Stephen M Krant, MD

I was referred here by a different doc for an IPLM22 laser treatment for a few spider veins on my lower legs. Kim the nurse was a very sweet lady, but sweet does not cut it when you’re paying $ 200 per 15 minutes! So here’s why I won’t likely be going back to this practice: 1. After researching online, numbing creams adversely effect the results of laser treatments for veins by constricting the blood flow, and Kim should have been informed of that by Dr. Krant when she was trained. 2. I was very clear about what areas mattered to me, and Kim should have insisted/​explained I do only 15 minutes (instead of 30) so I could return another day to treat those areas; instead, she treated those areas conservatively so that they would not get «irritated» and the rest of the time worked on areas I did not care about – I could have done the treatment of only the areas I cared about for half the price… if Kim had given it some thought… so it’s a different kind of «irritated» I’m experiencing. 3. Kim could not give me any «big picture» idea of what kind of investment I’d need to make long-​term for optimal results – e.g., how many treatments in total – and in general, she did not answer my questions satisfactorily. I felt Kim had no medical knowledge whatsoever. 4. The time was not managed effectively. Kim spent about 4 – 5 minutes jotting down stuff on a piece of paper, changing from one hand-​held device to another, and turning on/​off the laser machine – that time cost me over $ 65. A lot more time was ill-​spent going slowly/​awkwardly with one excruciatingly painful hand-​held device, «It could be the angle,» Kim said, which was apparently not the effective approach, and instead there was no reassessment/​Plan B to deal with someone in that amount of pain to still make the treatment worth the while. All in all, I feel I literally threw $ 400 out a beach-​front window! And the worst part of it is I’m 99.9% sure I will see zero to very VERY slight improvement… probably to an area that didn’t bother me… in which case, this is one of those «live and learn» situations. If I do see any change worth noting, I won’t hesitate to update this post… but if you don’t see an update – well, you can just do the learning without the living after reading this.
And as a side note, these laser machines are so prohibitively expensive to purchase and maintain, that I have to wonder if the costliness of the treatment has more to do with helping the doc recover his investment than because the treatment is in fact a legitimate and effective one. There’s a bit of the «Emperor’s New Clothes» at work here.

I have waited close to a year to write this review as I did not want to write a negative review in a reactionary manner. I had heard nothing but wonderful things about Dr. Krant and was excited to go in for a consult in regard to improving some acne scars I had on my face. The office is beautiful and in a fantastic location, just blocks from the ocean. I have had acne scarring for years and have always been self conscious about them. Money was not a factor in having them corrected. I was simply looking for a doctor I was comfortable with and one that was confident in the work he would potentially be doing on my face. I also understood from the beginning that these types of scares were very difficult to remove and there is no 100% way to have them corrected. When I arrived I filled out my paperwork and was taken back into the consult room with little wait time.
I was immediately seen by a nurse or some type of assistant. She immediately started telling me how bad my scars were and presenting me with all of these ideas she had about how they could be corrected. She showed me brochures and started telling me about all of these new treatments that could possible help. By the time she was through I was already overwhelmed and had not even seen the doctor yet. I was obviously already self conscious about my scarring and did not appreciate her re-​iterating how bad they were. I was there to get the doctor’s opinion and not hers.
By the time Dr. Krant came in, I was already feeling pretty defeated. He had the same bedside manner as the nurse and suggested some pretty outrageous treatments for someone my age. (facelift at 36). He also kept re-​iterating how bad they were. He did not at all seem confident in the work he would potentially be doing and had no compassion whatsoever. I left with a massive quote for work that no one even seemed to be confident would help. Overall I left feeling worse about myself then when I had arrived. I sat in my car in tears after leaving. I was going there to feel like I had options and to feel better about myself, not worse. The weeks following I received several phone calls asking if I was ready to book the procedure and if I had any further questions. They even offered to drop the price of the treatment. I let them know it was not about the price, but about how badly I felt when leaving the office. I did not care for the doctor and after consulting with a couple of others in the area, I realized this was not the norm. Since then I found a Doctor that was confident in the proper treatment for my condition and my skin. My skin looks better than ever and I am well on my way to the complexion I have always dreamed of. Im sure Dr. Krant does fantastic work but am glad I took the time to get another opinion and find someone who took a personal interest in me and making me feel better about myself and my skin. I will not recommend this office to anyone in the future.

Dr. Krant is a highly skilled surgeon and performs excellent work. His team of professional nursing and office staff are friendly and knowledgeable. His practice at 528 Nautilus St in La Jolla Village houses a complete plastic surgery center so that all procedures may be performed in-​house. His office also provides an array of minor cosmetic and aesthetic services. I am highly impressed by Dr. Krant’s level of expertise and his down to earth yet extremely professional demeanor with respect to patient care. I highly recommend Dr. Krant to anyone who desires a youthful change to their appearance. Thanks Dr. Krant and staff :) !!!

Dr. Krant is the BEST! He’s extremely talented, professional, and compassionate. His staff are all highly skilled, extremely kind and caring. I highly recommend SK Clinic!

I love the whole staff; I love Dr Krant; he has an amazing knowledge and bed side manner; As a trainer I have recommended Dr Krant to ALL my clients and friends!

The best of the best! There is no one better!

this man is really lacking in integrity! Will not see or admit to the band he created in my eye surgery. He would bring out his funny little ruler, and say it’s o.k. when I would return to show him again he would have me wait, for a long periods of time. Finaly his nurse told him SHE HAS A BAND!

First time as a patient with Dr Krant He is a kind person and awesome doctor His staff was friendly and made my experience at his office very pleasant
Thank You

Dr. Krant and his team at the SK Clinic made my surgical experience better than I could have anticipated. From the very first consult to my most recent follow-​up his team has been hugely helpful and supportive. I had my chin augmented and well as liposuction and tightening of my neck muscles performed. I am thrilled with the results, they just keep getting better. I am currently in my second week of recovery and I feel great. Dr. Krant is kind and available for assistance when needed. The nurses in his office are exceptional, I felt like I bonded with each of them. My nurse anesthetist was excellent and had exceptional patient-​centered care. Overall, I have to say that I am beyond pleased with my decision to have my surgery at the SK Clinic with Dr. Krant and his team. Thank you all!

After having another plastic surgeon fix my mastectomy, I found Dr. Krant. His professionalism and thoughtfulness are outstanding. As well, as his surgical skill which is outstanding. I am completely pleased with him and with his staff who make the experience, whether insurance billing or appointment scheduling, fun.

I’ve been going to Dr. Krant for over 10 years and always had a great experience. Originally he corrected a botched breast implant (done by someone else) and did an amazing job. He has also stitched up my lip which was torn all the way thru, and removed at least 10 moles for biopsy over the years leaving no scar. My last procedure was when he closed up my surgery for the removal of a plate in my collar bone working along side my orthopedic surgeon.
He is very ethical and his staff is great/​professional. I don’t know what others are saying about double billing insurance or that he doesn’t take it. He certainly has taken my insurance for my NON COSMETIC procedures, and I’ve never had an issue with anything else regarding insurance.
I highly recommend Dr. Krant and his office.

I do not know how in the world ANYONE could possibly find any reason to be a «naysayer» toward Dr. Krant!
I remember having an office visit with him when I turned fourty (40), which was a «few» years back. More than a few :) He was very honest with me and told me I did NOT need to make any cosmetic adjustments at that time. He laughed and suggested I return in about ten years. Many cosmetic surgeons would have done whatever I «thought» I needed.
When I did return, (10) ten years later, all I needed was a little Botox for the deep frown line between my eyes and a bit for the crows feet. And just for my boyfriend, I had just a little «lip puff». :) Which really was a little… I did not look like Dina the Duck! :)
Dr. Krant will never do anything that he thinks is unnecessary, like liposuction instead of the patient losing a few pounds. He is very kind, honest, and helpful. When I do have the funds I used to have, you can bet I will take myself straight over to Dr. Krant! He’s the best!
Oh, by the way, I DID do my homework and went to four (4) other very well known plastic surgeons before I went back to Dr. Krant for my Botox. I wanted to hear what they would have to say. And considering what they had to say $$$$$$$$$, Dr. Krant has my vote and my loyalty 100 percent!
I don’ want to forget the staff! First class all the way!
A very happy,
Luci W.

Dr. Krant performed a major surgical procedure on me, and I am very impressed and happy with the results, his ability, bedside manner and fees. I was prepared for every step of my surgery by him and his staff, and my recovery was relatively short. My Brother who also is a medical doctor accompanied me to Krant’s office for the surgery and was equally impressed by his facility and training.
Dr. Krant was recommended to me by another local medical doctor who stated that Dr. Krant is the one surgeon other doctors refer to when someone else screws up.
I would highly recommend him to anyone who is looking for quality results and care.

My experience with Dr. Krant and his staff was first class. IN fact I am shocked to hear about the reports by the naysayers below. I was treated with respect and kindness, my results are so fabulous and beautiful that no one can tell what major procedure I had done and after enjoying a massage at SK Sanctuary next door, I remember thinking this kind of five star service and results are why Dr. Krant has such an impeccable record in La Jolla and San Diego.
My feeling for those reading about the insurance billing etc, is that in my experience, you must manage and control your own billing and communication between doctors and insurance companies. My kiddo has a genetic issue so we are in and out of hospitals often and I’ve been working with medical reimbursement issues for 8 years because of this. It is grossly unfair to negatively rate a skilled plastic surgeon b/​c of insurance company billing issues. One must point the finger inward first.
If Dr Krant was such a crook (note the spelling) and not an excellent surgeon he wouldn’t have remained in business in La Jolla/​SD for as long as he has. His reputation as an incredible doctor and a really nice guy shouldn’t be tarnished because a few feel they have the education and experience to rate his work otherwise.
I am happy to admit that I can’t wait to go back!

A couple of years ago Dr. Krant replaced my saline implants with silicone implants and while he was at it he repositioned the left one that had been migrating near my armpit. The surgery went exactly as expected and they ended up looking and feel perfect. I just LOVE them. He is very detailed oriented, precise and does maticulous work. His personable and caring attitude is evident the first time you meet him. He actually cares about his patients — has excessive follow-​up appointments (almost too many!). He and his staff follow you through even the most minor procedure and make sure you are more than satisfied. And yes, he is very expensive! You get what you pay for! As a matter of fact, I trusted him so much that this year he performed a rhinoplasty (nose job) on our 16 year old daughter. We brought her to 3 different doctors to get opinions (not wanting to bias her on the doctor I had already decided on — Dr. Krant). Completely on her own, she chose Dr. Krant hands down! His honesty, kindness and gentle bedside manor won her over immediately. (Not to mention to his recommended technique for the rhinoplasty made much more sense then the other two) There are so many horrible nose jobs out there it was very scarey putting our daughter through it but we were comforted knowing she was in expert hands You should know that he is always conservative and never overdoes his work. Our daughter’s surgery was $ 1,500 more than the other doctors quotes but worth every penny. He’s been voted one of the top plastic surgeons in San Diego for the past 20 years. Obviously he has many, many more satisfied customers than these few on Unilocal.As a matter of fact I have never written a comment on this thing for anything but on doing a search for Dr. Krant (I’m looking into getting a lip augmentation from him now) I came across these negative comments. I just HAD to put my two sense in. This doctor is NOT a crook! He’s extremely knowledgeable, experienced, talented and kind.
Oh, I just have to throw in all the charity work this man does for women suffering from breast cancer! Look it up. He is a SAINT!
Keep up the fabulous work Dr. Krant!

I have enjoyed working with Dr. Krant — he is an intelligent doctor who knows his stuff. Went to him for non-​surgical facial & I am very happy with the results.

I am very surprised to find negative reviews regarding Dr. Krant or his billing and am left wondering if perhaps, the billing procedures are not fully understood and am hoping I can help.
I recently had extensive reconstructive surgery with Dr. Krant. It was very clear before I ever paid any money, that the billing for surgery is broken down into two parts; a cosmetic portion and a reconstructive portion. The cosmetic portion was my responsibility and the reconstructive portion is billed to insurance and then paid to Dr. Krant. That is exactly what happened. I payed my portion and insurance then paid theirs. It is not double billing! Each component is a separate entity. It would not make sense to keep the money paid out by insurance as you do not pay upfront for that portion of the surgery, you only pay for the cosmetic portion (which is not reimbursable). It is important to understand that insurance is not reimbursing you, they are paying for the components of the surgery that are considered reconstructive, a part of the surgery not paid for by you, and thus should be paid to Dr. Krant.
Dr. Krant and his entire staff maintain the most honorable, integrity filled office I have ever been to. They would never stand for unethical billing practices. Their attention to detail, care and concern for the patient do not stop once surgery is complete. They are committed to excellent patient care, both physically and financially.
I have, and will continue to recommend Dr. Krant and his office without reservation.

Double bills please read my review under his spa, Sk sanctuary. I put my review on Dr. Krant under his spa instead. However, I do have recent updates. Since my last review Dr. Krant billed my insurance after I paid him cash for the proceedure. I asked him to bill my insurance for me because a portion of my surgery was «noncosmedic» I was in a car accident and my left knee looks like a small expolsive was placed on it. Anyway, I thought that while he was doing the cosmetic that he do do the noncosmedic revision on the knee. I knew my insurance would cover the knee, as well as a portion of the operating room and anesthesia, except Dr. Krant usually uses his own operating room. My insurance would only cover the surgery if it was done at a hospital. So I requested to have my surgery done at Scripps. Dr Krant explained he still does not accept insurance but as a courtesy to me he would bill them for me. I received a check from my insurance a few months later. I then got a call from Dr krants office asking me to pay dr Krant what the insurance paid to me. They then asked if I would send them a copy of the explanation of benefits that my insurance sent me with the check. Stupid me, faxed it over to them, and they sent me a bill not only for what was paid to me from the insurance but now a bill for my co insurance portion as if he were an in network (contracted) doctor. I paid him a total of $ 6,500 for the surgery. The hospital bill was over $ 18,000 which my insurance covered. My implants were charged to me from the hospital which I paid them so I paid more money to dr Krant for the proceedure than any other surgeon would have charged and now he wants an additional $ 6,900! Be very careful! Do not give this doctor your insurance information. You can bill your insurance on your own! He is not entitled to both payments! You have insurance to pay for your medical bills! If you have already paid for them then your insurance is reimbursing you, the patient! After posting my experience with dr Krant I have had several emails from other patients claiming the same thing! If you have had a similar situation email me, let’s try and figure out how to STOP him!
I contacted my insurance company and told them what is happening. I sent them all of the letters from dr krants office, and they are now turning the case over to their investigations department.
Hopefully they will put an end to this type of abuse.