This week, James E. Craigie, MD, of The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction answers your question.Question: I am interested in the DIEP procedure after my mastectomy 2+ years ago, but wonder if I am a candidate. Would you accept pictures to review, before I would invest in a trip of that distance?Answer: Thank you for your question. If you are healthy and recovered well from your mastectomies then chances are you could safely have breast reconstruction using your own natural fatty tissue. If you feel that you have extra tummy tissue and would benefit from a tummy tuck approach then the DIEP could be a very good option. The DIEP procedure uses the fatty tissue and skin of the lower tummy. We specialize in breast reconstruction using natural fatty tissue. If a patient does not have enough tummy fat, has already had a tummy tuck or if previous surgery makes the tummy unavailable, then we can still use another area of the body to get natural tissue for breast reconstruction. We frequently evaluate patients from out of town by looking at photos and getting the important information from them. I can definitely let you know what option would be best for you without having to see you in person. If you want to come for a consult that would be great but we understand that may not be feasible when traveling from a distance. When patients do travel from out of town we make arrangements in advance and if they are having surgery then I see them in person the day before surgery. I would be glad to have my office staff contact you to let you know how to do the photos. Just let me know. Thanks again for your interest.Have a question about breast reconstruction or post-surgical you’d like answered from our surgical team? Just ask!