Ask The Doctor-Can You Do a Fat Transfer Without Muscle Movement?

This week, James E. Craigie, MD, of The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction answers your question.

Question: I am 57 years old and a 10 year BC survivor. I had bilateral mastectomy in 06 followed up with expander and implants. I am tired of the painful implants and want reconstruction with fat transfer. I would like to have transfer alone without muscle movement. Do any of your Doctors do this procedure?

Answer: Thank you for your question. I am sorry to hear that you are having problems with your implant breast reconstruction. We specialize in breast reconstruction using your own natural fatty tissue without sacrificing your important muscles. When patients are having implant type problems we can offer them an option that includes replacing their implants with their own fatty tissue and repairing the chest muscle that is now bothering you.

Since 2002 our practice has helped many women with problems similar to what you describe. I would be glad to give you more information about your specific situation. Let me know I could have my staff contact you for more specifics and set up a time we could talk over the phone. Just let me know what is most convenient for you.

Have a question about breast reconstruction or post-surgical you’d like answered from our surgical team? Just ask!

Ask The Doctor-What are Some Options After Bilateral Mastectomies?

This week, James E. Craigie, MD, of The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction answers your question.

Question: I had bi-lat mast in 2011…no attempt at reconstruction. My age is now 69. Do I have options other than implants of the ‘flap’ procedure? Fat transfer? Thanks you for your attention to this question.

Answer: Thank you for your question. Since you have had bilateral mastectomies you have multiple options for breast reconstruction. The options are independent of your age and if you are healthy then you can have breast reconstruction. Your possible options include: implants or your own tissue.

Results with implants may not be as natural and if you have had radiation then maybe implants would not be a good option. Also results with implants require more revisions. Using your own tissue without sacrificing your muscles is another option that does not include implants.

A flap procedure using your own fatty tissue usually requires two main procedures possibly three but then the results are permanent. Fat transfer or fat grafting is a possible option but that requires 4- 5 procedures. Please let me know if you need more information.

Have a question about breast reconstruction or post-surgical you’d like answered from our surgical team? Just ask!

Ask The Doctor-Is the DIEP flap procedure an option for me?

pink flowerThis week, James E. Craigie, MD, of The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction answers your question.

Question:I had a bilateral mastectomy with expanders in October of 2013, followed by chemo and radiation. It is now time for my exchange surgery, but I really want the DIEP flap procedure. My plastic surgeon is hesitant to do the surgery. Is a flap procedure even an option at this point?

Answer: Thanks for your question. Yes it is possible and we frequently do replace expanders or implants with DIEP flaps. In other words the extra skin and fatty tissue from the tummy area. Some people may not have extra tissue to use from their tummy or may have had previous surgery (tummy tuck). In that situation we can usually find extra fatty tissue from another area without removing any of your important muscles. If your surgeon does not think you should do that, ask why. There may be a good reason. You can always get a second opinion if you like. Let me know if you would like more information. Thanks again.

Have a question about breast reconstruction or post-surgical you’d like answered from our surgical team? Just ask!

Ask The Doctor-I am 52 years old and thinking about a bilateral DIEP flap surgery.

white flowerThis week, James E. Craigie, MD, of The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction answers your question.

Question: I am 52 years old and thinking about a bilateral DIEP flap.

Answer: Thank you for your question. Have you already had a bilateral mastectomy? Do you have a specific question regarding the surgery? If you are thinking about a bilateral DIEP you have been considering options for breast reconstruction. This surgery can be done at the time of mastectomy or it can be done any time after. Also it can be appropriate for patients who have had breast cancer or who are at high risk for breast cancer. We would be glad to contact you for more specific information if you like.  

Have a question about breast reconstruction or post-surgical you’d like answered from our surgical team? Just ask!

Ask The Doctor-I have just undergone a nipple sparring bilateral mastectomy, and I’m concerned about the outcome. What are my options?

purple flowerThis week, James E. Craigie, MD, of The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction answers your question.

Question: I am a 49 year old woman, and I have just undergone a nipple sparring bilateral mastectomy with a lat flap & expanders put in. My surgery was on 10/30, so I am at 3 weeks and am having necrosis issues on one nipple and in another area near an incision. I am extremely concerned about the outcome of my results and would love to hear your opinions as to what my options might be? We were actually scheduled for a trip to Charleston in Nov for 5 days that I regretfully had to postpone due to my recent breast cancer diagnosis. Any advice you could give me would be GREATLY appreciated!

Answer: Thank you for your question. I’m sorry your having some healing problems.   I know it can be stressful. It can also seem a lot worse than it really is. It is hard to picture the end result when you are going through the healing phase. When my patients have mastectomy skin healing problems we are very conservative and let the healing progess slowly and manage the wounds carefully. Many times the end result is much better than anticipated. I would be glad to see you when your in town to give you my opinion. Just let us know. We can try to make it convenient, it sounds like you could use a nice vacation. My office can contact you to make arrangements if you like.

Have a question about breast reconstruction or post-surgical you’d like answered from our surgical team? Just ask!