Thank you!

Thank you all for your continued support and following!
Please continue to follow our blog on our AAAPlasticSugrery website:

http://www.aaaplasticsurgery.com/blog/

DIEP flap breast reconstruction and fat grafting

The DIEP flap has become one of the best breast reconstruction procedures today.  By utilizing your own skin and fat from your lower abdomen, this tissue is then transferred up to your breast and microsurgically reconnected to vessels in the nearby area in order to revascularize the tissue and provide a soft, supple, and durable breast reconstruction that looks and feels as a natural breast without the necessity of implants.  Just like a tummy tuck, this tissue is harvested from the same area leaving an incision on your lower belly, hidden within your panty line.  Another advantage is that there is minimal morbidity to you, since only skin and fat are taken...leaving all of your abdominal muscles intact, thus maintaing abdominal wall integrity with minimal, if any change in strength and range of motion.

Fat grafting has also become a mainstay in breast reconstruction.  By harvesting your own fat from areas in your body where there is excess via liposuction, this tissue is then prepared and reinjected into your breast.  It has become a great adjunct in breast reconstruction and significantly increased aesthetic results by its ability to improve contour deformities as well as increase size and improve shape.  It can also mask issues with rippling caused by implants.  One of the biggest advantages is its ability, as stem cells, to increase vascularity and ameliorate damages caused by radiation or scarring.

Fat grafting can be used along with the DIEP flap to improve contour deformities as well as improve shape and increase size.  It can provide all of the aforementioned advantages and is an excellent adjunct to breast reconstruction, especially in the DIEP flap.  These two techniques are specialized techniques.  Consult with a surgeon well-skilled and proficient in these two techniques.  There are several techniques available in breast reconstruction, and ensure that you are aware and offered all of them - then you can decide which one is the right one for you!

Risks of Complications in Implant Post-Mastectomy Breast Reconstruction

The two most important risk factors of implant loss after post-mastectomy breast reconstruction are smoking and obesity.  Those women who do smoke or are obese are more likely to suffer complications during their reconstructive procedure, as reported in a recent published article.  Such complications include early implant loss, infection, wound complications, additional revisionary procedures or need for flap procedures.

Other risk factors include diabetes, heart or lung disease, history of radiation therapy, and age.  The study also cited age >55, undergoing bilateral breast reconstruction, and undergoing direct-to-implant breast reconstruction as being associated with a higher risk of complications.

Thankful

Feeling just how much of an impact a friend can affect your life...what an inspiration to me as a person. Truly adoring her and thankful for having her in my life.

Breast CA/Reconstruction Radio Talk

Following is a link to a recent 4part series on Breast Cancer/Breast Reconstruction.  I was asked to discuss the topic of breast reconstruction on Main Street Out Loud with Rudi K hosted every Sat 3PM - KKNT 960AM radio.  See and listen to the 3rd Part of the Series of my discussion on breast reconstruction - implications/insurance/options/breast reconstruction/DIEP flaps.

http://www.mainstreetoutloud.com/id10.html

Hope this is helpful!

October 2013

Breast Cancer Patient Education Act introduced in Congress

During Women's Health Week (May 12-18), the Breast Cancer Patient Education Act (S.931/H.R. 1984) was introduced in both the Senate and House of Representatives.  This would direct the Health and Human Services to create an educational campaign to assist women understand their options for post-mastectomy breast reconstruction preoperatively.  As we know, a majority of women are unaware of this option, and thus, most women do not have reconstruction of the breast following mastectomy for that reason - because she is not aware of this option. 

This legislation would require the Health and Human Services Department to create information about reconstruction options for women.  Such educational materials would will hopefully inform women that breast reconstruction is possible at the time of their breast cancer surgery, or anytime after that.  It would also inform them of immediate, delayed, and no reconstruction.  Also, information will be given in regards to post-mastectomy breast prostheses, if no reconstruction is chosen.  Any educational materials will certainly inform breast cancer patients that federal law mandates the coverage of breast reconstruction in accordance with the Women's Health Rights and Cancer Act. 

We truly support and commend the Plastic Surgery Society in our efforts and hope that this will make a big impact on the breast cancer patients.