Blog

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 the cancer, may be recommended RT following the mastectomy due to various pathologic findings. Classic … Continue reading Post-Mastectomy Radiation Therapy…and Breast Reconstruction →

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-approved in the last few years for this purpose. The FDA approved Allergan Corp. … Continue reading Silicone Implants →

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, and thus, studies were performed to evaluate if implants hindered or lengthened the time … Continue reading Implant-Based Breast Reconstruction and Recurrent Cancer →

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 beginning at age 40yo (35yo for high-risk women). Mammography has unquestionably saved many lives, especially in … Continue reading Recent Mammography Recommendations →

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 →

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