Going to another city vs. inexperienced surgeon

[krc202]

Hi there, I am new to all this. Just decided to get orthognathic surgery and braces to fix my bite.

The problem, however, is that only one oral surgeon in my city accepts my medical insurance. I just had my consultation with him, and while he was a nice guy, I am concerned that he is not board-certified and is only 2 years out of residency. He's hardly older than me (I'm 23). I want my surgery to be done by someone who is very experienced and a star in the field! This is major surgery, after all.

Now I am looking at going to a city 1 hour away, or a city 3 hours away, where there are more doctors to choose from. Did anyone do this? How much of a hassle was it? I'm not even clear on how many appointments I will need to have with the surgeon before/after the surgery. I'm worried about how it will impact my job (requiring more time away from the office). Am I being too picky here - should I just go with the inexperienced (but convenient) surgeon?

[Marisama]

You should choose the best surgeon you can afford. I wouldn't go to the surgeon in my area if he/she were just out of residency. I am travelling out of state for my surgery.

[philly]

You should not even be asking this question. Of course you go to the other surgeon. After all its only a 3 hour drive. Hell I did that every weekend when in was in college. Like you said this is a major surgery get the best you can get. Luckily for me i'm in philadelphia and i getting both my surgies done by the interim chair of oral surgery at penn hospital. I hear every one gets nose bleeds after sarpe but i haven't had one. I'm only numb on my left side and had minimal pain. He does this type of surgery every week. If you have to drive out of state like arc then do it. You will be happy you did. Good luck.

[John18]

Truthfully, you have to have 100% confidence and faith in your surgeon; they are, after all, going to reconstruct your face, bones, etc., and you will be living with the results for a long time.

I personally would be concerned given the details you mentioned (board certification, number of years since graduation, etc) but a lot of other factors come in to play I recognise (insurance, finances, (in)convenience, etc). That said, I want to know I am going to the 'best' as it were and so I would do what is needed. As others have said, better to be safe than sorry. . .

Why isn't he board certified just out of interest. . .

_____________________________________________
Double jaw surgery (18mm lower jaw, 12mm upper jaw widened, genioplasty)
doublejawoperation dot com/