Need recommendation for surgeon in DC region

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SallyU2014
SallyU2014 Member Posts: 9
Need recommendation for surgeon in DC region

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  • SallyU2014
    SallyU2014 Member Posts: 9
    edited October 2014

    I'm having bilateral mastectomy, and would like to have immediate reconstruction.  I've seen Dr. Sebastian as the breast cancer surgeon. Can someone recommend a plastic surgeon who's experienced in microsurgery such as DIEP, SIEA, or LSGAP?  Thanks in advance and God bless!

  • KayG
    KayG Member Posts: 13
    edited October 2014

    I am in Northern VA suburbs and my plastic surgeon is Roberta Gartside. So far very happy. The top PS in DC is Scott Spear, but he is out on some kind of leave at last check.

  • bonnied
    bonnied Member Posts: 74
    edited October 2014

    I just had surgery two weeks ago, partial mastectomy with oncoplastic closure on both sides.  My reconstructive surgeon is Dr. Anne Nickodem.  She has offices in No VA and MD.  I have been pleased with her and recommend her.  She knows her stuff.  

    http://www.aestheticallyyours.com

  • SpecialK
    SpecialK Member Posts: 16,486
    edited October 2014

    Some of the ladies who post on these threads may be able to help you, particularly if you are looking for a surgeon who performs autologous procedures:

    https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/6/topic/709375?page=50#post_4178134

    https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/34/topic/821975?page=1#post_4178136

    I lived in NOVA for about 10 years but it pre-dated my diagnosis.  I believe that there are two NCI centers in Maryland, both in Baltimore, U of M, and Johns Hopkins, and D.C. has Georgetown.  It looks like both Hopkins and UofM have autologous procedure availability.

    When I googled autologous recon for the region I also got these:

    http://www.plasticsurgerynow.com/breast-procedures-washington-dc/breast-reconstruction/

    http://www.cpsdocs.com/washington-dc-breast-enhancement/breast-reconstruction/diep-microsurgery


     

  • besa
    besa Member Posts: 1,088
    edited October 2014

    SallyU204- breast surgeons and plastic surgeons work as a team and a breast surgeon will have "partner" plastic surgeons they work with.  You usually can't shop and mix and match plastic surgeons and breast surgeons.  

    That being said, when I researched this,  the name that kept coming up for high volume skilled microvascular surgeons in the DC metro area was Bernard Chang at Mercy  followed , 2nd choice - by Maurice Nahabedian at Georgetown. I think Nahabedian may also work out of one of the Northern Virginia hospitals (Fairfax Hospital)  -- he has offices at both Georgetown U. and in McLean, Va.  (Scott Spear at Georgetown does implants not microvascular reconstructions.)  Chang and Nahabedian were originally Hopkins ps but now have very big reconstructive programs at their respective hospitals. I think they have more experience (been doing this for a longer time) than the  microvascular ps at Hopkins.

    You want someone who does these surgeries on a regular basis, multiple times/week and has done multiple hundreds, much better yet.... 10000s (these numbers are surgeries done on their own, after microvascular fellowship or other training.) A good ps should have a large group of happy customers willing to talk to you.    Arrange to talk to them and if possible see their results in person.  Cosmetic enhancement is a different skill set than reconstruction so find someone who does mainly reconstructions.  

  • Osfan
    Osfan Member Posts: 4
    edited October 2014

    I am 3 days post op after a bilateral mx and DIEP done at Mercy Hospital in B'More by Drs Neil Friedman and Bernie Chang.  They were both strongly recommended to me and I have no complaints about the entire process from pre-op until today. Way too early for results but I am told they are both highly regarded.   Dr Chang said he has performed more than 2500 DIEPs and currently trains fellows for the surgery.  So far, I feel good about my choice.  Feel free to PM me. 

  • SallyU2014
    SallyU2014 Member Posts: 9
    edited November 2014

    Thanks so much for your information. I ended up going to virginia hospital center breast center and had bilateral mastectomy by dr Molly Sebastian and PS working with her is dr Bedri. he recommended staged implant rather than DIEP, since I qualify for Nipple sparing mastectomy. I'm 3 weeks post op and going through the staged reconstruction - it's not fun to have draw bulbs and expansions. Still will need another surgery for exchange to the perms ant implant.


  • JPReviews
    JPReviews Member Posts: 2
    edited May 2020

    I do not recommend Dr Ali-Reza Nouri-Mesbahi (AKA Dr Alex Mesbahi / Dr Ali Mesbahi) of "National Center For Plastic Surgery" for a DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction. NCPS is located at 7601 Lewinsville Road, Suite 400 in McLean, VA 22102 and the phone number is (703) 287-8277.

    The "Immediate DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction" surgery performed by Dr Mesbahi on February 12, 2019 was poorly done. It left me with bilateral bulges of tissue that extended from my armpits to the bottom of my breasts, which I did not have prior to the procedure. It felt uncomfortably abnormal as if I were carrying "one little pillow" under each armpit at all times.

    Additionally, it left me with "Frankenstein" stitches on my abdomen sitting too high (3 inches below my navel) and two small "dog ears" on each side of the suture line.

    When I mentioned the problems to Dr Mesbahi, all I got was a "blank stare."Neither sympathy nor an apology was extended.

    Later, my Radiation Oncologist informed me I had to "close the gaps" in the suture line under my left breast before proceeding with my vitally necessary RADIATION TREATMENTS.

    As a result, on March 21, 2019, I had to go back to the office to get 6 more stitches put under my left breast because clearly the suturing was not done correctly during the DIEP Flap Reconstruction surgery on February 12, 2019.

    On March 28th, Louisa (Dr Mesbahi's Physician Assistant) removed 3 stitches from under my left breast, and on April 1st the last 3 stitches were removed by Gretchen (Dr Mesbahi's Physician Assistant).

    I was "free" to start my radiation program after April 1st as opposed to February 21st (when my last 3 drains were removed).The difference between April 1st and February 21st is a 40-day delay in the start of my radiation program.

    All in all, the results of my "Immediate DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction" left my breasts not only asymmetrical, but unsmooth, hollow in some areas, and overall, inconsistent to the touch. The contour was horrendous, to say the least.The "look and feel" problems I experienced with my breasts occurred PRIOR to the radiation treatments.

    I was extremely disappointed with THE FINAL RESULTS of my "Immediate DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction" done by Dr Mesbahi.Therefore, I DO NOT recommend him to anyone!

  • Via
    Via Member Posts: 55
    edited May 2020

    DR. Maia she is truly amazing and so many have ask me how did my breast because you cannot tell I had a double mastectomy! She is in Tyson Coners


    https://www.maiaplasticsurgery.com/


    she gave me so much peace of mind! She is won

  • Via
    Via Member Posts: 55
    edited May 2020

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