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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 from cadaveric skin. It has been processed in such a way that … Continue reading Acellular dermal matrix – breast reconstruction applications →

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 ultimately require postoperative radiation therapy following mastectomy. Autologous tissue flaps for … Continue reading Perforator flaps/Microsurgery →

Part IV: Flap-based reconstruction – DIEP flap

DIEP flap The 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, time, and skill involved, but such reconstruction arguably provides the best aesthetic … Continue reading Part IV: Flap-based reconstruction – DIEP flap →

October

Proud of the support and awareness of October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

Part III: Flap-based reconstruction – TRAM

TRAM flap (Transverse Rectus Abdominis Myocutaneous) flap The 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 reconstruction. This flap is then raised and tunneled under the … Continue reading Part III: Flap-based reconstruction – TRAM →

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 we have created a pleasing breast form, … Continue reading Part II: Flap-based reconstruction – latissimus dorsi →

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 delivery, delivers, or renews in this state a health care insurance plan providing medical and … Continue reading Insurance Coverage – State Laws →

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) IN GENERAL.-A group health plan, and a health insurance issuer providing health insurance … Continue reading 1998 Federal Breast Reconstruction Law →

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 Consolidated and Emergency Supplemental Appropriation Act. This new federal law requires … Continue reading Is Breast Reconstruction Covered? →

Part I: Implant-based reconstruction – tissue expander/implant

A multi-part discussion on the various types of breast reconstructive procedures will be done in the following posts. Each has their own advantages and disadvantages. My hopes will be to thoroughly inform you of the different options and help you decide, along with your plastic surgeon’s factoring in of your medical condition and your disease, … Continue reading Part I: Implant-based reconstruction – tissue expander/implant →

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