Latissimus Dorsi Flap Breast Reconstruction Following Bilateral Mastectomy. San Diego, CA

Here are some pictures of the different stages of my reconstruction - I know how important it is to look at photos before, during and after our reconstruction. I think it is so helpful especially in the beginning to see what the final outcome will look like - makes it less scary when we don't look 'normal', just knowing that it can and does eventually turn out ok!
My final implants were Mentor Smooth Round Moderate Plus Profile Gel0- 325cc's Right breast and 350cc's Left breast

Dr Pacella is truly a RARE find these days- exceptionally skilled as a surgeon with a compassionate, caring, treat-you-like-family bedside manner. Getting a diagnosis of breast cancer is pretty overwhelming. So many tough decisions to make and tons of information to process, its total information overload. The last thing I wanted to worry about was my plastic surgeon’s abilities. Dr Pacella was highly recommended to me from several people in the medical profession which eased my fears of reconstruction tremendously. I was told “he’s the best”. But he is more than the best, he is amazing! From my initial consultation and throughout my treatment, Dr Pacella earned my complete trust - he alleviated all fears that I had at this very trying and emotional time – which is such a huge thing. I went in thinking I wanted reconstruction with tissue expanders only and Dr Pacella presented to me the Latissimus Dorsi Flap as a better option. Kind of a scary option, but again, I trusted him completely. I’m so happy that I did. His attention to detail is paramount. I swear he must bring rulers and protractors into surgery to get them to match so perfectly! My breasts look and feel so natural – actually better than before! You would never know that I had a double mastectomy. I teach a fitness class and am in workout tops in front of 30 women, and they have all come up to me and told me that they cannot tell that I have had anything done – and how great ‘they’ look! When I see what some other women have gone through and their results, I just can’t believe how lucky I am to live where I do and was able to have Dr Pacella as my plastic surgeon. Like I said before – he is amazing. He is the most patient doctor I’ve met. I never felt rushed and he always gave me all the time I needed to have questions answered. I felt as if the care I received from him is how he would treat a family member. He even came in to see me while he was on vacation, and has also gone out of his way to fit me in after a full day of surgery. How many doctors can you say that about?! His staff is wonderful also – Laura and Cynthia are always positive and full of encouragement which is so comforting at a time like this when you are feeling a bit vulnerable and they always made me feel well taken care of. His scheduler Diana is great too, she always makes you feel as if you are her top priority. I will actually miss seeing them on a regular basis. I HIGHLY recommend Dr Pacella.