SIL would like rec. on recon in Boston area specifically DIEP?

I don't have a specific recommendation for someone in Boston but you want someone who does DIEPs in high volume, multiple times a week if possible and has done them for years (when not in training). It is usual to be able to speak to former patients. Anyone who is good has a large group of happy "customers" who will be more than willing to speak to a potential new patient and even show them their results in person. If you are not able to contact former patients it is a red flag. My feeling is that the plastic surgeons who are also able to do sGAP, and stacked DIEPS, or body lifts where they combine flaps (more complicated microvascular surgeries) are more skilled. Know that cosmetic enhancement is a different skill set than breast reconstruction.

I had a problematic DIEP done locally in Maryland (ps had great credentials - good schools and microvascular recon fellowship, but it turns out had done few DIEPs on her own when not in training.) I ended up traveling to New Orleans for correction of the DIEP and contralateral prophylatic sGAP surgery.

If she doesn't already have it, your SIL should get a copy of the latest edition of Kathy Steligo's "Breast Reconstruction Guidebook."

Hi, yes I had my mastectomy there with Dr Barbie- she is amazing. They work together all the time. My mastectomy and tissue expander placement was one (long) surgery. If your sister is doing immediate reconstruction then they also can do that as one surgery.