TOPIC: 17 years post-op

Braveheart
We have very similar scarring issues.

I've tried to send messages to a few of you, but it doesn't appear to be working. If anybody has advice re that, please let me know. Messageman, I read your story - wow. I'm so happy to have found this site. I've considered writing a book as well. The sad part is that after 17 years or more, our desperate journey is still not over.

Hey Braveheart, I tried to respond to your private message, but it said that you were currently blocking private messages..Try unblocking the private message so I can respond to your pm. Look forward to hearing from you.

HI LookingForAnswers, thank you. I've been trying to find that function; now it magically appeared on my preferences, so I've unblocked the message blocker. I really appreciate your response again---I need all the help I can get here because nobody in my life knows about this (after 17 years!!!!). Thanks again.

One of our members consulted with Dr Gelman about reconstructive surgery and was told it can be covered by insurance. I don't know much about American health insurance policies, but I understand most of you have them, so maybe that's worth looking into as it will save money.

This is what it says on his website regarding the costs of reconstructive surgery:

Men who undergo penile enlargement surgery often pay thousands of dollars cash for the procedure as this is a cosmetic surgery generally not covered by insurance. However, the treatment of penile enlargement complications is often covered by insurance. Patient cost is based on benefits, but coverage can be up to 100% of the charges, depending on benefits. At the Center for Reconstructive Urology, we bill all insurance carriers on behalf of our patients. In addition, all surgeries are performed at the University of California, Irvine Medical Center, located in Orange County, and UC, Irvine is contracted with most major carriers for the facility and anesthesia fees.

www.centerforreconstructiveurology.org/o...nile-enlargement.htm

This might be useful for braveheart or MM:


www.microskincenter.com/beforeandafter/

Hey Hoddle, I was one step ahead---I just sent a message to Dr. Gelman. I am praying for mercy, and hope my luck changes.

The feedback I've had from the guys who have spoken to him has been very positive. I don't recall anyone who has actually had surgery with him though.

Btw, another idea for you scar issue could be to try some fake tan.

You could buy a very light fake tan and apply a small amount to another scar somewhere else on your body and see how it looks. If it doesn't have the desired effect you could try and darker shade until you get a decent match. Then try it on a small area of the penis scar. Scars don't have much pigment but fake tan does change their color, so it might be worth experimenting with.

I asked him if insurance would cover the reconstructive surgery. He said he didn't think so, and that if you do submit a claim, then the info becomes publicly known through some database, presumably. There's a law called HIPPA, and I don't think that the surgery would be public info.

So, I had my phone consult with Dr. Alter today re my case. Here is summary:
- He does not envision much risk of Necrosis of removing/contouring the fat lump on my ride sight.
- He proposes reversing part of the VY procedure, only enough to avoid losing any length. Erection angle "may" improve.
- He did not see the need for scrotal reduction, or scrotal/dog-ear Removal, but will evaluate in person (I disagree).
- No suggestions on the scars.
- Insurance claim may be possible
- Could not see the Belladerm, or any effect this will have on his work.
- Not worrried about the flacid bend of the shaft which was borne after Solomon's procedure.

So, my big issues are: I'm still deathly afraid of Necrosis (I cannot survive that problem a second time); and I think the scrotal work would be hugely beneficial (thanks, Hoddle!). Also, I asked him what benefit would be derived from the VY reversal, and he didn't have much of an answer. So, I ask you all--why should I have the reversal? The risk is a loss in length, and I don't see much of a benefit because I don't think that is my big problem re the appearance. Any comments are appreciated.

I think you should have the fat lump removed as much as possible. If he is careful and leaves a very thin layer, then you wont have any skin damage. The risks of Necrosis are very small.

I'm not sure a V/Y reversal is worth it, as it's only going to be partial, so wont make that much of a difference. You could end up with worse scarring than what you currently have in that area. What are the scars in the pubic area like? I can see the scarring on the shaft, but not the pubic region. If that is fairly well hidden maybe it's best to leave it.

As i said previously it's hard to tell from your photos how much loose scrotum skin you have. So if you have the fat removed, let Alter evaluate it then.

The most important thing is to get rid of that lump of fat and then work on the less invasive cosmetic improvements such as hair Removal and scar camouflage.

Actually looking at your photos on Dr Solomon's site, I can see how a partial reversal could benefit you. The photo gives a much clearer view of the scarring and how it's promoted up the shaft. By reversing the V/Y as much as possible, the scar will be moved back towards the groin and be less on the shaft. Scars in pubic region are easier to hide and you can have hair transplanted into them.

Hey Hoddle, thank for your comments. Re the Y/V reversal, I was leaning away from this, in favor of the less invasive work of hair tranplant (on the pubic region), and Removal of the hair on shaft (as you had). I will see what Alter thinks, but can you tell me more about the hair transplant and hair Removal process and procedure. What kind of doctor or skin professional would do that work? Any idea where I can get referrals? I do fear that the benefit of the y/v reversal (moving the scar up) does not outweigh the potential costs (loss of length and the unknown risks). I do want to evluate the total scope of the work, and the hair work will not be Dr. Alter, so I want to consult with somebdoy in advance re that, now. Thanks again.

Good hair transplant Dr. The best for this kind of thing in the US is Dr Umar. There are quite a few good HT Dr's, but for working with scars then Umar is the man. But he's expensive and based in Cali. But there are other alternatives.

For hair Removal, just find a local clinic that does it. Google laser hair Removal in your area. If you are uncomfortable asking over the phone, send them an email. That's what i did, as I was too embarrassed to ask if they were okay removing from the penis!

Is there any risk involved with the laser hair Removal? I need to be carerful of a laser zapping energy in that area due to the weakness of my skin, from the prior Necrosis problem. I am a littler worried about the use of laser on the delicate shaft skin. Can anybody comment on this risk?