Consult with Dr. Mia Talmor or Dr. Ron Israeli??

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udpt82
udpt82 Member Posts: 124
edited November 2015 in Breast Reconstruction

Hi all,

I had a BM in Feb. 2009 (preceded by chemo) with expanders placed, then radiation.  In Dec. I did the exchange, but it was only successful on the non-radiated side (even after hyperbaric chamber).  After 2 failed attempts at exchange, I am now considering a different type of reconstruction. My current PS (who came highly recommended and I have been very happy with) is recommending a lat flap.  

I would like to get a second opinion to see if this is the best chance of success.  I would appreciate advice from any women who may have seen these doctors and/or had reconstruction after radiation (to find out what worked).

 Thanks for the help.

Comments

  • swimangel72
    swimangel72 Member Posts: 1,989
    edited July 2010

    Hi - I'm sorry you had problems with the implant - although I didn't have radiation, after my muscle-sparing free tram, I had an infection in my abdominal incision which re-opened - took a long time to heal. I was left with a really ugly scar and a large abdominal hernia. I lived with this for a year, until I could switch insurance companies that would pay out-of-network doctors. Then I went to Dr. Israeli and he did a fantastic job repairing my hernia, abdominal incision and reshaping my "foob" (my original PS was a good micro-surgeon, but blind to my problems - and especially blind when it came to shaping a breast properly). Dr. Israeli is an artist in all respects (I was told in younger years he was a sculptor). Here's his web site if you haven't seen it already: www.breastreconstruction.org

    Good luck with the lat flap - let us know how everything works out!

  • LizR
    LizR Member Posts: 330
    edited July 2010

    I had a single mastectomy followed by chemo and radiation.  I have no excess tummy tissue, so knew my options were very limited.  I had several consults over 5 years, the last being a lat flap recommendation before I pursued microsurgical options out of state.  I am very active and didn't want to lose any part of my back muscle.  I ended up with a bilateral SGAP (one side for reconstruction, one side for augmentation) with Dr. Marga Massey in SC.  I am extremely happy with the results but this procedure is not for everyone - you have to be able to travel out of state, it is a long surgery (9-10 hrs) and a long recovery (I was out of work for 7 weeks).   I would also recommend Dr. Robert Allen who is in NYC several months a year now - he pioneered the DIEP and SGAP procedures.  Feel free to PM me if you have any questions.  Good luck! Liz

  • LBF
    LBF Member Posts: 4
    edited July 2010

    Definately consult with Dr. Ron Israeli.  I know both.  There is no comparison

  • udpt82
    udpt82 Member Posts: 124
    edited July 2010

    Thanks all.  I will set up the appointment before I was due to go back to my current PS.  I really appreciate the input.

  • femme
    femme Member Posts: 262
    edited July 2010

    Although I did not have radiation after a bilateral mastectomy,  I had a very bad experience with Dr. Talmor.  Following her attempted reconstruction with alloderm, the skin overlying both breasts became necrotic and surgery by another surgeon was necessary. This involved removal of all of Dr. Talmor's handiwork, and a skin graft for closure. I would definitely agree that Dr. Ron Israeli is the preferable doctor to see. 

  • Stonebrook108
    Stonebrook108 Member Posts: 237
    edited July 2010

     I had one step reconstrution with Alloderm back in 1/09 with Dr Israeli. He is fantastic I can not say enough good things about him. I had LCIS and decided to get rid of the problem and had a PBM with the one step reconstrution. He told me "You'll go to sleep with breasts and you will wake up with breasts" If it was not for him doing that one step surgery I would have never done it.

    His office staff is also very nice. His nurse Bella is the best. Good luck 

  • baybeach100
    baybeach100 Member Posts: 14
    edited July 2010

    I have been a  reconstruction patient  with  Dr Israeli and his staff for almost a year now. I am so pleased  to be able to say if you haven't yet made an appointment don't wait a minute longer! Wonderful, professional and caring all the way. The best!!

  • femme
    femme Member Posts: 262
    edited July 2010

    I should have done my homework and not relied only on a ps reference from another breast surgeon from Weill Cornel  If I had come to these boards, or looked up Dr. Mia Talmor on patient satisfaction sites like www.vitals.com, I would have found she had poor patient satisfaction.

  • AnnBe
    AnnBe Member Posts: 1
    edited August 2012

    I just completed the final reconstructive surgery after a bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction with Dr. Talmor.  I have been incredibly pleased with all of my interactions with Dr. Talmor and her staff, and I am very happy with the results of the reconstruction.  Dr. Talmor had a wonderful presence in consultations, and always took a lot of time to make sure that I was fully briefed.  Her skill in surgery is, in my opinion, without parallel.  She took enormous care to make sure very stitch was perfect and every scar as minimal as possible.  She clearly spent time considering the best outcome for me, and although it took me time to get used to my new breasts, I now see that her work was wonderful.  

    Despite significant reconstruction, I have had no side effects from the surgeries and reconstruction.  She even made certain to take precautions to balance my implants pre-radiation.  I now have full motion in both arms and even have some sensitivity in my breast area.

     She has been available to me day and night, never begrudging time or support.  

     In conclusion, although I wish I never had to go through this experience, I am so happy that I connected with Dr. Talmor as my plastic surgeon--her work is now giving me the feeling of a new and complete start post-mastectomy. 

  • aguity
    aguity Member Posts: 2
    edited October 2015

    Hi, I found this thread as I am considering using Dr. Mia Talmor but noticed quite a bit of favorable reviews of Dr. Ron Israeli. Which breast surgeons does Ron Israeli work with? I am planning on having a unilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction. Trying to decide on the type of procedure and what plastic surgeon to use. However, I was under the impression that the breast surgeon should recommend the plastic surgeons with whom s/he typically works. Any information here would be greatly appreciated!!

  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited November 2015

    Hi agulty,

    This thread has been inactive since 2012 so you may not receive any replies to your post.

    Might we suggest you create your own topic in this forum - Breast Recon instead? You will likely get more responses.

    Let us know if you need any help with this or check out our Community Help Section.

    Hope this helps.

    The Moderators.

  • mazjaz
    mazjaz Member Posts: 1
    edited November 2015

    I had a bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction first with expanders with Dr. Mia Talmor after having lumpectomy followed by radiation and chemo with nightmarist results. First with the expanders which went under the armpit. Dr. Talmore insisted that I must have massaged them into my armpit! Nothing could be further from the truth. Then with the implants, I asked for the Gummy Bear implants and she told me she would make that decision when she went into the operation. I found her to be arrogant and very dismissive about my feelings after the operation. I was so crooked she put the same size implant (round clear silicone implants) and the implants puckered and looked horrible. She was dismissive about my feelings. I had to go to another reconstructive surgeon to correct her handiwork. I went with the gummy bear implants and although they are more firm, I am satisfied. Unfortunately, I have had to have several corrections since due to the radiation and the skin not expanding like the normal breast. I would not recommend Dr. Mia Talmore to my worst enemy! Dr. Israeli sounds like a good choice.

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