I lengthened with Dr. Giotikas 2 times (2019 femurs and 2023 tibias). Had a positive experience both times. The other patients in Athens with me also seemed to have an overall positive experience, based on my conversations with them.
For what it's worth, I feel it makes a big difference to speak with patients who actually went through the lengthening process and can speak firsthand regarding the doctor. Reading diaries and forum posts is helpful! I did a lot of that before my first procedure. But at times, the forum became overwhelming and confusing. There is conflicting information. Sometimes people even post critical comments regarding a surgeon without really providing any specific details or evidence to substantiate their claims. I am not discrediting their viewpoint. I just am simply someone who is very detail-oriented and wants fact-based evidence/ analysis to guide my decisions. Even though this forum is a terrific resource and I am very happy that it exists, that kind of analysis is not easy to find here. You would need to spend hours and days just wading through content.
I began to get much more clarity and had an easier time making decisions once I spoke to former/ current patients of the surgeons I was considering. And then, of course, speaking to the doctors themselves via consultation once I began seriously considering them. That process helped me ultimately make my decision and decide on Giotikas. Things were not perfect and there is room for improvement in Athens, but I am very satisfied with the outcome I received and my health condition/ stature today, particularly for the cost.
Feel free to post here on this thread and/or send me a PM if you have any additional questions. Best of luck to everybody on this journey.