When tumors are close to the nipple areola complex the nipple is often removed at the time of the lumpectomy to clear the anterior margin. When mammary prosthesis are in place, often the mammary prosthesis can be removed at the time of the lumpectomy procedure. Patients often choose to have their implants removed at the time of lumpectomy as they…
Breast reconstruction for bilateral mastectomy can be accomplished in several ways. One option for breast reconstruction is the placement of tissue expanders at the time of mastectomy and then removal of the tissue expanders and replacement with implants at a later date. The interval placement of tissue expanders allows the skin to heal prior to the direct placement of implants.…
In patients with ptotic breasts who have breast cancer, the nipple areola complex can not often be kept alive during the mastectomy because the remaining blood supply is not adequate enough to perfuse the nipple areola complex. In these patients, the nipple areola complex is removed at the time of mastectomy. These patients can then choose to undergo nipple areola…
There are often times when patients may undergo a lumpectomy with an oncoplastic reconstruction of the lumpectomy defect and then in the future undergo a mastectomy. This may happen in patients who have a genetic mutation that puts them at higher risk for breast cancer. In these patients, the nipple areola complex may be preserved as it is re-positioned to…
Bilateral DIEP flap reconstructions are common operations for breast cancer reconstruction. When the breast has been radiated, DIEP flaps can be very helpful for breast reconstruction. When implants or expanders have extruded through the skin the DIEP flap can help reconstruct the breast. After the breast has been reconstructed with a DIEP flap the final stage of the reconstruction is…
Breast reduction is a common procedure. Breast reduction procedures often occur at the same time as a removal of a mammary prosthesis. The satisfaction rate associated with breast reduction procedures is quite high. Patients who request breast reduction often are at a time in their lives when they wish to be more active and more mobile. Breast reduction surgery takes…
Breast cancer that is treated with lumpectomy defects will often undergo radiation therapy. The radiation therapy can adversely effect the skin and tissue of the breast. Common changes can be atrophy of the skin and fat necrosis. The latissimus flap can be helpful to fill lumpectomy defects or defects that occur after removal of fat necrosis. The latissimus flap can…
Bilateral DIEP flaps are rewarding procedures to perform. In patients who have larger breasts and who undergo mastectomy, there are often implants that are not large enough to adequately reconstruct the breasts. In these patients the tissue from the lower abdomen can be used to reconstruct the breasts and provide a natural look and feel to the breast. After the…
The abdominal contour can often be improved with hernia repair and tummy tuck operations when used in combination. Typically, I tell patients that after they undergo tummy tuck and hernia repair operations, that they will often feel very full soon after eating meals. Prior to the tummy tuck operation, when the abdominal domain is expanded, there is more room in…
Abdominoplasty is a commonly performed procedure. Typically patients come to our offices who have been exercising for quite some time, but who have difficulty tightening their lower abdomen. After childbirth, the lower abdomen can become significantly loose and distended. Often times, the lower abdomen will not “tighten-up” despite sit-ups or crunches. Abdominoplasty procedures can be helpful to tighten the…
