Waiting on the waiting list!

Hi Maria, not all surgeons are experienced in offering different types of breast reconstruction, particularly the more complex procedures such as DIEP surgery where the surgeon needs to be trained in microsurgical techniques. This more specialised surgery is typically undertaken by a plastic surgeon, but again, not all plastic surgeons are trained in this procedure so you need to seek out someone who has this training and who performs the procedure very regularly.

Are you a member of the Breast Reconstruction group? There are lots of ladies in that group (including myself) who have had DIEP reconstruction and reading their stories and viewing their photos may help give you more information about what to expect. You can post a question asking about referrals to a DIEP-trained plastic surgeon in Sydney that also works out of the public system. It is definitely a good idea to seek out at least another opinion as it is so important to feel confident and comfortable with your surgeon and feel as though you are being listened to. You can join the group here: breast-reconstruction-online-group - just click on Join and send us a brief message about why you'd like to join the group :-)

You might also find the information available on the Reclaim Your Curves website about the different procedures available, as well as tips on choosing the right surgeon for you, helpful. This is the link to the site: reclaimyourcurves.  

Best wishes, Jane xx