Re: Dr. tt of Santa Barbara - Any former or current patients to share their.

[Guest guest]

I am a year and a half post op from surgery. I had an extremely

receded lower jaw. I am very happy I did it and extremely happy I went

with Dr. Arnett.

They were extremely thorough in their planning for the surgery and the

pre-op and post-op instructions. My bite is now corrected and the

cosmetic change has been great for me (you can see some pics under

SteveSF under the files section).

Regarding cost: yes, he is expensive. It's not totally out of pocket,

it's just that he is not in-network with any plan. So you have to

have PPO insurance and PPO's generally pay less when you go out of

network. Happily, the hospital and the anesthesiologist are

in-network and will be covered at a higher rate.

Experience really counts in this procedure and Arnett has it. If you

decide not to use him, be sure to use a surgeon who has done this

procedure often. Feel free to e-mail me if you have any questions.

> experience. thanks!

[Guest guest]

thanks! steven,

i came away from his evaluation impressed as well.

thanks again for sharing!

k

> > experience. thanks!

[Guest guest]

thank you so much, michele.

k

> I haven't been on in a long time, but happen to take a peek today and saw your

questions.

>

> I had surgery with Doctor Arnett in September 2003. He is terrific. You can

check my

> website for all sorts of pictures and info:

>

> http://home.earthlink.net/~michelekrantz/the-new-mich/

>

> I recently got kicked in the mouth by a student (long story). I was far enough

along in

my

> recovery that it caused no problem whatsoever, but Dr. Arnett's office was

great. Dr.

> Gunson, his partner, assisted with the surgery and the two of them usually see

me

> together every visit. I really can't say enough wonderful things about the 2

of them and

> their staff. The people at the front desk even know everyone by name when you

come

in.

> He is expensive, but well worth it. He is neither cold nor unapproachable. I

felt

completely

> at ease throughout the entire process.

>

> Good luck with whoever you choose.

>

> Mich

[Guest guest]

thanks cammie for sharing!

k

> > > experience. thanks!

[Guest guest]

Steve, I remember you, and am so glad to hear you're doing extremely

well!

Congratulations.

Dr. A. practices, I think, in an expensive area, he's proficient to

the extreme at what he does, from the patients I've seen posting

about him. Congratulations on finding what you needed and making your

way through the path.

Cammie

> > experience. thanks!

[Guest guest]

Hi Cammie,

I remember you too. I visited these boards almost every day when I was

pre-op and I also remember you and everyone here who was so helpful.

I come back once and a while and see what's going on. This surgery is

a tough one. For many people, it's the best long term solution but

basically is still elective. Reading everyone's comments really

helped me prepare. I knew exactly what to expect going in, so my

recovery was pretty uneventful.

I am doing well. My braces are off and I have been wearing a retainer

for about four months. I am wearing it full time (except for meal

time and public speaking) and will continue to do so for another 2

months or so. After that, I should be able to go night's only. I

also have a permanent retainer on the bottom teeth (on the inside).

My bite is perfect. Occlusion is a beatiful thing! Most of my

sensation is normal - although I do have some minor altered sensation

on the roof of my mouth. Appearance-wise, the change has been great.

I am getting lots of dates. :-)

Best,

> > > experience. thanks!