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Trish22's avatar
Trish22
Member
14 years ago

I need a DIEP Specialist in Sydney

I am trying to find the best DIEP flap breast reconstruction specialist in Sydney. Any suggestions would be greatly appreicated.

My diagnosis, age 32 grade 3 tumor, lumpectomy, chemo and radiation therapy. All clear for nearly 6 years now but recently diagnosed with BRCA 1 gene mutation and have been advised to have a preventative double mastectomy, breast reconstruction and ovaries removed by the time I'm 40 which is in a year and a half.

Was intially hoping to get a nice little boob job with implants but have been advised that my damaged radiotherapied skin will not withstand that proceeduree and there is a 75% chance of complication. So on to option 2. TRAM or DIEP flap procedure.

I am a highly active sports person and hate the idea of my abdomen being compromised and the though of the TRAM flap procedure really worries me. Then I was told of the DIEP flap procedure that does not compromise the abdomen muscles and I am keen to know more.

However, I now need to find a DIEP flap speicalist in Sydney and would greatly appreciate any recommendations.

Also would love to hear from anyone that has had the DIEP procedure and any advice on what to expect, also how much their abdomen has really been effected in regards to high levels of physical activity, what the scaring is like and how long you were out of action during recovery.

I look forward to any advice or comments.

Trish :)

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  • Julia44's avatar
    Julia44
    Member
    14 years ago

    Hi Chris and Trish,

    I am thinking DIEP also as I will be having radiotherapy.  So I will remember Dr Pennington. 

    Chris, I am wondering if you know anything about his fees- presuming it has to be done as a private patient??

    Thanks,

    Julia

     

     

  • Trish22's avatar
    Trish22
    Member
    14 years ago
    Thank you Chris for your reply, much appreciated. I will look into Dr Pennington. Good luck with your journey. Kind regards, Trish :)
  • Chris's avatar
    Chris
    Member
    14 years ago
    Hi Trish, I have just begun my double reconstruction, but opted in the end for tissue expanders, after seeing 3 surgeons and looking at all options. As I haven't had radiotherapy, and am only small busted, for me implants were the best choice. However I was very keen on the DIEP and found an excellent Sydney surgeon who I would have complete trust in had I decided to go down that path. The Dr is Professor David Pennington from RPA, and he is an expert in this field, and has done more than any other Sydney surgeon. He is a great believer in the DIEP over the TRAM, as it preserves the stomach muscles. 2 of my friends have also had him, so I've seen first hand how good he is. Check out his web page. I was able to see him within a few weeks of ringing for an appointment. Good luck. Love Chris xxx