When I got cancer and realized I needed my breasts amputated, I was pretty horrified. For one, I'm super squeamish and was scared to see how it would all look. Two, I was only in my 20's. Three, I had great breasts. On top of the trauma that is having cancer and cancer treatment, I was scared of being mutilated, especially at such a young age. Dr. Srinivasa is a godsend. Not only did she understand my concerns, she prioritized what was safest for me and what would give me the best results, considering my radiation and being so young, these breasts will have to last me a long time. She wanted me to feel like myself again and not be uncomfortable wearing clothes I wore pre-cancer. I just really appreciate her kind bedside manner and empathy and compassion for my situation. Dr. S assisted my cancer surgeon with the double mastectomy and I walked out with temporary implants (to hold me over through radiation) and two little bandages over where my nipples used to be. That's it. No huge scarring (scars were so well hidden), no mutilation. I'll attach a photo. People couldn't even tell I'd just had a mastectomy and I hadn't even had any fat grafting yet! I was still wearing low cut tops with no issue. When it came to my actual reconstruction, Dr. S explained to me all the trauma to the skin after radiation and how my reconstruction will not look the same as someone who did not have radiation. In fact, she told me about one million times, as did the radiation oncologist, chemo oncologist, and cancer surgeon, so I'm not sure how this person on that other review "didn't know". Seems more like "didn't listen". Radiation prioritizes killing cancer, not how it will look, so we're left to just do what we can with the damage. That said, Dr. S went over my options with me multiple times to figure out what was best. And guess what? My reconstruction turned out amazing, even with the radiated side. They're like my old breasts but in a push-up bra. I followed all her instructions very carefully, including her recommendation for physical therapy, which I think made all the difference. My radiated skin side is more firm/overstuffed but you can't tell visually that there is any difference. I understood that results for radiated skin can't be guaranteed, but what I appreciated most was that instead of saying there weren't options, Dr. S had a plan. If implants and fat grafting didn't work, then I would do a diep flap with a skin graft to loosen up the radiated skin side, for example. If my non-radiated implant falls as I age, she will pull it back up, or I can do the diep flap then (preferably after I have kids so bonus tummy tuck). It made me feel so much better knowing that she wouldn't leave me uncomfortable in my body and can fix whatever goes wrong from previous cancer treatment for the rest of my life. Oh, and she also gave me abs from scooping out fat for my fat grafting, so that was a nice little bonus considering I hadn't worked out in almost two years due to treatment. So now I've been cancer-free for over a year (no regrets about having radiation!), and my breasts look so good that a random woman approached me at a bar a few weeks ago and asked to touch them. I said no, because WTF is wrong with people, but it was kind of flattering. Clearly it doesn't look like I've had cancer. Dr. Srinivasa's work speaks for itself and I'm so grateful to have found her!
Recently I went thru a bi literal Mastectomy, and had to do a Reconstruction Tied Flap. I had a choice of few Drs and I interviewed 3 of them and I am happy that I chose Dr Dhivya Sirinivasan. She is amazing Soul and God send, and I deeply appreciate all she has done for me. Not just she went extra mile to deliver amazing results she was able to comfort me and made me feel less painful while going thru 12 plus hrs of a operation. I strongly recommend her to everyone in need, and I can assure you her young age is a plus to chose her over older physicians because of the energy she carries and willingness to do more than any Dr. We r thankful for the results and can not thank Dr Dhivya enough for all she has done for us. We don’t have words to describe Dr Dhivya. Very content w the end results and I strongly recommend her.
Hi! Small to moderate umbilical hernias are best fixed at the time of the flap. Depending on the size and nature of the hernia, either the microsurgeon or a general surgeon will fix it. Good luck with your reconstruction!
Hi!! Thanks for your question - it’s one I hear a lot from women who has implants placed under the muscle. By moving the implant to above the muscle (what I call a prepectoral transposition), you get rid of the animation deformity and create a new pocket for the implant This allows the surgeon to better modify the pocket to fit a different sized implant. Along with this it will likely be necessary to modify the skin too, to fit nicely around the implant. best of luck! Dr. Srinivasa
Hi! Your concerns come up often in patients with implant based reconstruction. The implant can feel “tight” for a number of reasons, capsular contracture being only one explanation. The size and shape of the pocket, implant choice, and whether the implant is under the muscle are all factors as well. I specialize in post mastectomy breast reconstruction and often perform revisions that address all possible causes for an uncomfortable implant. I would be happy to evaluate you in person to discuss potential options. Best of luck! Every woman deserves a durable, aesthetic and comfortable reconstruction. Best, Dr. Dhivya Srinivasa
