DIEP

mgdsmc

I have a question about diep. Why are there more than 1 step? I'm confused thought it was complete at the time of surgery. Also why are so many women going to NOLA for surgery and what does it cost?

dlb823

mgdsmc, they do DIEP in two stages because it's a pretty long surgery, and after all the initial time under anesthesia, the cosmetic tweeks can be left for a later time.  Also, some of those tweeks -- especially if you have a unilateral DIEP, as I did -- need time for the first results to heal and "settle" before the PS goes back to match things up.  

I'll let those who have gone to NOLA tell you about it, but since you're in SoCA, have you considered UCLA?  I didn't know about NOLA when I had my DIEP, or I might have also considered it.  But I think I was extremely fortunate to end up at UCLA with Jaco Festekjian as my PS.  You can use the search feature here to find other threads that mention him (maybe search "UCLA"), and you can also Google him, if you're interested.  No doubt NOLA is fantastic -- everyone who goes there is very satisfied. But I can't say enough great things about my experience @ UCLA, and that would be a lot closer for you.     Deanna

MargaretEleanor

I need to second Deanna's comments on UCLA. Although we have different surgeons, mine is Christopher Crisera, I completely agree with her on my experience there. I live in Phoenix where there are now five DIEP surgeons, but, I travel to UCLA for my DIEP reconstruction. Dr. Crisera has done a fabulous job on the new "girls"!