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POSTED UNDER Breast Reconstruction with DIEP Flap REVIEWS

Bilateral Reconstruction with DIEP and then Silicone Implants - Valencia, CA

ORIGINAL POST

Dr.Peter Ashjian is an amazing surgeon located in...

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Lauri LaLaOctober 19, 2014
WORTH IT$40,000
Dr.Peter Ashjian is an amazing surgeon located in Glendale, Encino and sometimes Valencia, California. In our first consultation, he put me at ease immediately and made me feel that I would be in good hands. All true! My DIEP surgery lasted 15 hours on Feb 4,2014 because he refused to give up trying to make it work!
Then on Feb 3,2014 I was brought back in for an exchange surgery to Saline Expanders! The blessing for me was that I never woke up to the dreaded flat
(breast- less) chest with that ugly scar running across! Since then I had fills every two weeks which was a tolerable pace for me. I had Silicone implants (800 cc's) put in on July 7,2014 and am seeing him today for a consult on a revision. A little tweaking is needed, most likely fat grafting will be the answer .

Lauri LaLa's provider

Peter Ashjian, MD

Peter Ashjian, MD

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Lauri LaLa

Lauri LaLa rating for Dr. Ashjian:

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Answered my questions
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Replies (8)

philweb12
October 20, 2014
it really nice to hear an heroic story.. Breast Reconstruction
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Lauri LaLa
October 22, 2014
Thank you! I am a positive thinker always! I have cried but ultimately I realized it could have been so much worse than it was! So I feel quite blessed. I also went thru divorce at the same time which I implemented right before this whole IDC diagnosis came about. My only advice: if the first surgeon or Oncologist just doesn't feel compatible, don't be afraid to get 2nd and 3rd opinions!
evesue
October 20, 2014
SO DID YOUR DIEP FLAP NOT TAKE? WAS IT BILATERAL? WHAT WAS YOUR MASTECTOMY COMPLICATION? WAS YOUR CANCER ALL REMOVED WITH GOOD MARGINS??
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Lauri LaLa
October 22, 2014
Bilateral breast Mastectomy. I had a 64 slice Cat scan prior to surgery and because it was not read correctly by the radiologist or it didn't show everything, the DIEP was not successfull! Two days after my 15 hour surgery I had a follow up of a 3 hour surgery. At that point my surgeon opted to put in tissue expanders with 350 CC of saline! Which I bless him for every day! I never had to see a flat chest with an ugly scar in the mirror. I think this helped a great deal with my subsequent recovery. Since then I have had 800 CC silicone (Natrelle # 20) implants put in. My cancer was removed with good margins. I will be having a revision surgery coming in November to change to # 45 implants and also to have a lift. Thanks for writing to me.
evesue
October 23, 2014
Oh my. . My 600cc implants are killing me when I bend over or try to reach anything above my shoulders. . You must be doing great to tolerate 800..I'm going to convert to my own tissue in dec.. But I don't have enough to do a diep flap alone so it's going to be combined with a thigh flap..pap..so I can feel normal again..I'm so sorry your flap failed that must have been devastating..I know it's my biggest fear..These guys are real heros for being willing to do these marathon surgeries..my procedure will utilize 2 surgeons at one time so hopefully no more than 8 hours
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Lauri LaLa
October 23, 2014
I did have two surgeons as well! Average amount of time for DIEP surgery is 12 hours. Their are other flaps that can be done . You can look them up! Get your pain meds ahead of time also. The only pain I am experiencing is pulling on my sides. The implant is too wide for my body I think. Changing out to Natrelle # 45 and possibly going lower in cc's should also help. Getting a breast lift as well and fat grafts should ease the pulling too. Best of luck to you, please post pictures, before and after or send to me privately if you feel comfortable doing so. Organize your bedroom for comfort. I needed a walker when I got home from the hospital. Lots of pillows on your bed to prop you up will help too. Take care, Lauri
evesue
October 23, 2014
i was wondering about the walker part..since im having it done in new orleans i am trying to figure out what all i need to bring with me..im sure i wont be able to stand up straight for awhile how long did it take you? i also sleep on my back so im worried about being able to lay flat..im worried about you getting a lift without any breast tissue..how will the nipple get blood supply if they move it? i would sure hate to see you lose a skin flap after all youve been through...i thing the extra highprofile might work better and if you go smaller they could trim some off your fold area for a lifted look but im wondering if you should go ahead with fat grafting first and try to build up a little healthier skin flaps before doing revisions that could impair blood supply.did he cover the implants with alloderm??.my implants try to go under arms whenever i reach up..i dont think i can ever get used to having my pec muscle so animated,,your bedroom looks comfy..i like the tray idea too
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Lauri LaLa
October 24, 2014
My DIEP did not work! Blood flow was minimal. Expanders were put in and tissue removed from DIEP two days after my original 15 hour surgery!alloderm was used. I had the walker ordered by the hospital on my insurance. Took it home with me! Because of the extend of my surgery ( abdominal & breasts) the walker was really helpful for me to get around safely! Alloderm was used! I have only one nipple , the other one was removed because of my Invasive Ductal Carcinoma diagnosis. As seen in the pictures. Wishing you a successful surgery. Not sure I understand them using two sites for flap? Just remember, you will be in pain in those areas and it will be difficult to get comfortable. Just a suggestion: is their one site on your body that could work instead of two at one time? Back? Buttocks? Hope this helps. Take care
UPDATED FROM Lauri LaLa
8 months post

Feeling normal again after Bilateral Mastectomy

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Lauri LaLaOctober 22, 2014
Periodic pep talks given to myself really helped in my recovery

Replies (1)

feebee1
September 20, 2015
That's such a positive thing! I am 5 weeks post bilateral masectomy and immediate diep flap and it has been a tough journey... Not so much emotionally as I haven't got to that point but more physically... So hats off to you. Fee
UPDATED FROM Lauri LaLa
8 months post

Setting up your bedroom before surgery

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Lauri LaLaOctober 23, 2014
If you set up your bedroom before surgery, it will make things easier for your recovery. Pillows that keep you propped up, rolling tray for meals or tablet use! Medications within easy access right on your bed! Night table close enough for drinks. I also bought " the clapper" which was great so I didn't need to reach to turn my light on and off !
All these things helped in my recovery ...

Replies (1)

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angelag83
March 16, 2015
Yes! An absolute necessity! I had bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction. I did get the tummy tuck for fat grafts and also have implants. So when I came home I had 7 drains, 2 in each breast, and 3 in the abdominal incision. I called them possums. But back to the prep. I used 3 pillows graduated in size under my head and neck, but the real trick was the 2 or 3 propping my legs up. I also has a small round pillow to rest elbows on. It was a cozy cocoon. It made it easier to get up and down and distributed my weight evenly. Also consider extra towels, one to pat dry with another to sit on. I took it easy on my diet and ate protein shakes and very small meals. I was more comfortable, and the pain management caused some GI grief. Drink plenty of liquids and the more you drink the better you will feel. You are going to be fine and it is an experience, but I found it helped to talk to others if I had a complaint such as, how come I don't have key lime pie yogurt, my husband was my caregiver and I didn't want to complain to him. I discovered during this process that my husband and sisters had a more difficult time then I did. Of course I had meds! I just think we need to take into consideration those who are caring for us too. It's hard on them too. You may contact me and I will answer any question I have experience with. I sure do wish I'd found this site before my procedures. Best wishes"
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