Dr. Duffy is absolutely AMAZING. I was generally very nervous about my breast reduction but knew I needed it done in order to be happy for my upcoming wedding (and the rest of my life). I went from a size H down to a comfortable full C, which is what I asked for. He was extremely reassuring and comforting. His staff members are helpful and nice, especially Cindy. His PA Marsha was extremely nice as well. I had the surgery and immediately felt a difference in the weight off my back and neck, and as soon as I was able to remove the bandages I fell even more in love with the results. I was in quite a bit of pain the first couple days so I reached out to Dr. Duffy (the first of several calls I made over that week) about it and he called in a prescription right away and he got back to me almost immediately or other times I also reached out to his staff and they helped me immediately. The several calls I made to him over the first week or so were about any and every concern I had and he was always willing to hear me out and tell me if I should be concerned or if it was normal. I am three weeks after surgery and I couldn't be happier. Everything is healing very well and I love how my breasts look (and I have been uncomfortable with them since middle school!!) and might I add, my fiancé isn't complaining too much either! If I had to go through the surgery and the beginning of the healing process all over again, there is really no comparison to Dr. Duffy! I highly recommend him and his staff. He will change your life!
Wonderful Doctor - Dallas
The DIEP flap surgery is newer than techniques such as implants, latissimus flaps, or Tram flaps, but it has been around for a number of years now. Whether it costs more depends on the surgeon, hospital, etc. However, ultimately your insurance is required to cover breast reconstruction after a mastectomy. For the majority of patients the process of a mastectomy, breast reconstruction with usually multiple surgeries, etc will result in them reaching their "maximum out of pocket" on their insurance regardless of which type of procedure is chosen. Because of this, and because you ideally will be living with the reconstructed breast for many, many years to come, the decision as to which type should be based on which procedure most closely meets your needs. The decision as to the type of procedure should be made jointly between yourself and your physician. Your physician can guide you as to the benefits of each type, and let you know which types you are a candidate for clinically, and then you can choose from there based on information on all types. As to which procedure provides the most natural-looking new breasts, it really depends on the doctor's experience and the patient's recovery, and can be impacted by other factors such as radiation therapy. There are patients who are very happy with their results from all types of reconstruction. For those who choose to use all natural tissue, the DIEP is generally preferred by our patients over the Tram flap because it significantly reduces the impact on the abdominal muscles, while still providing the benefits of a new breast made from all natural tissues.If all else is equal, we generally prefer DIEP reconstruction over other types but there is more to the decision than the preference of the doctor - we will do whichever the patient ultimately feels is the best type for her.
