scars, etc.). I'm going to take her up on that. I'll let everyone know how that goes. I'll also make sure I let everyone how my meeting with Dr. Sykes goes.
1goodgirl
01-24-2003, 01:23 PM
For Big Al; Good idea to see one his patients...you might also ask if there is a "before" picture to give you a better idea of the change.
BigAl
03-24-2003, 10:44 PM
I'm not used to this forum. I posted my experience with Dr. Sykes in reponse to another question (different post). Then forgot to respond to this post.
I met with Dr. Sykes on the 28th. He seemed very confident but kind of rushed. What bothered me a little bit is that he didn't really give me his view on what type of procedures he thought would be appropriate for me, he more or less agree with what I suggested. For example I mentioned I was considering a facelift, lower bleph, and browlift. He went into an explanation of those procedures (very good explanation). But didn't really look at me and say "I think those procedures are appropriate". Then I said "I've also wondered about a chin implant". He then said that a chin implant would be ok. I guess I would have felt more reassured if he'd looked at me closely and said "Ok...looking at your facial structure I'd recommend A,B,C". Instead I was left with the feeling that if I'd said "How about inserting a third eye in the middle of my forehead?" he'd say "ok...we can do that.".
Maybe it was because he knew from my chart that I had already been seen by Dr. Kiener (who he performs surgery with) so he didn't feel he needed to look that closely.
I think I'm going to hold off for now. I have too many reservations.
-- Big Al
I met with Dr. Sykes on the 28th. He seemed very confident but kind of rushed. What bothered me a little bit is that he didn't really give me his view on what type of procedures he thought would be appropriate for me, he more or less agree with what I suggested. For example I mentioned I was considering a facelift, lower bleph, and browlift. He went into an explanation of those procedures (very good explanation). But didn't really look at me and say "I think those procedures are appropriate". Then I said "I've also wondered about a chin implant". He then said that a chin implant would be ok. I guess I would have felt more reassured if he'd looked at me closely and said "Ok...looking at your facial structure I'd recommend A,B,C". Instead I was left with the feeling that if I'd said "How about inserting a third eye in the middle of my forehead?" he'd say "ok...we can do that.".
Maybe it was because he knew from my chart that I had already been seen by Dr. Kiener (who he performs surgery with) so he didn't feel he needed to look that closely.
I think I'm going to hold off for now. I have too many reservations.
-- Big Al
zuzu8
04-06-2003, 04:53 AM
Hi Big Al!
I'm kind of relieved to hear you're holding off for now. This is your FACE we're talking about here. From what you described of Sykes, his approach to you made me feel VERY queasy. A) Made you feel rushed. (that's a HUGE no-no in my book with any physician, and especially with surgery of any kind.)
B) The fact that he just kept saying okay to everything you brought up (I laughed when you mentioned the third eye bit!).
Sure he's gonna say okay....With each "okay" I hear a cash register dinging.
Trust your gut. (I'm sure Sykes would be thrilled to "fix" that for you too whether you need it or not!)
zuzu
I'm kind of relieved to hear you're holding off for now. This is your FACE we're talking about here. From what you described of Sykes, his approach to you made me feel VERY queasy. A) Made you feel rushed. (that's a HUGE no-no in my book with any physician, and especially with surgery of any kind.)
B) The fact that he just kept saying okay to everything you brought up (I laughed when you mentioned the third eye bit!).
Sure he's gonna say okay....With each "okay" I hear a cash register dinging.
Trust your gut. (I'm sure Sykes would be thrilled to "fix" that for you too whether you need it or not!)
zuzu
mia_621
08-06-2003, 07:44 AM
Thanks for all these impressions... though these Sacramento doctors are not exactly filling me with confidence... It's one thing to be bowled over by a cocky and experienced doc/showman, but I'd sure love to hear something really glowing in terms of results from going to these guys ;).
I went to Kiener & Sykes for collagen and Botox. Kiener needed precise direction from Sykes throughout the entire Botox process, down to literally directing him on where to stick the needle http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/confused.gif. This was July 2002, so it shocked me...
And then the collogen went quite unpleasantly because Kiener made an executive decision to make my upper lip WAY oversized (because HE liked the effect http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/rolleyes.gif ). I looked totally goofy for a couple months, but it eventually mellowed :D. Would never go back to either one of those two...
I consulted briefly with Dr. Bruner, too. He seems calm, confident and kind, but he was not into showing me before-&-after pics, which I found kinda odd. He said he found that too misleading and so he didn't lean on it in his consultations. He showed me his own eye job, done by one of the office surgeons. Looked competent enough, but still...
I'm considering Romano in SF and a few others for the next deal, undetermined facial work, but will lurk here and read some of your experiences before doing a consultation with anyone...
Thanks to all who got specific on Sac docs :)...
[This message has been edited by mia_621 (edited 08-06-2003).]
I went to Kiener & Sykes for collagen and Botox. Kiener needed precise direction from Sykes throughout the entire Botox process, down to literally directing him on where to stick the needle http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/confused.gif. This was July 2002, so it shocked me...
And then the collogen went quite unpleasantly because Kiener made an executive decision to make my upper lip WAY oversized (because HE liked the effect http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/rolleyes.gif ). I looked totally goofy for a couple months, but it eventually mellowed :D. Would never go back to either one of those two...
I consulted briefly with Dr. Bruner, too. He seems calm, confident and kind, but he was not into showing me before-&-after pics, which I found kinda odd. He said he found that too misleading and so he didn't lean on it in his consultations. He showed me his own eye job, done by one of the office surgeons. Looked competent enough, but still...
I'm considering Romano in SF and a few others for the next deal, undetermined facial work, but will lurk here and read some of your experiences before doing a consultation with anyone...
Thanks to all who got specific on Sac docs :)...
[This message has been edited by mia_621 (edited 08-06-2003).]
PicPerfect
09-12-2003, 07:20 AM
Mia, I did research on Romano in SF and he's supposedly great with lips. Please let me know if he works extensively with Radiance. He will definitely not make your upper lip look bigger than your lower one according to his theory of a sexy pout.
mia_621
09-15-2003, 10:39 AM
I'll definitely post my experiences after a choice is made, PicPerfect :D. I'm also getting more into Dr. John Owsley's site (SF). He's an SMAS facelift pioneer, and seems to return to the most *trusted & reliable* procedures, rather than just the newest and coolest. The article on there by Dixie Carter is great, too :).
One thing's for sure.. if I can limit any work to endoscopic, that would be ideal. Recovery (including from numbness) seems to be better overall with that less invasive cutting.
[This message has been edited by mia_621 (edited 09-15-2003).]
One thing's for sure.. if I can limit any work to endoscopic, that would be ideal. Recovery (including from numbness) seems to be better overall with that less invasive cutting.
[This message has been edited by mia_621 (edited 09-15-2003).]