Who Has Traveled Far for Recon?

Avrenim - you need to talk with the folks at the Breast Center - they can work out your insurance challenges and minimize billings. You can also talk with two other practices who often have women travel for surgery - both are world class and both studied with/worked with the surgeons at the Breast Center - all learned from Dr. Allen, who is the godfather of this surgery. I suggest this because different practices take different insurance. You may get better coverage and have less out of pocket, yet have the same results. Get a phone consult with either Dr. Marga Massey or with Dr. Richard Kline. Dr. Massey operates in Charleston & New Orleans. Dr. Kline only operates in Charleston, SC (his partner is Dr. Craigie). Dr. Massey was my surgeon and Dr. Kline has operated on several friends. I can't say enough about these surgeons. From my conversations with others, Kline/Craigie tend to take more insurance than others. They operate in a beautiful, new community hospital (this can be a cost savings as NOLA docs own their hospital) where they have hand trained practice-dedicated staff members.

I can not believe that DIEP or SGAP patients experience a 40% hernia rate - I think that would be with TRAM (an older procedure that takes a chunk of muscle). Even free tram takes a tiny bit of muscle, but that doesn't seem to effect ab usage. Both surgeons I recommended do DIEP or SGAP not TRAM. Do a bit more talking and investigating. You might be really pleased both financially and aesthetically.

By the way, Hope Lodge in NOLA is a great, free place to stay (though it is a bit out of the way). If you have surgery in Charleston, the American Cancer Society has an agreement with Extended Stay America for free lodging. The doctor's office makes the arrangements. The Hope Lodge in Charleston is small and usually reserved for patients in active treatment (chemo, etc.).

Hope this helps. Feel free to PM me with any questions.