My Mastectomy with axillary clearance was done by a Breast Surgeon.
He did not talk about reconstruction in any detail, prior to surgery to remove the cancer, and have 20weeks Chemo and 5weeks R/T.
After all of that, he talked about Recon.
He told me which ones could do confidently and with experience.
He referred me for an opinion for DIEP to a PS. That is very long 10-12 hrs and is microsurgery.
I wasn't suitable.
I sought a second opinion from a different PS, who also decided that I wasn't suitable. Based on a CT scan of my abdominal blood vessels.
I don't know why, but had my surgery with the second PS, mostly based on one personal recommendation from a friend from work. She was very happy.
I believe any of these Drs could have done my surgery well.
I had a Lat Dorsi (Cancer side) and prophylactic Mastectomy to other side (actually done by my breast surgeon, present in theatre at the same time) I had Bilateral tissue expanders and closed by the PS.
The PS did most of the surgery. Perhaps the Breast surgeon can identify and remove breast tissue better.
I don't know if a General surgeon would do a Breast Reconstruction.
My story and photos are in 'Choosing Reconstruction'
