Bay Area Plastic Surgeons for DIEP

missedie

Can anyone recommend an amazing plastic surgeon in the SF Bay Area who specializes in DIEP Flap? Also wondering—beyond personal recommendations, how have you all gone about choosing the right surgeon? What questions did you ask in meeting with them to assess their level of experience and skill, or what outside research did you do?

Appreciate any suggestions—thank you!

HopeWins

there are definitely threads on this, but you should ask how many procedures they do per year. How they view you as a candidate and why. I would ask where they do the vessel connection (remove part of rib and use the chest vessel or the one under the armpit) it impacts the scars you'll have. Ask if they dissect the muscle to remove the vessel in the abdomen or remove part of the muscle (this really separates the experts) Dissecting for vessel is better and reduces chance of hernia. Ask about revision surgery and how far out they're booking. Ask about post op pain control. I had a pain pump that injected anesthetic into my abdominal incision for about 4 or 5 days after surgery. Huge difference and reduced the narcotics I needed to take.

Keep in mind every PS will steer you to what they are comfortable doing, not necessarily what's best for you or aligned with your goals. Good luck!