Archive for the ‘Reconstructive Surgery’ Category

« Older Entries

Oncoplastic Breast Reconstruction after Breast Cancer Surgery

Tuesday, June 28th, 2011 by ndgoldberg

Oncoplastic reconstruction refers to the combination of techniques for breast cancer surgery and aesthetic breast surgery.

Often, women with a cancer diagnosis who will require partial mastectomy or lumpectomy would like additional breast reduction, breast lift, or breast augmentation to either or both sides.  This is possible in certain cases, depending on the size and shape of the breasts as well as the location of the tumor.

I have developed many techniques to accomplish these goals, working with a variety of breast cancer surgeons.  Doing this type of work requires several things. First, I have to draw on a large experience of aesthetic breast surgery in order to modify standard techniques to fit these unique cases.

My experience has given me a a very deep understanding of the breast anatomy which enables me to move the tissues creatively and safely.  Finally, I have enough experience with these particular cases to have developed excellent communication with the oncologic breast surgeons with whom I work.  This last part is critical to ensure that the plan is understood by both surgeons in order to execute it in a way that is both oncologically sound and aesthetically pleasing.

A breast cancer diagnosis is always very emotionally difficult.  Oncoplastic breast surgery, however, allows a patient to look forward to achieving some personal aesthetic goals. A silver lining is always nice.

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Breast Surgery, Reconstructive Surgery | No Comments »

Early Surgical Intervention Best for Babies with Cleft Palate

Monday, May 16th, 2011 by Newswriter

Baby with cleft palateBirth defects can be devastating for a parent, but fortunately many common defects can be treated quickly and safely. Cleft lip and/or palate, which occurs when the lip or roof of the mouth fails to fuse properly, is one of the most common birth defects, with over 7,000 cases in the United States each year.

A recent article on Women’s Health explains some of the keys to effective treatment of oral-facial clefts: prenatal screening and diagnosis, early surgical intervention, and a well-coordinated care team who can look after all aspects of treatment and recovery.

Before Birth

It begins with prenatal ultrasounds, which can detect most cases and allow time for parents to prepare themselves emotionally. Doctors and parents can develop a treatment plan. Parents should anticipate some problems, such as difficulty feeding their baby, frequent ear infections, speech difficulties, and dental problems.

Surgery

Oral-facial cleft surgery is most effective within the first year of life, with cleft lip often being repaired by 3 months and cleft palate between 6 and 18 months.

After Surgery

Babies should have repeated visits with a number of specialists to ensure proper development after the surgery. Ear-nose-throat specialists, speech therapists, orthodontists, audiologists, and psychologists can identify any post-operative issues that may arise.

There are also some steps that you can take before pregnancy to reduce the risk of this common birth defect. Women can take 400-microgram folic acid tablets to aide in cell production and DNA synthesis. Quitting smoking and avoiding secondhand smoke are also very important. Be sure to talk to your doctor about any medications you may be taking, as well as any family history of oral-facial clefts.

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Facial Surgery, Reconstructive Surgery | No Comments »

California’s First Hand Transplant Patient Tells Her Story

Monday, May 9th, 2011 by Newswriter

The field of transplant surgery has seems to be advancing rapidly in recent years, with the country’s first facial transplant having been a success in March. Surgeons are now able to transplant entire parts of the body in ways that would have been thought absurd 20 years ago.

Even more compelling than these ground-breaking reconstructive surgeries, however, are the stories of those pioneering patients who have braved the lengthy procedures, extensive physical therapy, and the risk of rejection to take another shot at living a normal life. Emily Fennell, California’s first hand transplant patient, is one of these people.

A 26-year-old single mother, Fennell lost her right hand to a car accident five years ago, when she was the passenger in a sideswiped car that rolled over. Her hand was mangled, and later amputated, when it went through the sunroof and was crushed between the car and the road. After getting out of the hospital, Fennell learned how to use her left hand for everything from writing to driving a car and everything in between.

After learning about hand transplant surgeries, she applied and was accepted to the hand transplant program at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center. She knew the risks of transplant surgery, which usually results in a lifelong dependence on powerful immunosuppressant medications, but she also knew that she was ready. She waited only a couple of weeks for a donor.

Fennell now attends physical therapy for eight hours a day, as she awaits the day when her nerve connections will grow to the extent that the new hand will have sensation and she will be able to fully accept it as hers. She lives in UCLA-sponsored housing while her daughter stays with relatives, and says that she can’t wait to hug her daughter “with both hands.”

Read about Hand Surgery in Westchester County, Scarsdale and Dobbs Ferry, NY

Tags: ,
Posted in Reconstructive Surgery | No Comments »

Stem Cells the Key to New Breast Reconstruction Technique

Wednesday, March 30th, 2011 by Newswriter

Woman embracing her breastsWomen only grow breasts at one point during their lifetime, and until now the loss of a breast has meant reconstructive surgery, which uses relocated tissue or prosthetics.

However, it may soon be possible for women around the world who have endured mastectomies to regrow their breasts with little more than their own cells. In fact, it’s already been successfully tested in the UK and Australia, and it’s all thanks to stem cells.

Stem cells have the ability to regenerate tissue and can transform into different types of cells. For this surgery, stem cells are drawn from the patient’s own body and cultured in a laboratory.

Afterward, they are combined with fat removed from the patient’s thigh or stomach, and then injected into the patient’s breast along with a plastic mold implanted beneath the patient’s skin. Researchers found that the stem cells would assist in the creation of new breast tissue over the months following the surgery. Eventually the plastic mould is removed.

Besides replacing breasts removed by mastectomy, this technique could have numerous applications in cosmetic breast surgery, as patients who do not wish to have saline or silicone implants will have a new alternative available. According to the Sunday Express, this procedure has already proven successful for British and Australian patients.

“There are a lot of women who don’t have reconstructive surgery for whatever reason or have silicone breast implants but this will give them their own tissue back,” says Professor Wayne Morrison of Melbourne University, who has successfully performed the technique on two patients. “We hope the technology will have a significant impact around the world.”

However, it will take some years before stem-cell breast regrowth can be approved for use within the United States, says CBS News medical correspondent Dr. Jennifer Ashton. “Right now, in this country, this is not FDA-approved. There are no clinical trials going on yet. But [experts] are very hopeful that, in the next five years, we can see this being done in this country.”

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Breast Surgery, Reconstructive Surgery | No Comments »

« Older Entries