Good Kaiser PS for DIEP in SF or LA?

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latebloomer
latebloomer Member Posts: 4
edited January 2015 in Breast Reconstruction

Hello, everyone.  I have Kaiser insurance.   I am two years out from a double mastectomy with immediate reconstruction using silicone implants.  After several complications, the results are still  unsatisfactory, and my (second) ps and I are discussing a revision recon. Leaning toward a DIEP this time versus the implants.  The Kaiser ps department in my state does not do this procedure, and my ps is reluctant to recommend it.  However,  I want to consult with a Kaiser ps in the SF Area or the LA Area who is very experienced with DIEPs before I make a final decision.   I have friends in both areas that could help me through the surgery.  Has anyone had a good experience with this at Kaiser, and would you be comfortable letting me know who your surgeon was?  Thank you so much!

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

    I have implants but highly recommend Kaiser Santa Clara (south of SF). Great reconstructive surgery dept. in modern facilities.

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  • Sacnaillady
    Sacnaillady Member Posts: 59
    edited October 2014

    I had sGAP flap surgery at Santa Clara Kaiser 2 weeks ago. They did a great job. I went to Dr. Oscar Ho. I'm still healing, I still have my hip drains and I'm only on stage 1. But it's looking pretty good. The nursing staff was fab as well. Good luck. 

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  • lekker
    lekker Member Posts: 594
    edited October 2014

    Dr. Ali Salim at Kaiser SF did my TEs and silicone implants. I really liked him and his website says he does DIEP.  http://mydoctor.kaiserpermanente.org/ncal/provide...

    When I found a little lump last year (that ultrasound ended up identifying as a surgical clip), he insisted on attending my appointment with my breast surgeon and reassured me that he would be the one to close if I needed a surgical biopsy so I would still look good.  I'm a fan!

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  • latebloomer
    latebloomer Member Posts: 4
    edited October 2014

    Thank you, exbrnxgrl.  I found them online and was impressed with their facilities.

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  • latebloomer
    latebloomer Member Posts: 4
    edited October 2014

    Sacnaillady, I grew up in Carmichael! Thanks for the referral, and I hope your healing goes well. I have seen Dr. Ho's name mentioned before..

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  • latebloomer
    latebloomer Member Posts: 4
    edited October 2014

    Thank you, lekker.  He sounds great.  Will put him on the list, and a big whew over the surgical clip!

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  • IndigoMont11
    IndigoMont11 Member Posts: 1,095
    edited January 2015

    Hi there! I'm looking into flap recon as well, just going in for a couple of consults. I'm a Kaiser member here in Colorado, and the PS I have seen doesn't do SGAP. I don't have all the info yet, but I strongly suspect that I won't have enough belly fat for DIEP alone (since I had BMX, I need both done). I've thought about changing insurance and planning for next year (NOLA). But it caught my eye that there are Kaiser surgeons in California who do more of the flap procedures. I can call Member Services and ask on Monday, but just curious - is using Kaiser in a different state considered out of network?

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  • Sacnaillady
    Sacnaillady Member Posts: 59
    edited January 2015

    Indigo, give Dr. Ho in Santa Clara a try. He and his Team were great and there's an airport,Marriott and Hilton very close by.

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  • Sacnaillady
    Sacnaillady Member Posts: 59
    edited January 2015

    I forgot to add...I was in state but out of region. There was no problem with going out if region. I would think you would have no problem going out of state. It may take an extra step but they should cover what ever you need. Just have your PS do a referral.

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  • exbrnxgrl
    exbrnxgrl Member Posts: 12,424
    edited January 2015

    I posted earlier on this thread, but it bears repeating. The plastic surgeons at the Santa Clara facility are top notch. Until recently, they did not do cosmetic surgery, only recon, so they are very experienced. I had implants with a fantastic ps, but he has since moved to another state. As far as using a KP facility in another state, check,with KP to find out what your plan allows. All,the best to you

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