The best gynecomastia anesthesia option depends on what makes sense for each individual patient. There are various factors which determine the type of anesthesia which will be used at the time of male breast reduction surgery. These factors include: current health, medical history, type of gyne surgery, whether or not other procedures are being done at the same time, and patient preference.
The two most common types of anesthesia used by Dr. Cruise are local anesthesia and general anesthesia.
Local is considered to be the best gynecomastia anesthesia by many because it is less expensive, carries fewer risks, and it’s easier to recover from. This type of anesthesia is used when male breast reduction is performed in-office. A sedative is given before surgery to relax the patient, followed by Dr. Cruise administering injecting a local anesthetic (similar to a dentist numbing a tooth before a cavity is filled) to the area/s being treated. Some patients fall asleep during surgery, while others are comfortable and relaxed watching a Netflix® movie of their choice. Once the surgery is finished, the patient may feel just a little groggy from the sedative, but this usually wears off with in a matter of hours. Driving is not allowed following surgery under local anesthesia. Recovery tends to be easier, because the patient doesn’t have the same after effects that come with general anesthesia (nausea, tired, lack of energy, constipation, etc.).
General anesthesia gynecomastia cases are only performed in an outpatient surgery center by board-certified anesthesiologists that have vast experience with cosmetic surgery cases, specifically gynecomastia. Dr. Cruise hand-selected his team of anesthesiologists to ensure the highest level of patient safety and care. The gynecomastia anesthesiologists listed below formulate their own blend of anesthesia tailored to each individual patient based on age, type of procedure being performed, and health history.
In order to maintain the highest standards of safety for his gynecomastia patients, Dr. Cruise primarily works with two preferred anesthesiologists: Dr. Choan and Dr. Reines. Please read below for each doctor’s credentials.
Dr. Cedric Choan is board certified by the American Board of Anesthesiologists. He has worked in various ambulatory surgery centers throughout Orange County over the past 10 plus years.
Dr. Choan was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii. He attended the University of Hawaii where he earned his degree of Bachelor of Arts in Biology. He completed his medical education at the Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans, Louisiana where he was bestowed the degree of Doctor of Medicine. Dr. Choan completed 2 years of general surgery residency, followed by 3 years of anesthesia residency, at the Harbor-UCLA Medical Center in Torrance, California.
In 2000, after practicing at Mission Hospital Regional Medical Center and Saddleback Memorial Medical Center for 6 years, Dr. Choan decided to concentrate solely on outpatient surgery. He refined and perfected his TIVA (total intravenous anesthesia) technique in order to provide his patients undergoing same day surgery the best possible experience. Nausea, vomiting and the dazed feeling many associate with general anesthesia are virtually eliminated. In fact, the majority of patients are talking and coherent within 10-15 minutes after surgery.
Dr. Choan is happily married and has 5 children. He enjoys working in his garden and is a second degree black belt in Kempo.
February 24, 1965
Michael Reines, MD is board certified anesthesiologist in Newport Beach, California. He is currently practicing outpatient anesthesia and is on the medical staff at Fountain Valley Regional Hospital, as well as other ambulatory surgery centers throughout Orange County.
Dr. Reines had a brief career in engineering before deciding to pursue his true passion in medicine. Dr. Reines entered medical school at Wayne State University School of Medicine, in Detroit, Michigan. In 1990 he received his degree of Medical Doctor (MD).
Dr. Reines completed his anesthesia residency at Northwestern University, in Chicago, Illinois. He received specialized training in; pediatric, obstetric, neurological, and cardiac and vascular anesthesia, as well as regional anesthesia techniques and chronic pain management.
Following the completion of his training, Dr Reines moved to Manistee, Michigan where he became the Medical Director of the anesthesia department at West Shore Medical Center from 1994-2006. He was elected the prestigious position Chief of Medical Staff in 1997 and 1998.
Dr. Reines decided to head west and enjoy the warmer climate of Southern California. Currently, Dr. Reines specializes in providing anesthesia for outpatient surgery. His primary focus is that of controlling post-operative pain and the avoidance of side effects, such as nausea and vomiting.
Dr. Reines’ wife, Kimiko Snider, MD, is a board certified family practitioner in Newport Beach. They have two boys, Adam and Jacob.
