Micro-surgeon offers unique procedure for women

A local micro-surgeon is offering a procedure no one else in the Borderland does.

The advanced, one-of-a-kind procedure is helping women feel whole again after a mastectomy.

Dr. Ahn Lee says she came to the Borderland to help change lives. “I am the only micro-surgeon here in El Paso who performs the deep inferior epigastric perforator flap.” The surgery, also referred to as DIEP, gives the patient a tummy tuck and then the skin and fat is used to recreate the breast.

Before Dr. Lee came to El Paso four years ago, patients had to travel to Houston for the procedure.

“I was recruited here to El Paso to help breast cancer patients,” said Dr. Lee.

A patient of Dr. Lee told ABC-7 the first thing she thought of after getting a double masectomy was to get implants. But that’s no longer the case.

“There is no need for implants you are using the woman’s own skin and fat,” said Lee. “The patient does get a tummy tuck from the procedure because the skin and fat is used to recreate the breast so it is a permanent solution, which some women prefer.”

“I would rather have it all me, instead of something fake in my body,” said Lee’s patient. “It is just a really nice procedure to have.”

The procedure lasts 8 to 10 hours.

“Being able to help breast cancer patients finish their journey is very important to me,” Dr. Lee said.

To learn more about Dr. Lee’s services or to schedule an appointment, call (915)-351-9000.