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TRAM Flap Breast Reconstruction Dissected

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After a woman has had a mastectomy or breast cancer removal she may choose to have a breast reconstruction procedure. There are several different techniques for breast reconstruction.  A common technique is the TRAM flap, or transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous surgery, which utilizes a portion of a woman’s abdominal fat, muscle, and skin to reconstruct a breast.  Many women prefer using their own tissue for their breast reconstructions because it can produce a more natural looking result. While other breast reconstruction techniques like reconstruction with a breast implant can also yield natural looking results, some women may not have enough healthy breast tissue after cancer removal to be candidates for such methods.

The first TRAM flap reconstruction was performed over 25 years ago and has gained popularity among women and reconstructive surgeons over time. Retired Dr. Carl Hartrampf, co-founder of Atlanta Plastic Surgery, originated the TRAM flap method for breast reconstruction after a mastectomy.  Since then Dr. Franklyn Elliott has significantly refined the TRAM technique and has performed the procedure live in a number of centers worldwide. As one of his specialties, Dr. Elliott is passionate about breast reconstruction and often travels around the world discussing and teaching fellow plastic surgeons the latest reconstruction techniques.  As the former director and current co-director of the Atlanta Breast Surgery Symposium, Dr. Elliott remains on the cutting edge with advancements in breast reconstruction technologies and has written numerous articles discussing TRAM flap reconstructions.  To prevent breast surgery complications he uses a well designed surgical plan and consistent technique when performing a TRAM flap surgery on his patients.

The TRAM flap technique is helpful for patients who do not wish to or are unable to undergo reconstruction with implants or tissue expanders. There are two types of TRAM flap techniques, the pedicled TRAM flap and free TRAM flap. During a pedicled TRAM flap procedure the tissue maintains its original blood supply while the free TRAM flap completely removes the tissue from the body and reattaches it to the blood vessels in the chest.

To learn about more about the TRAM flap procedure and other types of breast reconstruction please contact our office and connect with Dr. Elliott on Facebook, Twitter, and Google +.

Recap of Rome Breast Surgery Symposium

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Dr. Franklyn Elliott has returned to Georgia after attending a short, but eventful, Breast Surgery Symposium in Rome, Italy last week.  During this three day conference, Dr. Elliott and plastic surgeons from around the world met and discussed plastic and reconstructive breast surgery. Dr. Elliott enjoys these symposiums because they give him the chance to teach fellow colleagues new techniques while hearing ideas from other experts in the field as well.

He had the opportunity participate in a roundtable discussion about complications in mammary reconstructive surgery, lead a session for experts in the field on the many different approaches for breast reconstruction surgery, and present a short video explaining nipple areola complex reconstruction.

Dr. Elliott’s “Masterclass” discussed breast reconstruction after minimal incision mastectomy, the oncoplastic approach to Breast Conserving Therapy, subcutaneous mastectomy, and symmetrization mammoplasties.

Dr. Elliott was able to meet many new people and enjoyed teaching and learning new things with other surgeons. Although his week was action packed he was able to take some time to sightsee with his daughter.  If you haven’t had a chance, be sure to check out photos from the trip on our Facebook page and be sure to stay connected through Twitter for more news and information about breast surgery and reconstruction.

Dr. Franklyn Elliott to Attend Rome Breast Surgery Symposium

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 Dr. Franklyn Elliott is currently counting down the days until he leaves for the Rome Breast Surgery Symposium June 6-8th. Although he’s looking forward to visiting Italy, he is also very excited to take part in this symposium. During the 3 day conference, Dr. Elliott and plastic surgeons from around the world will discuss reconstructive and aesthetic breast surgery with “Excellence as the Common Challenge.” By attending symposiums like this one and the annual Atlanta breast surgery symposium, plastic surgeons can share ideas and techniques to improve plastic and reconstructive surgery results.

A teacher at heart, Dr. Elliott is not just attending the symposium. On Thursday, he will be showing a video entitled “Finishing Touches” discussing nipple areola complex reconstruction. Later on, he will be presenting a lecture called “Masterclass,” where he will discuss breast reconstruction after different types of mastectomy and the oncoplastic approach. He will also take part in the symposium’s round table discussion about breast surgery complications.

Dr. Elliott is looking forward to meeting new people, teaching, and learning from other surgeons. Stay tuned to his blog for more details about his trip upon his return, and be sure to stay connected with him on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.

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