DIEP flap surgeons

If no one responds here you can try the "FORCE" web site's "patient experience contact tool."  The link is below.  The contact tool contains the contact information for women who are willing to talk to others about their experiences with various reconstructive plastic surgeons and breast surgeons.  I know there are women there who have used PRIMA docs for flap reconstructions and are willing to talk about their experience. 

http://www.facingourrisk.org/information_research/patient-experience-terms.php

(you need to check the box at the bottom of the above web page and then try searching on "texas."  The women using PRIMA will be listed among those using physicians in Texas - who are in San Antonio.  )

another link with a little more explanation:

http://www.facingourrisk.org/info_research/finding-health-care/patient-experience-contact-tool/index.php

I second what Deanna, said about Dr. Festekjian, he did mine in 2012. If you have any question about him or UCLA please feel free to p.m. me. 

Lynda

I tried looking up the FORCE tool, not too much luck. I just moved to Rockville, MD and I am post-treatment and looking to do reconstruction next summer. I am not sure what many women mean when they refer to "Maryland" on the boards. Is that Johns Hopkins?

Hi I am new to site! planning for my DIEP flap but still not sure about it! Has anyone heard about Dr Robert j Allen from SC? I started with PS Dr Mehrara from Sloan kettering in NYC. He did the first step which was my expenders and I am thinking about DIEP flap over implants but he told me surgery will take 12 hrs and I am very scared so I heard about this Dr Allen from SC and looks like he does the surgery for only 5 hrs. I need help to find out more about him. Anyone have heard about him? I live in New York State and don't want to travel. Any other suggestions/advice in the area? Thank you!!!

Robert Allen is a pioneer in DIEP flap and I think brought the procedure to the U.S. after learning the technique overseas.  He practices with Joshua Levine and a number of other skilled microvascular ps in New York and also in New Orleans (possibly other locations??).  He has a reputation of being very skilled. (I have NOT used him personally).  

 Generally the much shorter surgery time in these specialized practices is a combination of skill and having two very senior DIEP flap surgeons working on one patient.  If you are considering Dr. Allen look into Joshua Levine also....  These docs have done probably 1000s of flaps.  When figuring who you want to go with - ask to talk to former patients and if possible see their results in person.  Anyone who is really good should have a large group of very satisfied customers willing to talk to you.

http://www.diepflap.com/

http://www.joshualevinemd.com/our-practice/our-sur...

For information about DIEP flap and other microvascular breast reconstruction options consider getting a copy of the latest edition of Kathy Steligo's "Breast Reconstruction Guidebook"  the best I have seen on the topic. 

 Hopefully other women will chime in.   If you don't get responses on this thread possibly start a new thread just about this.

Thank you besa for letting me know about dr Joshua Levine who works with dr a Robert Allen. I will check him as well. Also I appreciate your advise on talking to their patients, I will definitely do that. Yes I am consider in dr Robert Allan for my diep flap. I already have a dr like I said from Sloan Kettering in NYC but heard about dr robert and I am trying to get a consultation with him. Thank you also for let me know about the book, much appreciated. 

Best,