Q:
Hello,
I had a double mastectomy on June 5, 2018, for breast cancer. I finished chemotherapy on November 28th, 2018. I am interested in having the DIEP done and I read information about the ReSensation™ option and am very interested. I live in Aiken, S.C. and would love to get an appointment scheduled.
Thanks,
Erin
A:
Hi Erin,
I’m sorry you have had breast cancer, but we would be delighted to help you. We have done about 1,400 DIEP reconstructions over the last 15 years, with a 99% flap survival rate (plus about 300 other perforator flaps for breast reconstruction, mostly sGAPs and PAPs). We have been using ReSensation™ to improve the chances of restoring sensation since October 2017.
While there is not yet definitive published data proving that the nerve grafts help restore sensation, there are some promising early results. We have had some difficulty with certain insurance companies refusing to pay for the nerve grafts, but we would of course address that with them prior to your surgery. I would be delighted to see you in consultation at a time convenient for you. I typically see new patients on Tuesdays and Fridays, but I can often see patients on other days if it works better for you. Thanks for your inquiry, and have a great day!
Best,
Richard M. Kline Jr., M.D.
Dr. Kline trained in microsurgery with Dr. Robert Allen, who was pioneering the DIEP, SIEA, and GAP flaps.
Hello,
I had a double mastectomy 10 years ago n Jan at age 58. At the same time I has the Lattisamus Flap reconstruction done. I have never been happy w that surgery bc my breast increased in size after we talked about a reduction . My husband & I both kept asking the plastic surgeon if I was just swollen & he agreed for a short time & then just said no, I was not swollen & had no explanation why I was so large n 1 side & the lumpectomy breast had a different shap♀️ I have also had trouble w my breasts pulling toward my armpits. Trying to find a bra to bring them toward the front is impossible. So my question is if I could just have the implants removed & nothing replace them? I would probably totally b totally flat but I’ve about decided that might b best for me. What is your thinking on this or any other suggestions? Thank you, Virginia