Breast Reconstruction

Innovative Approaches to Breast Reconstruction: Esoteric and Combination Flaps

Understand the possibilities of sophisticated microsurgery in breast reconstruction.

Dr. Joshua L. Levine, MD, FACS, a world-renowned pioneer microsurgeon, specializes exclusively in natural tissue breast reconstruction, offering unparalleled expertise and innovative solutions.

Innovated Approaches to Breast Reconstruction: Esoteric and Combination Flaps

Patients seeking breast reconstruction should consider autologous methods, using their own tissue for natural reconstruction; while challenges like thinness or prior surgeries exist, sophisticated microsurgical options ensure viable alternatives for successful outcomes.

Article Narration by Dr. Joshua L. Levine, MD, FACS

Autologous Breast Reconstruction: A Viable Option for Every Patient

Any patient seeking breast reconstruction is a candidate for the use of their own body tissue, also known as autologous breast reconstruction.

These procedures use the patient’s own living skin and fat to naturally reconstruct their breasts after mastectomy and should be offered to any patient undergoing mastectomy.

Challenges and Solutions in Autologous Breast Reconstruction

Many women are told that they are too thin or too challenging to be candidates for autologous breast reconstruction. However, this is almost never the case.

Very thin patients or those who have had multiple operations like liposuction at potential donor sites may be challenging, requiring more sophisticated or esoteric autologous tissue reconstruction options.

Exploring Donor Sites for Autologous Breast Reconstruction

The most common area from which extra skin and fat are harvested for new breasts in microsurgical breast reconstruction is the abdomen.

However, if the abdomen is not available, many other areas with extra skin and fat can be considered as potential donor sites.

These areas include the upper and lower buttock, inner and posterior thigh, hip, and back area.

Combination Flaps and Advanced Reconstruction Techniques

In some cases, one donor area may not be sufficient for breast reconstruction, leading to the use of living tissue from multiple donor areas.

These operations, known as combination flaps or four-flap procedures, are highly sophisticated and are offered by reconstructive microsurgeons specializing in microsurgical breast reconstruction.

Additional Notes: Precision and Microsurgical Expertise

Sophisticated microsurgery involves a high level of precision and expertise. Reconstructive microsurgeons perform intricate procedures using specialized instruments under a microscope, often working with blood vessels and tissues that are mere millimeters in diameter. This level of precision is crucial for successful tissue transfer and optimal outcomes in breast reconstruction.

Sophisticated microsurgery often involves a multidisciplinary team consisting of reconstructive surgeons, plastic surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, and other specialists. This collaborative approach ensures comprehensive pre-operative planning, intraoperative coordination, and post-operative care, optimizing patient outcomes and satisfaction.

Relevant Links

Dr. Levine’s Advanced Procedures

Dr. Levine, a leading DIEP flap breast reconstruction surgeon, has developed pioneering techniques in extension and stacked flap procedures, making all women candidates regardless of body type.

Patient Results Before & After Gallery

The photographs in this section are of actual patients of Dr. Joshua Levine. They have undergone various types of natural tissue breast reconstruction.

Breast Reconstruction Education Video Library

Our video library offers a comprehensive collection of educational videos on breast reconstruction. It includes detailed procedure narrations with medical illustrations and insightful lectures and talks by Dr. Levine.