Preventing Lymphedema (LYMPHA)
Preventing Lymphedema (LYMPHA) The best approach to managing lymphedema may be to avoid it in the first place. LYMPHA is a cutting-edge surgical procedure that can prevent lymphedema. You may be able to have the LYMPHA procedure at the same time as your breast reconstruction. LYMPHA: Innovation in Prevention The LYMPHA (Lymphatic Microsurgical Preventative Healing […]
Implant Placement (Above or Below the Muscle)
Placement of Your Implant Retropectoral and Prepectoral Implant Placement Retropectoral Placement Also called subpectoral, this is the most common positioning of the implant. A tissue expander or implant is placed into a pocket created under the chest wall muscle (pectoralis). Advantages: Offers more soft tissue coverage and camouflage of the implant, particularly in extremely thin […]
Tissue Expander to Implant Procedure
How Tissue Expanders Work Breast Reconstruction with Tissue Expansion – “Expander to Implant” If a large amount of skin was removed during the mastectomy, or if you would prefer a larger breast, then it may be necessary to stretch the skin and the chest muscle at the site of the new breast. In this case, a […]
Lifts, Reductions & Augmentation
Breast Lift (Mastopexy) As part of the natural aging process, breasts can lose their volume and sag (known as “ptosis”). Ptosis is also common after weight gain or loss, or after pregnancy and breastfeeding. A breast lift, also known as a mastopexy, raises the breast and nipple to a more flattering position. The extent of the incisions […]
Revision Surgery
Correcting Problems & Improving Breast Appearance Our physicians specialize in fixing prior breast reconstructions. We offer a wide range of innovative solutions to considerably improve upon, or even completely redo, unsatisfactory results or previously failed breast reconstruction. Swelling and breast asymmetry (unequal size), is normal in the weeks after reconstruction. It’s recommended that you wait […]
Implant Replacement
Corrective Surgery for Implant Problems Implants may need to be replaced due to one of several problems: Capsular Contracture Scar tissue or a “capsule” forms around the implant, causing the implant becomes hard and loses its shape. Capsular contracture is the most common problem with implants. It usually, but not always, causes pain and requires […]
Scar Management
Promote Healing and Minimize Scarring To reduce the appearance of your scars, do the following: Massage the scar area Ask your surgeon when you’ve healed enough to start scar massage. Gently massaging the scar area can help to soften the tissue. Some women use cocoa butter, vitamin E oil or lotion, or other products to […]
Beauty & Cosmetic Medical Procedures
Beauty & Cosmetic Medical Procedures Look and feel your best during and after breast cancer treatment. Beauty & Self-Care During Cancer Treatment The stress of undergoing cancer treatment, not to mention the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation, can affect your physical and mental well-being. But there are resources to help: from cold-capping to reduce hair loss […]
Enhanced Recovery Program (ERP)
Enhanced Recovery Program (ERP) At the Friedman Center, we want to improve every aspect of your breast reconstruction—including recovery. An Enhanced Recovery Program (ERP) protocol is an approach to surgical recovery that seeks to hasten patients’ healing after surgery and reduce complications. The Friedman Center has pioneered this postsurgical approach in breast reconstruction and has published a […]
Abdominal Tissue Site
Abdominal Anatomy To understand how flap reconstructions are performed and the differences between them, it’s helpful to know a bit about your abdomen’s anatomy. Underlying the skin of the abdomen is a layer of fat. Under that fat is a layer of tough tissue called the fascia, which helps to hold in the intestines and […]