Alabama Plastic Surgeons

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mebrown
mebrown Member Posts: 74
edited February 2019 in Breast Reconstruction

Has anyone had any experience with plastic surgeons in Alabama? I'm looking for someone who can do other procedures besides the pedicle TRAM. I have had a bilateral mx and am worried about having a pedicle TRAM. My current ps is suggesting this surgery.

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  • OnePetie
    OnePetie Member Posts: 68
    edited March 2010

    mebrown:

    I'm sorry but I don't have personal experience with any PS there....however, I'm from Alabama and the first thing I would do is check with UAB. If anyone is doing microscopic surgery (free Tram and DIEP), it would be them.

    Good Luck!

    Che

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  • Linda54
    Linda54 Member Posts: 2,689
    edited March 2010

    Seems I remember someone having a PS named Dr Jobe Fix...that is why I remember his name...he fixes your boobs...lol....and I think he is at the UAB....what I remember is that he was highly recommended..   edited to add:  .I did a search and pamelaH used Dr Fix in ALA....I don't know if she is still active on the boards but you could send her a private message and maybe she would respond. edited to add:  I just did a search on her profile and she raves about her PS.  You need to get in touch with Pam and talk.....

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  • mebrown
    mebrown Member Posts: 74
    edited March 2010

    Thank you ladies for you input. I have heard of Dr. Fix and will check him out. It is just hard for us to travel to UAB but I'll do what I have to do.

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  • HairSprayMom
    HairSprayMom Member Posts: 251
    edited April 2010

    I am in Huntsville and I used Dunnigan, Yates, and Allison. Dr. Yates is my PS and he is GREAT! He was an engineer before he became a PS and really sets a high standard for himself.

    XO,

    Regina

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  • mebrown
    mebrown Member Posts: 74
    edited April 2010

    I was seeing Dr. Allison but he only gave me the pedicle TRAM as an option since I don't want implants. I feel I should have more options. I understand that group is the best in this area for what they do. I have heard Dr. Yates is great from Eunice, also hard to get in to see. I researched and none of them seem to do microscopic surgery. So I think I'll try Birmingham. Glad you have Dr. Yates. 

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  • SandyinSoCal
    SandyinSoCal Member Posts: 2,034
    edited April 2010
    Pedicle TRAM is an outdated technique sacrificing your core abdominal muscles and with the advent of DIEP and GAP, there is no good reason to risk crippling yourself.  New Orleans is not that far from you, and it's so worth the trip to go to the very best surgeons.  Take a look at the results photos at www.breastcenter.com.  I started my reconstruction in Los Angeles, but ended up in New Orleans for a lot of revision surgeries because while my surgeon was able to create a viable flap, he was no artist like the NOLA docs.
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  • mebrown
    mebrown Member Posts: 74
    edited April 2010

    I have read quite a bit about NOLA but unfortunately I am unable to go there due to finances. I appreciate the link, it is informative and gives me more questions to ask the ps in Birmingham. Which procedure did you have?

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  • bennetts1
    bennetts1 Member Posts: 440
    edited April 2010

    You might want to check into Dr. Marga Massey in Charleston, SC.  I too, could not afford to go to NOLA, so I checked in to going to Charleston.  Dr. M. works out of NOLA, but has her own office in Charleston.  She will work with your insurance and my DIEP surgery is going to be covered as in-network.  PM me if you have any questions and I will be glad to talk to you.

    Sandy

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  • CaSux
    CaSux Member Posts: 74
    edited April 2010

    I personally would AVOID this guy:

     Arrogant (in my opinion) Plastic Surgeon in Birmingham - link to Blog Post of Rob Oliver, Jr. M.D.

    If you notice in the link I sent - he arrogantly states that he can assess and advise any woman about any reconstruction technique. Then, he goes on to say that only a specific type of woman is, in his opinion, an appropriate candidate for DIEP - young, small to medium breasted women having one-sided mastectomies. He doesn't define "young." So - there are a ton of women on this very forum who, had they seen this guy - and only this guy - would have been advised against a DIEP.

    The comments section brings out a few more arrogant plastic surgeons who agree with him - so BE VERY WARY of any plastic surgeon's advice about DIEP reconstruction - if he/she does not do the procedure him/herself on a regular basis.

    He and the others leaving comments on his blog post don't see the irony - the article that he's commenting on is about plastic surgeons not educating patients about their full range of options in reconstruction. He goes on to say that he's perfectly capable of doing this - but then he contradicts himself by saying he has specific criteria for recommending DIEP or other flap reconstructions. So he's totally guilty of exactly the behavior that the article reports.

     These guys want your business. Implant reconstructions are easy, quick procedures - they can do a lot of in a single day. With cosmetic business down because of the economy more and more surgeons who previously did not do reconstruction  are seeking them out - because it's good income (even though much less than they can make on cash cosmetic procedures). It's the economy.

    I know that NOLA is pricey - I'm sure it's worth it if you can afford it - but there are other options for DIEP that don't require paying the premium prices NOLA requires. (And for most of us this is anything above the co-pay). The academic medical centers that have plastic surgery training programs are sometimes good options. You can get top notch care (no frills, though). The trade off is you'll have residents working with the plastic surgeon - but you will get great results.

     Good luck.

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  • glanter
    glanter Member Posts: 78
    edited April 2010

    I think that is good advice.....

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  • mebrown
    mebrown Member Posts: 74
    edited April 2010

    I am checking out UAB in Birmingham. I'll let you know what I find out. I go in June to see one of the docs that was recommended.

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  • mebrown
    mebrown Member Posts: 74
    edited June 2010

    Had my appt with the ps today. I like Dr. Fix and I have scheduled a DIEP for August. It took 4 hours for my consultation (most of it waiting) but I think it was worth the wait.

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  • Linda54
    Linda54 Member Posts: 2,689
    edited June 2010

    mebrown

    I am so glad you like Dr Fix and he was worth the 4 hr wait..LOL....

    Good that you have a date and have plenty of time to get prepared....

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  • MicheleS
    MicheleS Member Posts: 937
    edited June 2010

    I'm in Mobile and am using Dr. Park.  He's new here-- just came from Wake Forest.  He used to do microsurgery there but isn't set up to do it here yet.  Anywhoo, he was very good at explaining ALL of the pros/cons of each procedure to me.

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  • mebrown
    mebrown Member Posts: 74
    edited August 2010

    My appt with Dr. Fix went well today. It didn't take as long to see the doc this time. I have surgery Monday and am a little nervous and excited at the same time. The other doctor with Dr. Fix is very nice and takes time to answer questions and talk to you. I have to be at the hospital at 5 in the morning so it will be up early and out the door. I will be in surgery at least 10 hours. My hubby is about as nervous as I am.  lol  I believe all will go well.

    MicheleS - I'll let you know how things go as soon as I can get back to the computer. 

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  • Linda54
    Linda54 Member Posts: 2,689
    edited August 2010

    mebrown

    So the time is here.  You are in my thoughts and prayers for your surgery tomorrow. Check in with an update when you feel like it.

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  • mebrown
    mebrown Member Posts: 74
    edited August 2010

    Tomorrow is the big day. I'm excited and nervous at the same time.

    Linda54 - thank you  for your thoughts and prayers and I will check in when I can 

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  • Linda54
    Linda54 Member Posts: 2,689
    edited August 2010

    mebrown

    ((((you are wrapped in my prayers))))

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  • mebrown
    mebrown Member Posts: 74
    edited August 2010

    my surgery went well. I was up the next day shuffling around some. I have 6 drains (still in). came home on Thursday. Not sure how I feel about the surgery yet. Yes I have mounds but they are 2 different colors because my stomach was much lighter shade than my breast tissue. I'll wait till all heals before deciding if I made a good or bad decision. The one thing that I had not read about on any of the diep discussions are the heperin (not spelled right) shots. They burn like crazy and leave bruises. They ended up doing a combination of surgeries. I didn't have enough flow to do a diep alone so they ended up using a little muscle. My stomach is numb so I don't feel it and they put in some mesh to help avoid hernias. I do have a flatter lower stomach which is nice. I will be so glad when they take these drains out. Hopefully I'll lose most if not all on Tuesday.

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  • Linda54
    Linda54 Member Posts: 2,689
    edited August 2010

    mebrown

    So glad to get an update from you. The worst part is over for you and now you can look ahead and be happy with your results. Those drains are really a pain to have to deal with.  I am so sorry that those shots are terrible...I cannot advise you on those.

    I am sorry that you had to give up a little muscle. 

    Take care of yourself and I look forward to reading your updates.

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  • tcriswell
    tcriswell Member Posts: 1
    edited August 2010

    I had Tram in October with Dr. Seidel in Cullman, AL.  he is fantastic.  I do not know exactly what kind of tram procedure I had though.  My reconstruction looks very realistic.

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  • mebrown
    mebrown Member Posts: 74
    edited August 2010

    Thank you Linda. I know this will all work out. I must be kinda depressed.

    tcriswell - how long after your surgery did you start of feel a bit more normal? It must be the ugly incisions that have me feeling so down.  I know these will heal and look so much better in a few weeks. 

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  • mebrown
    mebrown Member Posts: 74
    edited August 2010

    I'm improving each day. Hope enough to get back to work soon. Maybe I can return in October.

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  • Linda54
    Linda54 Member Posts: 2,689
    edited September 2010

    Great to get an update mebrown!!!!

    So glad you are doing great...

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  • mebrown
    mebrown Member Posts: 74
    edited September 2010

    Thank you Linda. I am feeling much better now that I have my last drain out. I kinda overdid it today and am very tired but feeling well.

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  • mebrown
    mebrown Member Posts: 74
    edited September 2010
    I am over 3 weeks post surgery and feeling well. I'm able to walk longer periods of time without getting light headed. I can't believe how much I enjoy having a flatter stomach. I now where a 14 which I haven't been able to do in years. Laughing
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  • Linda54
    Linda54 Member Posts: 2,689
    edited September 2010

    mebrown

    thanks for the update. I am so glad you are doing well.  Nice Smile bonus of a tummy tuck.

    have a great day

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  • mebrown
    mebrown Member Posts: 74
    edited September 2010

    all is well and I'll be going back to work next week. I have had to have another surgery to remove my ovaries since I last posted. I am scheduled to talk to my ps next month on what will be done for stage 2. I may wait for a few months before I have him do stage 2. I need a break from needles, etc.

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  • Linda54
    Linda54 Member Posts: 2,689
    edited September 2010

    mebrown

    great to hear from you.

    Are you excited about going back to work? 

    Sorry about your surgery.  I don't blame you for wanting a break.  Surgeries can really wear us down.

    I hope you do well back at work

    take care

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  • mebrown
    mebrown Member Posts: 74
    edited September 2010

    Linda54

    I am kind of looking forward to going back to work. My DH is going to take me back and forth the first few days incase I get too tired to drive. The doc is surprised at how well I'm doing and gave me the go ahead to get back to work with lifting limitations. I'm hoping I will not have to have any more surgeries for a long time.

    I will have to have Stage 2 done but I'm thinking about putting that off for a few months. I still feel like I have patch work breast. Not sure if that is normal. I did not see this in pics that I had seen of other reconstruction. I'm hoping I'll see improvement after Stage 2.

    Do you have any suggestions about how to find out if others feel like they are patched? Mostly I see only scars across the breast. Mine is not. I do enjoy having mounds though. 

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