Patients often undergo unilateral mastectomy. In these patients, depending upon the status of the contralateral breast, the contralateral breast is often best matched with a reconstruction using the patients own body tissues. Depending on previous surgery and on previous radiation, a small portion of the abdominal skin may be transferred to the mastectomy site, not only to monitor the blood flow to the reconstructed breast, but also to help improve the overall contour and shape of the breast. Often the preferred recipient vessels for the breast reconstruction are the internal mammary vessels. In addition, a secondary source of venous outflow is added to the breast reconstruction. This can be an additional internal mammary vein or can be a vein from the neck (external jugular vein) or vein from the arm (cephalic vein)
About Brian Dickinson
Dr. Dickinson is a Board Certified Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon operating out of Newport Beach, California. He believes that the reconstructive and aesthetic surgical principles appropriately complement each other and share's his techniques and advice freely.
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