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Dr. Elliott is Part of Breast Reconstruction Panel for Plastic Surgery 2012: New Orleans

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Coming up at the end of October, Dr. Franklyn Elliott will be attending Plastic Surgery The Meeting from October 26th-30th in New Orleans. This annual conference will feature numerous panels and lectures about plastic and reconstructive surgery, scientific paper sessions, small group interactive sessions, and instructional courses.TheMeetingNewOrleans2012

Dr. Elliott enjoys both attending and participating in various plastic surgery events.  Just this past summer he was able to travel to Rome and Uzbekistan to share his passion for teaching with other surgeons about the latest plastic and reconstructive breast surgery techniques and technology.

In New Orleans, Dr. Elliott will be part of the event’s panel discussing comprehensive breast reconstruction.  This three hour course will review all methods of breast reconstruction, including latissimus reconstruction, implant reconstruction and TRAM flap reconstruction. Other topics that will be discussed during the course include patient selection, management of complications, and methods for secondary correction including nipple-areolar reconstruction.

Dr. Elliott finds these conferences important as they provide the opportunity for plastic surgeons from all over to share thoughts and ideas to continually improve the plastic surgery field.  He is looking forward to interacting with colleagues, sharing his knowledge, and will be sure to report the highlights when he returns from The Big Easy.

Be sure to stay tuned to the blog for a recap of the conference and to connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Google + for the latest plastic surgery news and information.

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 +.

What Are My Breast Reconstruction Options after Breast Cancer: Types of Reconstruction?

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As we mentioned in our previous blog on breast reconstruction options, reconstructing the breasts after breast cancer surgery can help women recover faster emotionally and restore the self-esteem of breast cancer survivors. While there are options as to when you choose to undergo breast reconstruction, there are also different types of reconstruction surgery. Patients can choose to have a reconstructed tissue flap to encase the breast implant, use their own tissue, or choose a combination of both. Patients can also choose between saline or silicone gel implants for their reconstruction.

Breast reconstruction can take place using the natural breast tissue if the general surgeon and oncologist deem it acceptable and safe to leave that tissue after removing the cancer.

Tissue flap procedures use tissue from another part of the body (abdomen, back, thighs, or buttocks) to reconstruct the breast. The two most common tissue flap procedures include the TRAM flap and latissimus dorsi flap techniques. The TRAM flap (transverse rectus abdominis muscle) procedure takes a section of skin, fat, blood vessels, and muscle from the abdomen to replace the breast tissue removed during a mastectomy. From there, a breast implant is inserted to rebuild the breast.

There are two different types of TRAM flap techniques. During a pedicled TRAM flap procedure, the tissue is not completely removed from the blood supply. While a free TRAM flap technique completely detaches the tissue and reattaches it to the blood vessels in the chest.

The latissimus dorsi flap procedure is similar to the pedicled TRAM except that the tissue, blood vessels, and muscle are moved from the upper back to the breast area creating a type of pocket for the implant.

The DIEP flap (deep inferior epigastric artery perforator) procedure works similarly to the TRAM flap technique except that it takes fat and skin from the lower abdominal area but does not use muscle. The effect on the stomach is the same as a tummy tuck since excess skin and tissue are removed from the lower abdomen except the excess tissue is used to rebuild the breast.

Breast reconstruction is an important choice for any breast cancer survivor. It takes careful deliberation and consulting with an oncologist and general surgeon, along with a reconstructive plastic surgeon like Dr. Franklyn Elliott, who actually worked to refine the TRAM breast reconstruction technique. For more information on breast reconstruction or to schedule a consultation, contact our office. Connect with us on Facebook and Twitter to stay up to date on the latest in breast cancer news.

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