Breast reconstruction surgeons in Toronto, ON?

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Dragonfly2012
Dragonfly2012 Member Posts: 73
edited June 2014 in Canadians Affected by Breast Cancer

Is anyone in Toronto, Ontario (Canada) really happy with the plastic surgeon who performed their breast reconstruction, preferably with implants? Please feel free to send me a private message if you are not comfortable posting publicly. Thanks in advance to anyone who can help.

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  • rozem
    rozem Member Posts: 1,375
    edited October 2012

    hi dragongonfly

    i was treated at sunnybrooke but will be having a double msx with reconstruction at Toronto General on the 15th.  Dr. Hofer is my PS - i have heard great things about him.  The other PS's I have heard great things about:  Dr Semple at womens college, Dr.Zhong at TG/PMH, Dr Lipa and Dr. Snell from Sunnybrooke.  I think you would be in great hands with any of these surgeons.

    I don't have any personal exp yet but I will pm you once my surgery is done (10 days yikes!)

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  • Dragonfly2012
    Dragonfly2012 Member Posts: 73
    edited October 2012

    rozem, thanks so much for answering! I have heard great things about Dr Hofer as well. I think he is one of the few in TO that does DIEP (along with Dr Zhong and I think Dr Lipa, not sure about the others). What kind of reconstruction are you having? Also, how do you find Dr Hofer's bedside manner (for lack of a better term)? Did he take his time explaining your surgery and answering your questions? Did he ask you how you want to look after reconstruction and take that into consideration?

    Many thanks for any additional insight you might be able to provide. And good luck with your surgery... I'm sure you will do great!

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  • rozem
    rozem Member Posts: 1,375
    edited October 2012

    yes he does DIEP and so do all the others I mentioned.  I wasn't a candidate. Because I had radiation on my bc side my options are limited.  In order to create a "sling" for my implant they will do a lat dorsi flap procedure.   Basically they take muscle/fat from your back and use it on the radiated side only.  I am having tissue expanders put in then silicone implants after expansion.  I think there is a reconstruction seminar going on in TO around the 15th or 17th of this month.  Someone posted it on the calling all cdns thread.  If i wasn't already scheduled I would have attended. 

    I see you had your surgery already,  were you not happy with the results?

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  • rozem
    rozem Member Posts: 1,375
    edited October 2012

    as for dr hofer...I really really liked him.  He was so patient and kind, he didn't rush my appt and took the time to explain the procedure and all my options

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  • Dragonfly2012
    Dragonfly2012 Member Posts: 73
    edited October 2012

    Of all the reconstruction results I've seen pics of (and I've looked at hundreds), lat dorsi flaps are some of the best! I'm sure you will be very pleased with the results. BRA Day is scheduled for the 17th and I will probably go. I know a fair bit about reconstruction, what I'm most interested in is the "show and tell" room as I have yet to see any reconstructions other than my own in person. I had TEs exchanged for silicone implants 10 weeks ago. I'm not thrilled with the results, but understand  things might change over time.  What probably won't change, though, is my relationship with my PS who has been abrupt and dismissive and seems to resent being asked any questions. He was quite harsh when I broached some of my concerns (like my cleavage being left of centre) and I really need to find someone else to finish my reconstruction (possible tweaks and nipple recon). Thanks so much for your feedback and please, please PM me after your surgery to let me know how you are doing!

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  • rozem
    rozem Member Posts: 1,375
    edited October 2012

    there is no excuse for that kind of treatment...i dumped my MO because I felt like she was cold and unfeeling.  The journey is scarey enough without having a strained relationship with our doc's on top of it!  i will PM you for sure

    take care

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