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breast reconstruction technology

PEAK Plasma Blade for Breast Reconstruction

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With a passion for breast reconstruction, Dr. Elliott is committed to providing his patients with safe and effective care before, during, and after surgery. To help do so, Dr. Franklyn Elliott stays abreast the latest technologies and most advanced techniques available for both cosmetic and reconstructive surgery.

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Breast reconstruction surgery is an intricate procedure that is unique for each individual. As Dr. Elliott has previously mentioned in his blogs, there are many options for breast reconstruction depending on the patient’s needs.  Despite whether the patient undergoes TRAM flap surgery or direct to implant reconstruction, Dr. Elliott has found the PEAK surgery system helpful in reducing surgical complications.

The PEAK plasma blade is an electrosurgical device that uses a low heat energy system. Plasma is an electrically conductive cloud or gas that is created when radiofrequency energy contacts tissue.  Plasma allows the energy to cross at lower energy levels, leading to lower operating temperatures and less thermal damage. This FDA-cleared surgical device has the advantage of providing exact control of a scalpel and bleeding control of traditional surgical techniques with less damage and quicker wound healing. Another benefit of using the plasma blade during breast reconstruction is the reduced risk of blood vessels constricting so normal circulation can be maintained in the transplanted tissue.

During a consultation, Dr. Elliott thoroughly discusses a patient’s options and the available techniques to determine what will provide optimal results for their breast reconstruction surgery.  Please contact our office for additional information about breast reconstruction or any other procedure questions you may have. Be sure to connect with Dr. Elliott on Facebook, Twitter, and Google + for the latest cosmetic and reconstructive news and information.

New Device May Help Patients Prepare for Breast Reconstruction

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Every women responds differently when they receive a life-changing diagnosis such as breast cancer.  As a patient discovers her treatment path, she will most likely also consider breast reconstruction surgery options.  Breast reconstruction is a procedure that restores breasts after breast cancer removal surgery.

There are many options available for breast reconstruction surgery including TRAM flap breast reconstruction, DIEP flap reconstruction, and scarless latissimus flap surgery.  Depending on the circumstances, a woman may have immediate or delayed breast reconstruction using a breast implant or tissue expander.

As one of Dr. Franklyn Elliott’s passions, he understands reconstructive surgery is a personal decision and spends the time with each patient discussing all of their options as well as questions and concerns. As each patient’s circumstances are unique, Dr. Elliott can help evaluate and prepare an individual for  breast reconstruction surgery. During a consultation he will determine if a patient has enough tissue to insert a breast implant or if a tissue expander is needed to create more room for an implant.

Recently, the first remote-controlled tissue expander device was used at the University of Massachusetts Medical School to prepare a patient for breast reconstruction. The AirXpander is similar to other tissue expanders as it stretches skin to make room for the implant but is less invasive than other options. With this device an implant is inserted that contains a cartridge of carbon dioxide and an antenna. A transponder remotely triggers the device to release carbon dioxide up to three times a day under the skin. This preparation is said to be virtually pain-free, and women can be prepared for surgery in much less time than the regular 6-month wait with traditional tissue expanders.

As Dr. Elliott stays on the forefront of new breast reconstruction technology and advancements, he is excited to see more about this device’s use. The AirXpander is currently undergoing clinical trials at 10 hospitals across the county.

To find more information about breast procedures Dr. Elliott performs, please contact our office.  You can see Dr. Elliott’s breast work on our before and after gallery. To stay updated on the latest in breast surgery news follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google +.

How Long Does Breast Reconstruction Take?

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After breast cancer surgery like a mastectomy, many women find it difficult to consider breast reconstruction surgery. However, studies done across the country including one published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery®, the official medical journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) says that breast reconstruction is beneficial both physically and emotionally for breast cancer patients and survivors.
The process of having a breast removed is mentally trying, and having additional invasive procedures to replace what was lost often gets put to the wayside in favor of emotional healing. However, new advances in breast reconstruction technology and techniques make undergoing breast reconstruction surgery safer and more beneficial than ever.

One common question from many of Dr. Franklyn Elliott’s breast reconstruction patients is how long the breast reconstruction process takes. While the answer to this varies depending on the type of procedure performed and each patient’s individual situation, the average breast reconstruction procedure  can take anywhere from 1 to 3 hours.

A tissue expander procedure can take about an hour to complete, while pedicled TRAM, free TRAM, and DIEP flap reconstruction techniques take 2 to 3 hours depending on the patient and the surgeon. During a pedicled TRAM, muscle and other tissue is removed from the abdomen and relocated to the breast area, while remaining attached to a blood supply. With the free TRAM technique, muscle and fat tissue is removed from a section of the abdomen and reattached to a blood supply in the breast area. In a DIEP flap procedure, tissue is removed from the donor area with no muscle attached to help recreate the breast.
For some women, procedures are spread out in which tissue is removed and relocated to the breast and then tissue expanders are used to help stretch the skin to make room for an implant. In these cases, multiple procedures are necessary to achieve the patient’s desired result.

As the developer of one of the original breast reconstruction techniques first used by breast surgeons, Dr. Elliott will be showcasing the latest in breast reconstruction technology at the Annual Breast Surgery Symposium in Atlanta on January 13th- 15th, 2012.

Contact our office for more information on the different breast reconstruction techniques or to schedule a consultation for a reconstructive or cosmetic surgery procedure. You can also find Dr. Elliott on Facebook and Twitter with the latest in breast cancer and breast reconstruction news as well as cosmetic surgery updates!