Breast Reconstruction Reviews
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“DIEP Flap Turned out Amazing - Los Angeles, CA”

Worth It
Spent: $1,000 in Los Angeles, CA

Comments (17)

Updated 31 May 2011

Posted 20 Apr 2011

I am 27 years old, diagnosed with Stage 2 Breast Cancer 2 months ago, had a double mastectomy and reconstuction via the DIEP flap procedure a month ago. I decided to go double for my own mental self. I was a good candidate for the DIEP Flap procedure and it was truly suggested as I am a horseback rider and dirt biker, so implants and the risk of damage to them with my extreme sports just made the best sense.

My breasts look absolutely amazing, they honestly look like my own except for the patch of new skin as the areola and no nipples for now, but they feel and look amazing.

Here is one suggestion: if you are a smoker, please talk to your surgeon and be truthful, find out what your possible complications are. I was a smoker right up until surgery (quit at that time), and I did have a "routine complication" of a splitting incision on the tummy tuck incision. It pushed recovery a few weeks, but I have done everything my doctor told me to do, and I am recovering well now, hopefully only a few weeks left until I am "normal."

Especially if you are young, and want to do both breasts, please consider this procedure, it really makes me feel like myself. FYI, don't know cost yet because I haven't been fully billed after insurance.



Updated on 31 May 2011:
Just wanted to do a quick update. Little over 2 months now from when I had surgery, and I am totally healed and look/feel AMAZING!! Thank you Dr Leif Rogers and Dr. Max Leifeldt for everything!

This review is the subjective opinion of a RealSelf member and not of RealSelf, Inc.

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Leif Liu Rogers, MD

My Doctor: Leif Liu Rogers, MD

My rating:

Returned my calls asap, got in to see him when I needed to, explained everything, treated me like a friend and that he truly cared, did an amazing job!!!

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Comments (17)

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beverly witkin (RealFriend) 10 Jun 2011


Happiness is a healthy woman! Your positive attitude has served you well. It is so important to maintain fitness for your mind and your body. Please tell us more about designing your own happy life and staying on course. Good for you.

Unoq 15 Aug 2011
I've been wanting to consult this doc for revision breast aug for ages! Really happy your procedure went well. His results do look amazing. I'm sure yours is too.
eringobragh14 8 Sep 2011
Did you end up contacting Dr. Rogers? I hope you did, he's amazing! You will be very happy with his results I am sure!
Yvonne in N.M. 8 Sep 2011
Im so happy to read your post! I was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer in May of 2010 at 33 yrs old. I underwent a bi-lateral mastectomy with expanders put in...chemo and radiation and am 3 weeks away from a DIEP flap procedure in Dallas. I am terrified but your post just made me feel better about the procedure! Thank you so much glad everything is goin great for you!
eringobragh14 8 Sep 2011
Wow! You have been through a lot! Let me know how your procedure goes, and if you have any questions or just want to talk to someone let me know! It's a slow recovery, but so worth it. The girls look amazing, so I am a very happy camper :-)
Yvonne in N.M. 8 Sep 2011
Thank you so much! I will....is it a painful procedure?
eringobragh14 8 Sep 2011
Actually not painful! Just a tad right out of surgery, but you are drugged enough where its just more uncomfortable to move. Other than that, because the nerves are cut you really have no feeling!
eringobragh14 8 Sep 2011
Actually not painful! Just a tad right out of surgery, but you are drugged enough where its just more uncomfortable to move. Other than that, because the nerves are cut you really have no feeling!
Yvonne in N.M. 13 Sep 2011
Ok....So my surgery is set for Sept 28 2011..2 more weeks...yikes! Is it a weird feeling to have breasts again? I know stupid question but i have kind of grown fond of my expanders! lol I have forgotten what its like to have breasts that actually move!
eringobragh14 13 Sep 2011
I actually never went a day without having breasts. I had surgery and reconstruction done at the same time. haha believe me, you will be happy :-)
beverly witkin (RealFriend) 14 Sep 2011

Yvonne, it is not a weird feeling, it is a wonderful feeling to be restored to a more natural you. All surgeries are scary, but you will be delighted when you wake up from this one.

 Have you had a discussion with your surgeon about realistic expectations regarding size, shape and profile of your breasts? The expanders are often inflated to a larger size than your permanent implants. This is done to stretch the skin enough to accommodate your new implants. Attached is a link where this is addressed .http://www.realself.com/question/skin-sparing-mastectomy-500cc-implants-small

Hopefully you have been helped by other girls who have posted here. Please consider writing a review of your experience so we can gush over you and help others in the process.

Until then, keeping a good thought for you,

Beverly

 

Yvonne in N.M. 14 Sep 2011
Hello! Yes he did discuss everything with me and they expanded me until I couldnt do anymore lol. I was a small A when this all started so Ill be exciting to be whatever size they can give me! I have had so many questions answered that I think its awesome to be able to communicate with other women that have gone through it and are still goin through it. Most definately Ill let everyone know how it goes! I dont know how to put a picture up on this sight
Yvonne in N.M. 14 Sep 2011
Oh that is totally awesome! Im so glad you didnt have to have expanders put in! Well im leaving next fri so Ill definately keep in touch and let you know how it went! Thank you so much for answering my questions! I appreciate it...I really dont have anybody to ask that has gone through a DIEP flap procedure before everyone I know has gotten implants
eringobragh14 14 Sep 2011
Yes, please let me know, and if you have any questions at all please feel free to ask! I didn't even know the DIEP flap existed until my doctor told me about it. What way to make a crappy situation (cancer) turn into a great one (tummy tuck and fuller boobs). :-) That's how I looked at it really. Just remember, take your time, don't push your body too fast. You will be sore and tired, and it's really hard to get out of bed, etc. I slept with a lot of pillows to keep myself propped. Don't feel like you need to stand up straight too quickly, just take your time. I'm trying to think of anything else you should know. haha I think that's everything!
Yvonne in N.M. 14 Sep 2011
Will do! Thank you again!
seattler 23 Dec 2011
I found this thread by Googling DIEP and horse riding. If I turn out to be BrCA+, I will get bilateral mx and reconstruction. I hope I'm a candidate for DIEP mostly because, like you Erin, I am a rider and cannot bear to be out of the saddle for six or ten more months. Can you tell how long before you were riding again?
eringobragh14 24 Feb 2012
Hi Seattler, sorry, for some reason I didn't see this until now. What did you decide? How are things going? I had surgery in march, I was back riding after chemo was over in September. They dont recommend doing anything strenuous during chemo, you don't want to hurt yourself and have to pause treatment you know?

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