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Options if DIEP not available?

Page last modified on: September 30, 2008
Question from Mitla: What would you suggest for the patient who wants a DIEP, but doesn't find it readily available in her area?
Answer —Carolyn Chang, M.D.: If you really want a DIEP flap and it's not readily available in your area, your only option is to travel. You can always have it done after the mastectomy in a delayed fashion. The other alternative, of course, is a regular pedicle TRAM flap, which, once again, I feel is an outstanding reconstruction. I don't know your particular concerns. There really aren't any other options if the DIEP isn't available to you other than going to where the DIEP is available.

On Wednesday, April 20, 2005, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Reconstruction and Safe, Sexy Cosmetics. Carolyn C. Chang, M.D., Anna-Dee Rinehart, S.C.S., and moderator Lillie Shockney, R.N., B.S., M.A.S. answered your questions about reconstructive surgery and safe, sexy cosmetics.

The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.

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Meet the Experts

Carolyn C. Chang, M.D. is a board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in breast reconstruction after mastectomy, TRAM flap reconstruction, and implant reconstruction.

Anna-Dee Rinehart S.C.S. is a nurse-aesthetician, aesthetic instructor, and director of education for Austin Medical Aesthetics in Austin, Texas.

Lillie Shockney, RN., BS., M.A.S.Lillie Shockney, R.N., B.S., M.A.S. is the administrative director of the Johns Hopkins Avon Foundation Breast Center.

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