Experience and Compassion Make the Difference
Most well-trained plastic surgeons can reconstruct a breast.
But it takes exceptional skills to use microsurgery to create a new, natural-looking breast without giving up important muscles. That’s why the doctors at the Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction have focused their energies on this specialty. They believe that for many women, the journey back to full health concludes once she feels physically “whole” again.
Co-directors Dr. Richard M. Kline, Jr. and Dr. James E. Craigie are certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery. Both surgeons have trained under Dr. Robert J. Allen, a pioneer in breast reconstruction using the DIEP, SIEA, and GAP flaps. Dr. Craigie completed a microsurgical breast reconstruction fellowship dedicated to muscle sparing techniques (directed by Robert J. Allen, M.D.). Dr. Richard M. Kline, Jr. completed his residency at LSU while Dr. Allen was developing these techniques.
Our entire surgical team is dedicated to remaining at the forefront of breast reconstruction surgery to provide excellent care and results for each individual patient. Because of this commitment, the practice consistently earns referrals from our patients, as well as from other surgeons throughout the United States.
What to Look for in a Surgeon
As you face the prospect of mastectomy and possibly reconstruction, it’s important that you feel you’re in good hands. Experts suggest that patients look for these four characteristics in their ideal plastic surgeon: skill, compassion, rapport, and honesty.
When interviewing surgeons (something you should do!) for microsurgical breast reconstruction, ask the following questions:
- Are you a microsurgeon? Where and by whom were you trained in this specialty?
- How many microsurgeries have you performed? And how often do you perform them?
- What is your success rate?
- Can you arrange for me to speak with some of your patients who have had the procedure I am seeking? (Candidates should speak with people of similar ages and lifestyles).
- How long do you anticipate I will be under anesthesia for the procedure?
- How many board certified physicians will be assisting with the first stage of the procedure? Will there be physicians in training (residents) involved with my surgery
- Will I have to sign a consent that if a physician is unable to complete the procedure, I will have to consent to a TRAM/Free TRAM?
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