Hyun Bae, MD
Recovery and return to activity reviews
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54 written reviews
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Dr. Bae and his staff are amazing, I recommend Dr. Bae to anyone needing spine surgery. He does amazing work; he is an excellent surgeon. My surgery went smoothly as did my recovery all thanks to his great skill. A year ago, I couldn't walk a block without stopping from the pain I was in and now I can walk a full mile without any pain. Thank you again to Dr. Bae and his wonderful staff.
Hyun Bae, MD
I located Dr Bae's name during a visit with a man in a shop near Las Cruces NM. His wife had been to see Dr Bae and recommended him. This man lives in Whitefish Montana and I do not know his name. Wish I did so I could thank him. We drove to Santa Monica June 3 and met with the staff of The Spine Institute and came away very impressed and are scheduling my surgery for June 18. Dr. Bae was very helpful and fully described the work needed and the planned schedule and even offered suggestions for a place to stay nearby the hospital and his offices. I look forward to this operation. We arrived June 17, checked int Ambrose Hotel and the operation went as planned at St Johns. Was in hospital 2 days due to slight complication during procedure. Stayed in hotel nearby until June 24 when we met with Dr Bae and Dr Cano and were cleared to return home. Drove back to SF Bay Area. Stopped using Oxycodone after leaving Santa Monica and then Tylenol within a week and then only one Tylenol at bedtime. Numbness in lower body is nearly gone but comes and goes as expected. Local home nurse and PT were set up through The Spine Institute and they are headquartered here in Orinda. All visiting assistance has been wonderful. My wife was a wonderful nurse and recovery placed a lot of work on her that I had shared so it must be a team effort when serious operations such as back repair are considered. I had a Foley in use for 3 weeks and a complication occurred in that I went into septic shock and was hospitalized for a few days at John Muir in Walnut Creek. At first it was thought my back incision was infected so focus for 2 days was on that possibility, but it turned out I had an extreme bladder infection from the Foley. I setup a local doctor to perform the 6 weeks review in order to save another trip to LA and that was OK with Drs Cano and Bae. All was well. Walked as much as possible, first on my deck then around a local lake. Now walk a mile easily but slowly and use either my Hurrycane or a walking stick. One issue I had was the inability to release urine. Several doctors said they thought this was not related to my nerve pinch in my back. I felt it was. Turns out we were both right since after use of Flomax and the operation and after 3 months working with a local urologist I am back to normal. It has been 3-1/2 months now and slowly my legs are regaining sensitivity. It seems slow but with PT my balance and strength are improving. I feel the effort to work with The Spine Institute in Santa Monica was well worth the extra effort required.
Hyun Bae, MD
I went to Dr. Bae after finding him through an online search for a second opinion. I am so lucky that I had him operate instead of the doctor that I saw before him. I had spinal stenosis and spinal decompression surgery with a spinal fusion was the standard procedure for my diagnosis. Dr. Bae told me about a clinical trial that I might qualify for that could be performed instead of fusion. I qualified and had the surgery. He performed the surgery at an outpatient hospital and I walked out the same day. I was able to drive in a week and returned to work very part time in two weeks. I am able to do so many things I couldn't do before the surgery and am seeing more and more improvement in the four months since the surgery. I had complete confidence in Dr. Bae's abilities and would highly recommend him to anyone that has spinal problems. He is the best!!!
Hyun Bae, MD
I just celebrated my one year post op from a major C1 - T2 fusion. My review almost a year ago is still on Yelp. My life has changed radically because I went in knowing that I made the decision to lose mobility to save my quality of life. Having wished for death from the pain I was having, I look back and know I made the right choice. Dr. Bae has walked along side me during this year. He has always been a straight shooter, (and I think some people might struggle with that kind of upfront honesty), but I find it refreshing. He never promised my life would be cake walk, but he said that regarding my pain, I would be at least 85% better. I'd say it's better than that. When I first had my surgery, he thought I would have tremendous pain post op. I had none. The only difficulty has been getting used to not moving my head like I did. But honestly, those who know me would tell you I used to lay in bed all the time I wasn't working not being able to face another day. I will take this life instead. Next month I am starting to deal with my low back, as I have put that off for a long time. There is no one else I would trust with my care. I find Dr. Bae to be the most intelligent and sharp surgeon I've ever met, and I have met many. I continue to find his diagnostic skills second to none. I find him to be caring, funny, and personable. I offered my phone number to him for anyone who had to have a very serious surgery like mine so that they could speak with me directly. I still offer that. I am a very busy person, and I continue to fulfill my role as a college professor in as effective a manner as I ever had at the age of 61. I owe that to Dr. Bae for giving me my life back. One year later and still raving about this man!!! Finally, his staff rock. They are all kind and helpful, and I have pestered them enough to where they could have been annoyed. They answer every question and are also kind and patient. What a blessing to have found Dr. Bae.
Hyun Bae, MD
Before Dr Bae I had seen 4 other back dr's. All told me I had stenosis in my L3-L5 region. All told me I would need fusion. I went through this over a 6 year period. I refused fusion since It would debilitate me for life. One of the earlier Dr's began to perform newer, minimally invasive procedures when a friend who happens to be a anesthesiologist told me to go see Dr Bae. I saw Dr Bae in Nov of 2016. I was more than impressed when he told me I did not need fusion. A Lumbar Laminectomy was his prognosis. I saw Dr Bae again in Jan of 2017. Surgery was scheduled for May 2017. Over the 4 month waiting period things changed and the procedure was changed. Still a Laminectomy but now 2 - 6" Carbon Fiber Rods and a titanium spring would also be implanted. May 15 2017 I went in at 1:30 pm for Surgery. I was in my hospital room at 6:30pm. At 6:30am the next morning I was walking up and down the hallways. I was released 2 days later. 3 weeks later I was back doing light work. Recovery was amazing. I was able to walk 1/4 mile at first, then 1/2 mile and finally a full mile. My only mistake was not going to PT when I was told to. A few issues but 4 weeks later I was a champ again. Dec 2017 I did a 2 mile walk/hike through the desert. I continued to improve. longer walks. less fear about having to park too far away to a store entrance. Sept 2018 I did a 8.5 mile hike through Malibu creek in 3 hours. I could not remember when I was able to go a distance like that with no pain. Dr Bae can be cold. However he was the warmest and patient man when it came to explaining everything to my wife. Before the surgery he made all the time needed. Lisa can be short. But they do care. The whole office staff cares. Amazing surgeon.
Hyun Bae, MD
I had a fantastic result from C3-4 disc replacement surgery. I feel so fortunate to have found Dr Bae ( was referred by two separate physicians as the surgeon they would go to for cervical surgery). As a busy surgical dentist I was very alarmed to feel slight numbness in my fingers and as a competitive tennis player I lost the ability to run. I returned to dentistry in 2 weeks and jumped into a full schedule with no difficulties. My tennis game came back after 2 months. Thank you Dr Bae, Lisa and team. Jim Mellert DDS.
Hyun Bae, MD
I had a fantastic result from C3-4 disc replacement surgery. I feel so fortunate to have found Dr Bae ( was referred by two separate physicians as the surgeon they would go to for cervical surgery). As a busy surgical dentist I was very alarmed to feel slight numbness in my fingers and as a competitive tennis player I lost the ability to run. I returned to dentistry in 2 weeks and jumped into a full schedule with no difficulties. My tennis game came back after 2 months. Thank you Dr Bae, Lisa and team. Jim Mellert DDS.
Hyun Bae, MD
Dr. Hyun Bae performed lumbar fusion surgery May 15, 2018 at St. John's Hospital in Santa Monica, CA. My diagnosis was extreme lumbar stenosis, spondylolisthesus, and scoliosis. My legs were giving out from under me and I couldn't walk from the car to the front door even tho' I am athletic and in great shape for 70. Long and short of it, I am extremely happy with the results and grateful we found Dr. Bae. We interviewed several surgeons but found Dr. Bae to be the most informed about my condition and treatment option. His professional attitude was confidence-inspiring, answering all my questions and providing me a sense of security. Back surgery is generally the last therapeutic resolution to extreme back problems and I did everything to prevent having to have it so I am happy but surprised with the results. His staff and his assistant Lisa, were caring, efficient and available throughout the process. That's important if you want your doctor to focus on you! -Guy M.
Hyun Bae, MD
My surgery with Dr. Bae for L4 L5 S1 decompression has been successful and I am pain free! I am so glad that I found him...My accupuncturist recommended him. I can walk and move without pain. The staff, Lisa, Diana and Nora ,etc. have helped with all the administrative and clinical questions that I have had. I could not be happier ! Highly recommend Dr. Bae!!
Hyun Bae, MD
I have been suffering from back pain for 40 plus years, sometimes debilitating, sometimes manageable. In the last year it got to the point where I was getting numb more and more frequently and had difficulty standing or walking more than a block. Dr. Bae came to the rescue. I had a laminotomy and spinal fusion. Of course I was nervous but felt confident that Dr. Bae would perform a miracle and he did. I am now 3 months post surgery, returning from Europe where I walked without pain or numbness or any ill effects. In the last week I walked a total of 30 miles sightseeing. I am beyond grateful - the quality of my life is back full force AND I am over 70 and feel like new. Lisa, Dr. Bae's PA, is incredible as is the entire staff. Questions which are probably somewhat irritating are always answered quickly with kindness, adding to the security I felt. A 12 on a scale of 10. Thank you to all!
Hyun Bae, MD
I recently had a herniated disc in my L3. I was very nervous about the surgery (microdiscectomy) but I had no choice as I was in so much pain and in bed for 2 months. I can honestly say Dr Bae help save my life and get me back on track. Dr Bae and his team were extremely professional and knowledgeable and made me feel like everything was going to be alright. He knew exactly what needed to happen after looking at my MRI. The surgery went amazing I was able to walk right away. It's been a bit of a struggle post-op getting my leg back to normal and will start PT soon. It's an amazing comforting feeling being treated by the best in the world. Thank you Dr Bae for helping me get my life back. Not sure what I would have done or how this would have ended up if I hadn't been under your care. Staff is amazing knowledgeable and very helpful pre and post. Please keep up the amazing work helping people the way you do.
Hyun Bae, MD
I had sciatica pain for many years. First time I had was sometime in 1996 after a soccer game. Very minor in the beginning but became worse and worse as time went by. When I couldn't walk even two blocks because of this pain, I decided to get a surgery. After searching for doctors, I picked Dr Bae. He took care of my disc, L4/L5 & L5/S1, in 2016. Now, I'm post-op 20 months. Walking, no problems at all. No back pain. He did a great job! When one of my friends developed the same issue I didn't hesitate even 1 second to recommend Dr Bae.
Hyun Bae, MD
Dr Bae performed disc replacement surgery on me in Jan of 2018, very very pleased with the result. Since surgery I have had very good range of motion, x-rays look great, and no pain. I can return to all activities provided the rest of my body agrees and I don't try and do too much too fast. The whole experience has been very positive. Dr Bae has a warm, confident, and intelligent way about him. He is very patient and easy to talk with. He took as much time with me as needed to explain and educate. He does that for everyone so waiting may be in the cards as he is a very sought after surgeon with a strong track record. Thank you, Dr Bae. Very happy.
Hyun Bae, MD
I chose Dr. Bae over three other, highly recommended spine surgeons and I'm totally convinced I chose brilliantly. I'm 85 years young and have been handicapped with spinal stenosis for forty years. My walking numbness, painful irritation and lack of good balance was ruining my life. I couldn't even walk my dog without sitting on the curb four or five times. I was afraid of an unsuccessful surgery, so I tried two other non surgical solutions. One was a San Fernando Valley fraud chiropractor who promised laser treatments would cure me. The only thing he cured was his empty wallet. Another "doctor" promised that pulling my spine apart with an expensive pulling machine would cure me. He robbed me of $6,000 without doing my spine one bit of good. I finally visited Dr. Bae because two close married friends both had been very happy with his surgery and the wonderful permanent results. Dr. Bae was wonderfully reassuring when he saw my MRI printout, and the successful results of the surgery proved him 100% right. I feel like a young buck again. Thanks Hyun Bae for making me feel smart as hell as well. Also, thankfully, Dr. Bae's P.A., Lisa was always available with intelligent and helpful answers to all of my questions. Jerry Mayer 5/16/17
Hyun Bae, MD
Dr. Bae did my disc replacement L5-S1 in Oct 2015. He did an outstanding job. Recently I went to go and visit him because I have been having pain in my buttocks and he never hesitated to order and MRI and possible injections. Every time I leave his office I leave with a smile because I know I can count on Dr. Bae. His professionalism and sympathy for his patience just make him one humble man. Thank you to Dr. Bae and his staff, especially, Hugo, Alexis and Lisa for helping fill out my forms. I am looking forward continuing my treatment with Dr. Bae and his staff so I can recover 100%. Thanks! Adriana!
Hyun Bae, MD
In February, I had a bad fall and was in agony. My primary caregiver at Cedars said that all of the surgeons at the Spine Center were highly competent but her recommendation would be that I see Dr. Bae because of his personal attention to each patient and caring manner. I am so grateful for the recommendation because after two lumbar spinal fractures (one burst) I was in excruciating pain but was hesitant to undergo surgery. I actually had no choice in the matter because, in addition to the horrendous pain, my spine was left unstable after the fall. Upon awakening from a three-hour surgery by Dr. Bae, I was instantly relieved of 90% my pain. I am now pain free at the six-week mark post-surgery and have been approved by Dr. Bae for outpatient physical therapy. I couldn't be happier with the results and cannot praise Dr. Bae and his entire team enough!!!
Hyun Bae, MD
Dr. Bae operated on me on July 20, 2016, and six days later I went mall walking! Excellent surgeon and I am really thrilled with the results!!! It just keeps getting better each day....I could not even walk a block before surgery and now I am walking 30 minutes! Dr. Bae "forgot" to tell me there would be some pain, but he did a helluva good job.....
Hyun Bae, MD
I am writing exactly one year after my procedure to give Dr. Bae and his office the highest possible recommendation. I did not write earlier because the entire procedure of having two levels of cervical spinal discs replaced went so well and so easily that I forced myself to wait to make sure things remained great. And they have. I was diagnosed in May 2016 with degenerative disc disease with C4/5 and C5/6 bulging directly on my spinal cord, causing numbness and a lack of agility in my hands. Local doctors in the Bay Area said my only choice was a two-level fusion, two nights in the hospital and formidable recovery. I did a lot of reading online and decided that everything about artificial disc replacement seemed better, from procedure to recovery. The only problem was that insurance would not cover it. We bit the bullet and decided to self-fund the surgery. I have never regretted the cost because the experience was AMAZINGLY UNBELIEVABLY AWESOME. Same-day surgery; I flew in a few days before for pre-op and stayed 11 days afterwards before flying back. The surgi-center was awesome, the surgery went quickly and well, and my recovery was negligible. When Lisa Cano, Dr. Bae's FABULOUS PA, told me that I would not experience much pain I was skeptical, but she was right. I only took one pain pill throughout, the first night. I was out to dinner and going to museums later in the week. I cannot recommend Dr. Bae and Lisa and the staff at the surgi-center highly enough. If you face anything like I faced, with cervical spinal disc issues, you could not do better than to see Dr. Bae.
Hyun Bae, MD
Terrific surgeon couldn't be better operated on my lower back over a year ago now after rehab & weight loss I couldn't feel better. Dr. Bae works Cedar Sinai Medical Center as well as St. John's Hospital. He's the best in my book!!!!
Hyun Bae, MD
Dr. Hyun Bae did something that 7 other well-known LA neurosurgeons refused to do: take on the tough challenge of correcting a 7-year-old botched surgery. Revisionist surgery is a delicate and difficult undertaking. Everyone else looked at my spine, saw too many problems, and backed off. Dr. Bae looked at the same problems and came up with a plan to fix them. He essentially rebuilt my lower spine. As promised, he took away the constant pain, for which I will be eternally grateful. My initial surgery in 2007 was to correct a foot drop; that "celebrated" surgeon, Dr. Patrick Johnson, not only did NOT correct the problem, but created several more: a deterioration of muscles from the foot on up my entire left side, rendering me unable to walk without knee-high bracing, and with a wheelchair looming in my future. Dr. Bae arrested that progression; there'll be no wheelchair for me now! Nonetheless, even Dr. Bae, amazing as his talents are, couldn't bring back what is already atrophied. However, with the massive remnants of scar tissue and blockages removed, a stronger spine and now pain-free, I can finally attempt to "wake up" what muscles remain and, if I work hard in PT, at least bring back much-needed stability. As you can tell from my story, I'm unfortunately familiar with way too many doctors. I know the difference between waking up from one kind of surgery and the way I felt waking up from this one. One guy was in a hurry, one guy was an artist. Which is why, without reservation, I can confidently recommend Dr. Hyun Bae to help others as he has helped me.
Hyun Bae, MD
Dr. Hyun Bae did something that 7 other well-known LA neurosurgeons refused to do: take on the tough challenge of correcting a 7-year-old botched surgery. Revisionist surgery is a delicate and difficult undertaking. Everyone else looked at my spine, saw too many problems, and backed off. Dr. Bae looked at the same problems and came up with a plan to fix them. He essentially rebuilt my lower spine. As promised, he took away the constant pain, for which I will be eternally grateful. My initial surgery in 2007 was to correct a foot drop; that “celebrated” surgeon, Dr. Patrick Johnson, not only did NOT correct the problem, but created several more: a deterioration of muscles from the foot on up my entire left side, rendering me unable to walk without knee-high bracing, and with a wheelchair looming in my future. Dr. Bae arrested that progression; there’ll be no wheelchair for me now! Nonetheless, even Dr. Bae, amazing as his talents are, couldn’t bring back what is already atrophied. However, with the massive remnants of scar tissue and blockages removed, a stronger spine and now pain-free, I can finally attempt to “wake up” what muscles remain and, with luck and PT, at least bring back much-needed stability. As you can tell from my story, I’m unfortunately familiar with way too many doctors. I know the difference between waking up from one kind of surgery and the way I felt waking up from this one. One guy was in a hurry, one guy was an artist. Which is why, without reservation, I can confidently recommend Dr. Hyun Bae to help others as he has helped me.
Hyun Bae, MD
Dr. Bae an amazing doctor! Last December I injured my spine while in North Carolina. The doctors there did what I call temporary fix on my third lumbar which didn't work! Searching for more answers to my problem, Dr. Bae was referred to me as being one of the best in L.A. My first appointment with Dr. Bae was professional in every detail. There was a chance that my spine would heal and he wanted to give it two months. Well, after 4 weeks, I knew something needed to be done. Dr. Bae expedited my appointment and set me up for surgery the following week. He explained clearly everything that would transpire during the one and one-half hour operation. Leaving his office I had complete confidence that I had selected the right doctor. The day of surgery, staff and the doctor were so positive that I was very comfortable leaving my back destiny in his hands. I am happy to say that after surgery the pains have disappeared and I can walk again. I would like to thank Dr. Bae, his excellent assistant Lisa and the entire surgery staff for making my first every hospital stay an easy one. I would also like to thank Amy and Rob for recommending this fantastic surgeon.
Hyun Bae, MD
After 30+ years as a police officer, my back was really messed up. I went to Dr. Bae to see if there was something he could do to help me. He was wonderful but after an MRI, X-rays, etc....it was his opinion that surgery was needed to fix me. Surgery was at Cedars and they were great. Dr. Bae went in to my C-7, T-1 and fixed it. While he was there, he noticed that I had a potential worse problem just above it at C-6, C-7 so, he fixed that too. I woke up with blood running down my forehead (screws to hold my head in place during the surgery) which made me look like Herman Munster LOL, but there was ABSOLUTELY NO PAIN. My surgery was in late 2010 and I am still pain-free with no limitations. Thank you Dr. Bae, Lisa (PA) and Julie (#1) for your excellent work. BTW, I have referred several other police officers and firefighters to Dr. Bae and they all have the same opinion.
Hyun Bae, MD
Dr Bae changed my life by giving me back my vitality and eliminating my pain. I am a 47 year old athletic female that suffered 3 herniated discs at the same level (L 4-5). I had two microdisctectomies prior to arriving at THE SPINE INSTITUTE that did not hold, I felt better for a while and then suddenly the disc would re-herniate. Dr Bae worked with me (and my insurance company) to get me the disc replacement that would eventually fix me back up. He is so wonderful, I never doubted his decision or his skill. I had many questions that he answered patiently and thoroughly. His office is wonderful, his PA, Lisa, is fantastic. Yes, sometimes there is a wait but that is not the norm (in my experience). I'm very, very pleased to say I'm back to my original activity level and pain free!!!!!
Hyun Bae, MD