DIEP in SF/Bay area

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caligirl3
caligirl3 Member Posts: 86
edited August 2014 in Breast Reconstruction

Can anyone give a recommendation for a highly qualified breast surgeon (with experience in DIEP) in the San Francisco/ Bay area? Thank you!

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  • Sacnaillady
    Sacnaillady Member Posts: 59
    edited August 2014

    I'm having a sGAP flap done by Dr. Ho at Kaiser Santa Clara mid October.  He appears to be highly trainned and recommended. I can let you know. 

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  • Halfabanana
    Halfabanana Member Posts: 36
    edited August 2014

    I had great success with Dr. Lisa Bailey in Oakland (breast surgeon) and Dr. David Chang (plastic surgeon) of San Francisco. They work together much of the time. My surgery was at Alta Bates Summit in Oakland, and Dr. Chang did follow-ups at Dr. Bailey's office just across from the hospital. He also sees patients in SF. I had a UMX with DIEP, and am so happy with the results. 

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  • exbrnxgrl
    exbrnxgrl Member Posts: 12,424
    edited August 2014

    I didn't use Dr.Ho, Kaiser Santa Clara or have DIEP but, if you are are a Kaiser member, this is an excellent facility. Also until a a couple of years ago, their plastic surgeons did only reconstruction so they are highly experienced in that area (I believe that if you self pay, they now offer cosmetic surgery). I have received all my tx and recon there and have been very happy with everything. Good luck.

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  • jwilco
    jwilco Member Posts: 486
    edited August 2014

    I had Lat with Dr. Griffin at Peninsula in Burlingame.  He is also very experienced with DIEP.

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  • caligirl3
    caligirl3 Member Posts: 86
    edited August 2014

    Thank you all so much for responding. This is all so overwhelming! Its hard to know where to start. I have heard good things about  Dr. Chang. I know it is a personal decision, but how did you come to decide on DIEP instead of other recon options?

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  • Sacnaillady
    Sacnaillady Member Posts: 59
    edited August 2014

    I didn't have a choice. I wasn't a canadate for any other type of recon. First I've had radiation and they did not want to do an implant again due to infections so that ruled out a lat. flap. I've had too many tummy surgeries so that ruled out tram and DIEP. I don't have enough thigh fat (shock of shocks!) so that ruled out Tug flap. Therefore we are doing a GAP flap, I have enough booty! Usually your circumstance will lead you to the best decision for you. 

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  • Tan72
    Tan72 Member Posts: 52
    edited August 2014

    I have a DIEP scheduled with Dr. Horton and Dr. Buntic at California Pacific Medical Center - Davies campus (down town San Francisco) in 2 weeks. I am traveling from out of state, has anyone used either of these plastic surgeons. The consultations went well and they seem to be good at what they do.

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  • Halfabanana
    Halfabanana Member Posts: 36
    edited August 2014

    I was offered the options of an implant or recon using my own tissue, and from my research felt that DIEP was the best choice. Since Dr. Chang felt that I was a good candidate for DIEP, I chose it over putting something artificial in my body that would likely require replacement at some point in the future. It is a very personal choice for all of us, and I wish you the best in whatever choice you make. 

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  • caligirl3
    caligirl3 Member Posts: 86
    edited August 2014

     Thank you Halfabanana. Dr. Chang was your surgeon? Were you happy with your results? I was told I am also a good candidate for DIEP. I'm just so worried about making a mistake, its such a huge surgery! How was your experience with Dr. Chang? I would appreciate any information you would be willing to share. I hope you are doing well in your recovery.

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  • Halfabanana
    Halfabanana Member Posts: 36
    edited August 2014

    Caligirl3,

    I did have a successful surgery, and Dr.Chang was wonderful. His associate, Dr.Kind, and the NP were great as well. I had a second, out-patient surgery about 10 days later to perfect things before healing completely. Then, about 10 months later, I had phase 2 done to even out the girls, and take care of the ends of my abdominal scar. Everything healed very well every step of the way, and Dr. Chang was very thorough and answered all of my questions and concerns. All I have left to do is the tattoo on my reconstructed nipple that he created in December. He did explain that DIEP is a big surgery, with the abdominal part being a tougher recovery than my two C-sections. But I felt prepared and supported through every step. I can recommend him highly without hesitation. Best of luck in making your decision. I hope whatever you decide allows for a quick recovery. 

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  • caligirl3
    caligirl3 Member Posts: 86
    edited August 2014

    Thank you for responding so quickly. I am happy to hear that you are doing well in your recovery. One thing that does worry me a bit is the use of Mesh with this surgery. Also wondering the length of time I may need to be off work. I'm happy to hear you highly recommend Dr. Chang.

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