POSTED UNDER Breast Reconstruction with DIEP Flap REVIEWS
No Good for Reconstruction Breast Surgery. - Fort Myers, FL
ORIGINAL POST
Pretty obvious - I had a double mastectomy
chiluvr1228February 27, 2012
Pretty obvious - I had a double mastectomy
chiluvr1228's provider
UPDATED FROM chiluvr1228
I interviewed 3 plastic surgeons. Did not like #1,...
chiluvr1228February 28, 2012
I interviewed 3 plastic surgeons. Did not like #1, however I loved #2, Dr. Jeffrey Lang. However, even though breast reconstruction is 100% covered by insurance, his office said I had to pay up front and then get reimbursed! Since I didn't have $6000+ laying around I went with Dr. Garramone who was recommended to me.
Didn't care for him from day 1. His bedside manner to me was lacking but I'd wasting 3 1/2 months from my breast cancer diagnosis to a date that was suitable for both my breast surgeon (who did the mastectomy) and Dr. Garramone.
Since I had tissue expanders, I went back about once a week for fills until such time as my skin wouldn't stretch anymore. Then I was to have the exchange surgery, where the tissue expander is replaced with permanent silicone implants. Sometimes I had to wait a long time, other days I would get in pretty quickly.
After the exchange surgery I was not happy with the way they looked. I was told to give it some more time. I had the exchange surgery in December and while they look better than they did at first, one is noticeably higher than the other one, they are too far apart where the outside edges look like they are under my armpits and I have some very obvious divots. Got my records and went back to plastic surgeon #1 who I still don't like. Apparently, in my area, no plastic surgeon does the DIEP surgery or Flap surgery. They all do the tissue expander and then implants.
I wish I had checked into all this more thoroughly. Considering I had cancer and was forced to have my breasts removed and have major surgery, I would have liked a better outcome.
As I since have found out from breastcancer.org, not all plastic surgeons are skilled at reconstruction. It's a completely different procedure than an augmentation.
Didn't care for him from day 1. His bedside manner to me was lacking but I'd wasting 3 1/2 months from my breast cancer diagnosis to a date that was suitable for both my breast surgeon (who did the mastectomy) and Dr. Garramone.
Since I had tissue expanders, I went back about once a week for fills until such time as my skin wouldn't stretch anymore. Then I was to have the exchange surgery, where the tissue expander is replaced with permanent silicone implants. Sometimes I had to wait a long time, other days I would get in pretty quickly.
After the exchange surgery I was not happy with the way they looked. I was told to give it some more time. I had the exchange surgery in December and while they look better than they did at first, one is noticeably higher than the other one, they are too far apart where the outside edges look like they are under my armpits and I have some very obvious divots. Got my records and went back to plastic surgeon #1 who I still don't like. Apparently, in my area, no plastic surgeon does the DIEP surgery or Flap surgery. They all do the tissue expander and then implants.
I wish I had checked into all this more thoroughly. Considering I had cancer and was forced to have my breasts removed and have major surgery, I would have liked a better outcome.
As I since have found out from breastcancer.org, not all plastic surgeons are skilled at reconstruction. It's a completely different procedure than an augmentation.
Replies (7)
February 28, 2012
I'm so sorry to hear you had this experience. Are you considering a revision?
February 29, 2012
Yes, but at this point I'm not sure who to go to. Someone on here raved about a doctor in Palm Beach Gardens who I will be checking into further.
January 21, 2014
I had my revision in June of 2012 by Dr. Wittenborn, here in Ft. Myers. Very pleased with his bedside manner, staff and extremely happy with the results.
February 18, 2014
I'm so happy to hear you are pleased with your revision. You truly deserve to have good results after all you've been through! We'd love to see an updated photo if you have a chance!
April 16, 2015
Check the reviews on this site. Some in my area do free consultations. I too am not happy with my results and plan to shop around soon. Good luck to you.
April 16, 2015
I'm sorry I didn't see the entire post.. I thought you had implants.. Oh I get it, on the bedside manner and long wait.. I was originally with Breast Care Specialists Atl. Mostly female doctors.. I felt like they were hearding cattle... After my biopsy I had an infection and oozing.
The surgeon told me to stick a Kotex in my bra...days later they saw me! After my infection cleared I moved on to Dr Woods in Atlanta. He's wonderful. I won't stay with an arrogant ass without compassion.. It was hard enough.. I was 47 with three kids..
Back in 2006 my insurance paid a 100 percent... A law was passed that reconstruction had to be covered. Sooo sorry for your added stress.
The 4 ps I saw first wanted to do every procedure except implants...and three told me to put on 25 pounds so I would have enough to make one breast and lift the other!! The 5 th ps did my implants. I removed the other breast due to my mother passing from the same cancer and 2 aunts diagnosed . It was the right decision.. K
April 16, 2015
I would find another plastic surgeon. I know you have seen three but there are some really great ones out there. They should be able to fix yours and make you look beautiful again.
Replies (0)