Blog | Andres Plastic Surgery

22

Jun

Post-Mastectomy Radiation Therapy…and Breast Reconstruction

Radiation therapy (RT) is a proven and well-accepted modality in treatment (or adjunct treatment) for breast cancer. It is almost always used following lumpectomy, as it significantly reduces the local recurrence rate. Even following mastectomy, although a definitive procedure for...

22

Jun

Silicone Implants

Several queries regarding silicone implants have been asked recently in regards to breast reconstruction. Basically, silicone implants have always been able to be used for reconstructive purposes. They were taken off the market for a time period for aesthetic reasons, but re-appr...

22

Jun

Implant-Based Breast Reconstruction and Recurrent Cancer

Many women are fearful, for obvious reasons, that implants may contribute to cancer recurrence or may hinder detection of any recurrent cancer. Implant-based reconstruction is the most common type of breast reconstruction, even today. Recurrence of cancer is always a concern, a...

22

Jun

Recent Mammography Recommendations

Recently, the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) has recently released recommendations for screening mammography for women. Their recommendations state that such mammograms should be every other year beginning at age 50yo, instead of the current guidelines of...

22

Jun

Acellular dermal matrix – breast reconstruction applications

The use of the acellular dermal matrix has grown in its applications and use in plastic & reconstructive procedures, and growing. It has truly been a remarkable addition for breast reconstruction. The acellular dermal matrix is a tissue that is specially-prepared, which comes...

22

Jun

Perforator flaps/Microsurgery

Flap reconstruction offers an autologous (your own tissue) reconstruction, and gives many of the benefits described in earlier posts, such as a soft and “natural” breast mound. Such flaps also are much better for those with a history of radiation, or those who will u...

22

Jun

Part IV: Flap-based reconstruction – DIEP flap

DIEP flapThe use of microsurgery and perforator flaps, such as the DIEP flap, is the newest and state of the art technique for plastic & reconstructive surgery today, including breast reconstruction. Very few plastic surgeons perform this technique due to its complexity, t...

22

Jun

Part III: Flap-based reconstruction – TRAM

TRAM flap (Transverse Rectus Abdominis Myocutaneous) flapThe excess skin, fat, and the rectus abdominis muscle are harvested from the lower abdominal wall. There are two (2) such muscles at the midline of your abdominal wall - one of them will be utilized for the reconst...

22

Jun

Part II: Flap-based reconstruction – latissimus dorsi

The excess skin, fat, and the latissimus dorsi muscle are harvested from the upper back. This flap is then tunneled under your axilla (armpit) to its new location at the breast area, with its blood vessels attached. The flap is then trimmed, shaped, and secured into place, once...

22

Jun

Insurance Coverage – State Laws

Insurance Coverage is Required for Post-Mastectomy Breast Reconstruction if Mastectomy is Covered. Alaska: enacted in 2000; conforms state law to the federal standards. The bill directly refers to the specific federal requirement: (A health care insurer that offers, issues for...

22

Jun

1998 Federal Breast Reconstruction Law

Following is the 1998 Federal Breast Reconstruction Law: Signed into Law on October 21, 1998 - ASPS is working with federal regulators as they draft guidance on implementation of the new law. SEC. 713. REQUIRED COVERAGE FOR RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY FOLLOWING MASTECTOMIES. (a) I...

22

Jun

Is Breast Reconstruction Covered?

I've been asked to comment on the insurance coverage for breast reconstruction. The following posts will detail the following laws on this issue. On October 21, 1998, the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998, became effective as part of the 1999 Omnibus Cons...

Blog Page 8

Post-Mastectomy Radiation Therapy…and Breast Reconstruction

Silicone Implants

Implant-Based Breast Reconstruction and Recurrent Cancer

Recent Mammography Recommendations

Acellular dermal matrix – breast reconstruction applications

Perforator flaps/Microsurgery

Part IV: Flap-based reconstruction – DIEP flap

Part III: Flap-based reconstruction – TRAM

Part II: Flap-based reconstruction – latissimus dorsi

Insurance Coverage – State Laws

1998 Federal Breast Reconstruction Law

Is Breast Reconstruction Covered?

Schedule Your Consultation