DIEP in NY

NancyD, I used Dr. Smith and he definitely takes credit cards! I will PM you some additional information and feel free to PM me with any questions. In terms of the lipo thing, I think a lot of PS will lipo the areas around your scars, donor sites, etc if you want them to as part of their follow-up. My understanding of how the NOLA group differs from other PS is that they will lipo other areas not part of the surgery (like thighs, etc) --kind of like working from a "whole body" perspective, instead of just the areas that have been involved in the surgery (that's the impression I have but I didn't use them, so I might be wrong about this.) I haven't heard about other PS doing this type of body contouring, unless you specifically pay for it......insurance wouldn't cover it as far as I know. I have to head out now but will PM you later.

Nancy & others,

You may wish to consider Robert Allen, DIEP pioneer, who trained all the Nola guys, He has performed more DIEP procedures than probably any other micro-vascular surgeon. Average O.R. times are 6-8 hours for a bilateral. Works in NYC @ 2 different hospitals, NYU Langone Medical Center or NY Eye & Ear with his partner, Joshua Levine. There are 2 fabulous breast surgical oncologists at NYU that work regularly with Allen. Nipple sparing is offered as well. I have seen a couple of his amazing results with nipple sparing DIEP procedures myself. Outstanding and highly skilled surgeons.   See website below:

www.diepflap.com

Hi there,

Another huge fan of Dr. Israeli here.  He is great.  His whole staff is wonderful.   I had my reconstruction with LD flaps and tissue expanders done by him and I'm having my exchange surgery done by him in 2 weeks.  I have only good things to say about him and his practice.

Dr Israeli only works out of North Shore in Manhasset, and not LIJ.  Dr.Keller will only work out of LIJ and not North Shore Manhasset.  Yes, they are supposed to be the same system, but it seems they aren't really.

I recommend you have a consultation with Dr. Israeli, he is on Northern Blvd in Manhasset/Great Neck.

lifegoseson,

Dr Israeli does operate out of LIJ. That's where I had my surgery and I'm going back there for the nipple reconstruction.

Swimgirl...You used Dr Israeli too?? He's so nice great Dr. too

Ann

Hi iamrosey2,

I am scheduled for a DIEP surgery on Sept 8 at Mayo in Phoenix with Dr.Kreymerman. I had a mastectomy 15 years ago and now have cancer in the other breast.  They are going to do the mx and restorative surgery at the same time. So far I am very pleased with the general surgeon and the plastic surgeon and Mayo has been great. It is a big discission, take your time.  These boards have helped me, even with easing some anxiety.

Hey Marybeth,

I am having my exchange surgery with Dr Israeli at North Shore Manhasset on August 17.  I just had my pre-op appointment with him this morning.  He was great as usual, and I'm comfortable that we picked out the right implant for me.

I'll probably run into you at Dr I's office for our postop appointments - I'll let you know when they are, it would be nice to say hello face to face.

And obviously I was wrong about him only operating at NSUH.  I know one of my doctors was that way - it must have been Dr Beg, the breast surgeon (I had my mastectomies and tissue expander surgery at the same time, so 2 sets of surgeons.)

To Dr. Israeli's patients ---

Isn't Bella the best too?  She's so cheerful and competent.  

Omahagirl,

Best wishes on your upcoming DIEP with Dr.Bob Allen! He is fabulous, very caring & does amazing art work. I sent you a PM and hope to hear more from you.

Take care,

Lisa

  I love Bella!  She is the best. Such a great nurse and person.    

  I had my exchange last Monday. So good to get  rid of the expanders. I didn't realize how uncomfortable they were until they were gone,

I want to wish lifegoeson good luck tomorrow.

I have an appt. with Dr Israeli on Tue. the 18th , maybe I will get to meet some of you one day. As Ann said her and I have become great friends. She is wonderful, she has helped me more then she will ever know.

Take care everyone, Marybeth

LISAMG is a nurse and an amazing resource--she really keeps up with all the research, especially regarding herediary breast and ovarian cancer, the types of surgeries offered, and some of the best docs in the NYC area. Take a look at the FORCE (Facingourrisk.org) discussion boards and you'll see some more of the stuff she knows and some links she posts to the latest research. Thanks Lisa!!

Hi,

I'm feeling pretty good.  I'm only taking Tylenol now.  I was uncomfortable the first night but then OK.  I got to look at my new boobs for the first time Wednesday and they look good!  

How was the nipple procedure?  Which type did you get and did you do it under local in Dr Israeli's office or in the hospital.  He says I can do it under local in his office, which sounds perfect to me, no more anesthesia.   

Thanks Abbadoodles & ASL!! Happy to be here and to offer help to anyone in need. Yes,I do encourage all women who may have a pre-disposition to hereditary breast/ovca's to please visit www.facingourrisk.org for more information, support and whatever have you. Its an amazing community where women can find help at any stage of their journey whether you are a previvor or survivor, friend or just seeking advice. The journal/article forum has the latest research studies, my favorite love, for those looking to expand their knowledge. Any young woman newly diagnosed with breast/ovca should reach out to FORCE and you may also have a hereditary predisposition despite little and/or no family history. If you have questions, please use the main forum message boards and you will find answers. I am the Long Island Outreach Coordinator and you may also email me anytime for assistance with resources available on LI or NYC. Thanks.

 Lisag@facingourrisk.]org