Hi everyone,
I'm starting my hunt for a Syd based plastic surgeon to do my reconstruction. My only option is a TRAM flap recon, so if anyone has had one and was SUPER happy with their surgeon, could I grab their details please?
Thanks!
xx
Hi Chris,
Wow, thanks so much for all of this info, I really really appreciate it. Sounds like we're doing the same research!
I'll follow up on the people you have recommended. Again, thank you so much.
Cass x
Hi Cass,
I have come across a " fabulous" surgeon in Sydney last Friday. He is Dr Pennington from RPA and I was so impressed with him. He has a lovely manner, and he specialises in the DIEP, not the TRAM. The DIEP uses only the fat and leaves the muscle, so no weakness is left in your tummy, but it is a more complicated procedure and could take up to 12 hours for 2 breasts, if I decide to have another mastectomy. I would have complete faith in him if I decide on this procedure. He has an excellent website, and he has many before and after pictures on it. He also has plenty to show me at my consultation. I have also seen one of his DIEPs in the flesh, and it was very good. Another great plastic surgeon is Megan Hassall and she is at the RNSH and The North Shore private. I'm due to see her at the end of September, (having made my appointment back in April). I've seen 2 of her TRAMs and one of her implants, and these too were spectacular. She doesn't the DIEP. Two other Drs who are also highly regarded and work at the SAN are Thomas Lam and Charles Cope. They do the TRAM and implants. I've only seen Dr Copes implants and they were amazing, but haven't seen their TRAMs. Dr Cope has a very impressive website. I hope this has helped you. I did what you are doing, and saw a few drs well before I was ready, so I could have time to thoroughly research all my options. Today I'm thinking the implants are the way to go, but by tomorrow I'm likely to have changed my mind again.
Good luck with your decision making.
Cchris xx
Hi Cass,
I have come across a " fabulous" surgeon in Sydney last Friday. He is Dr Pennington from RPA and I was so impressed with him. He has a lovely manner, and he specialises in the DIEP, not the TRAM. The DIEP uses only the fat and leaves the muscle, so no weakness is left in your tummy, but it is a more complicated procedure and could take up to 12 hours for 2 breasts, if I decide to have another mastectomy. I would have complete faith in him if I decide on this procedure. He has an excellent website, and he has many before and after pictures on it. He also has plenty to show me at my consultation. I have also seen one of his DIEPs in the flesh, and it was very good. Another great plastic surgeon is Megan Hassall and she is at the RNSH and The North Shore private. I'm due to see her at the end of September, (having made my appointment back in April). I've seen 2 of her TRAMs and one of her implants, and these too were spectacular. She doesn't the DIEP. Two other Drs who are also highly regarded and work at the SAN are Thomas Lam and Charles Cope. They do the TRAM and implants. I've only seen Dr Copes implants and they were amazing, but haven't seen their TRAMs. Dr Cope has a very impressive website. I hope this has helped you. I did what you are doing, and saw a few drs well before I was ready, so I could have time to thoroughly research all my options. Today I'm thinking the implants are the way to go, but by tomorrow I'm likely to have changed my mind again.
Good luck with your decision making.
Cchris xx
Hi Chris,
My surgeon mentioned 2 names of surgeons she recommends but i didn't write down their names (silly, i know). She has told me I'll be looking at a TRAM flap recon though. I also need to wait 6 months after radiation finishes (i finish on Friday) and I plan on getting 3 opinions before deciding. Ideally I want to see 'before and after' pics of their work too ... good luck with your hunt, if you come across anyone 'fabulous' in Sydney please let me know!
Cass xx
Hi Cass,
How is your hunt for a plastic surgeon going? Your breast surgeon should be able to recommend someone who can do the job. I'm also on the hunt for reconstruction options, and I could be suitable for all the options. Sometimes I think it would be better to have no choices, as I have trouble trying to decide what is best for me. At present I change my mind on a daily basis about what procedure I think I want. I have seen 2 plastic surgeons so far, and will see another on Friday. They all specialise in a different procedure, so I should have asked before I spent the money on a consult. On Friday this doctor that I'm seeing specialises in the DIEP procedure, like the TRAM but not taking the muscle.
Good luck with your hunt.
Chris xx
Hi Cass,
How is your hunt for a plastic surgeon going? Your breast surgeon should be able to recommend someone who can do the job. I'm also on the hunt for reconstruction options, and I could be suitable for all the options. Sometimes I think it would be better to have no choices, as I have trouble trying to decide what is best for me. At present I change my mind on a daily basis about what procedure I think I want. I have seen 2 plastic surgeons so far, and will see another on Friday. They all specialise in a different procedure, so I should have asked before I spent the money on a consult. On Friday this doctor that I'm seeing specialises in the DIEP procedure, like the TRAM but not taking the muscle.
Good luck with your hunt.
Chris xx
Hi cassboyle,
I can't recommend a surgeon but I can direct you to the 'Breast Reconstruction' page of the website - http://www.bcna.org.au/new-diagnosis/treatment/breast-reconstruction.
All the best
Regards,
Daina
