Breast Reconstruction surgeons in Pittsburgh, PA

So happy to have stumbled across this thread and hear many sing the praises of Dr. Gimbel.  I was just referred to him by my PS.  I had a BMX 2 years ago and exchange to implants last year.  Right side succeeded and left side failed, hence the need to see Dr. Gimbel for a DIEP procedure.  I'm a little concerned about matching a flap breast with an implant, but Dr. Gimbel says I don't have enough fat to make 2 breasts so I remind myself to be grateful that I only need 1.  Feeling better about the potential for a good outcome after reading your posts.  Stay strong, ladies!

After much research and discussion, I have decided on a BMX (mastectomy on right with prophylactic mastectomy on left) with TE and implants. I have a family history of breast and ovarian cancer but learned recently that I am BRAC negative. However, because I have a large area (6+ cm) of high grade DCIS in my (38 DDD) right breast, I decided to go bilateral for future piece of mind and implant symmetry. My breast surgeon is Dr. Bonaventura and my plastic surgeon is Dr. Gimbel.

I have had the opportunity to speak to women who have had implant reconstruction and who are doing well.  I am a candidate for and would have preferred DIEP reconstruction but fear the extensive surgery and recovery. I see that most on this forum have gone the DIEP route with Dr. Gimbel. I have every bit of faith in Dr. Gimbel and his work, but I would find comfort in hearing from larger breasted women who chose implant reconstruction over DIEP and who are happy with the results.

I had a bmx last year with implants placed at same time. I was not supposed to need rads after bmx. I had ILC too close to chest wall so I needed rads. Well the rads ruined my implant and the prophylactic side is deformed looking. I hate them. I look deformed. My original plastic surgeon referred me to dr Gimbal. She said he's the best at Magee. Calling to get a consult for the DIEP that's the only way to fix them. 

Gmul79, I hope all is going well with your BMX recovery.  I sent you a private message with some contact information.  Your implant reconstruction journey is much different than mine; but if you have the time and feel up to it, I would love to hear about your experience with Dr. Gimbel.  

Hi, KGSN

I like Dr. Shestak too! I had a consult with him when I was looking for a DIEP ps. He was so nice and completely honest with me and told me to speak to one of the young microsurgeons in the group. I went with Dr. Nguyen, and am very happy with my recon results. Recently I needed a treatment on a Friday when Dr. Nguyen was not available, and Dr. Shestak did it. I agree with you that he totally puts you at ease.

Does anyone also go to the survivor clinic at Magee?  I have an appointment in a few weeks.  I am excited to see what they have to offer.  

Thanks

That's great, Trm. True, we are very lucky to have those great doctors to choose from right at our "backyard." There is a DIEP 2014 thread, you might want to check it out. Lots of information sharing there.

KGSN, I never went to the clinic you mentioned. Let us know how it goes, maybe I will check it out too.

Ahrendt and Gimbel = the best. Gimbel is a true perfectionist. I still have expanders in and all the hoards of medical people that have seen my surgery have marveled at it (nipple sparing bilateral MX). It's gotten weird a couple times...haha. So I guess that tells you he's a good surgeon. Scars nearly faded completely. And actually my drain scars are worse than the surgery scars. Anyway I highly recommend them both.

KGSN, I am new to the survivorship program at Magee and I highly recommend it.  I've been working with them for a variety of lingering issues, and they are great for keeping all of your "stuff" organized and on track to be sure you are covering all of your bases.  I go back for my next visit in a couple of weeks, and have also seen the sleep specialist through them. I also had Dr. McGuire as my surgeon, Dr. DeLaCruz as my PS, and Dr. Puhalla as my MO. I did rads at Passavant.  I had radiation after implant exchange at Dr. DLC's insistence (reduce implant failure rate), and have had significant pain ever since the rads due to the tissues changes.  I am small framed and was not a candidate for tissue recon.  The survivorship program has referred me back to the lymphedema PT to try to break up some of the cording and scarring, and I've had slight progress.  The LE-PT mentioned that my only relief may ultimately come from a revision and swap out to a smaller implant since the skin just won't expand now. If it comes to that, I believe I will be getting a second opinion before moving forward.

Tammie

I do not really qualify as a true Ca survivor, however, there is a womens midlife series being held at Magee. The next seminar is May 15th. I heard the speaker is very dynamic. Addressing nutrition and weight maintenance in midlife. I am off that day and will most likely try to attend. You can look on Magee's web page for details. I will post a link when I find it. I have a flyer for the session. 

Piper

I have to agree with Tammy on the "survivor" designation.  All cancer stinks and DCIS doesn't make anyone less of a survivor.  There's no contest to determine who has it "better" or "worse"! Here is the link to the Magee Livewell Survivorship program:  http://www.upmc.com/locations/hospitals/magee/ser...

and on some of the workshops they have:  http://www.upmc.com/locations/hospitals/magee/ser...

The slides from the most recent evening event are on the second link. I've attended 2 of the dinners, and have been impressed with the presentations each time.  I see Dr. Gimbel will be presenting on reconstruction in October.

Pipper, I just signed up for the Alive & Well
Program class you posted. See you there!

Rose I will see if my sissy knows Dr. White as she used to work onc at AGH

Awesome Tam. Now I have to remember to sign up. lol

My schedule has been nothing but crazy!

Yeah, see you there pipper.

good luck tomorrow !!