Houston Breast Reconstruction doctors

C. Bob Basu, MD C. Bob Basu, MD
Houston Plastic Surgeon
6400 Fannin Suite 2100, Houston
93 answers
Paul S. Gill, MD Paul S. Gill, MD
Houston Plastic Surgeon
9200 Pinecroft Suite 460, The Woodlands
49 answers
Sugene Kim, MD Sugene Kim, MD
Houston Plastic Surgeon
4185 Technology Forest Blvd. Suite 150, The Woodlands
25 answers
Joseph M. Perlman, MD Joseph M. Perlman, MD
Houston Plastic Surgeon
6319 Cypresswood Drive, Spring
3 answers
Gary M. Horndeski, MD Gary M. Horndeski, MD
Houston Plastic Surgeon
14887 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land
2 answers
Craig S. Rock, MD Craig S. Rock, MD
Houston Plastic Surgeon
6624 Fannin Suite 2390, Houston
2 answers

Recent Answers

Is Fat Transfer Only for Mastectomy Breast Reconstruction an Option?

I'm currently halfway through chemo for breast cancer; the plan is for bilateral mastectomy afterwards. I'm quite intrigued by the total fat transfer approach (sometimes used in conjunction w/Brava system) & would love to find someone on west coast who has experience doing this. I'm reading so many negative comments on the online discussions about tissue expanders, any kind of implants, ripples, unevenness, etc. Very unhappy women! 100% fat transfer might help avoid these issues.

A: Fat Grafting for primary breast reconstruction

I find fat grafting to be a wonderful tool to further refine and reshape a tissue flap (diep/gap/tram) or implant breast reconstruction.   I do not use fat grafting with Brava as a primary method to reconstruct the breast, as it typically requires several more stages than traditional reconstruction.   In regards to negative comments to tissue expanders and implants, I think you will find unhappy and very satisfied patient reviews on almost all breast reconstruction procedures.    My concern is that primary breast reconstruction with fat grafting alone is a relatively new technique that has not passed the hands of time.    Tissue expander or tissue flap breast reconstruction has been extensively studied in the plastic surgery literature and proven to deliver satisfactory short and long term results.  I wish you a safe and healthy recovery.

Paul S. Gill, MD
Houston Plastic Surgeon
What is a Typical Post-op Visit Schedule After Implant Reconstruction?

For tissue expander-to-implant reconstruction following bi-lateral nipple sparing mastectomy for breast cancer, what is a typical follow up schedule starting right after the surgery for exchange to final silicon implants? I understand that healing issues could change the timing and number of post-op visits, but barring serious problems, what is the ideal number and timing over the following weeks and months? Or even years? What might it be for later revision later surgery, if necessary?

A: Followup for 2nd stage implant breast reconstruction

Based on your question, i gather that you have tissue expanders and are about to undergo exchange to silicone implants.  

Since this is outpatient surgery, I prefer to see you back the next day to evaluate for any fluid collection or bleeding and to review postop incision care instructions.   In most cases, a drain is not necessary during the exchange procedure.    I then see you back at 1 week postop to evaluate your incision and ensure there are no signs of infection.   At this point, we discuss implant massage techniques, scar treatment, and activity level for the next month.   I then see you at 1 month postop to assess the shape, size, symmetry.     At this visit, we again review the signs of capsular contracture and discuss preventive measures.   I will then see you every 4-6 months for 2 years.

If a nipple reconstruction is desired, I perform these at 3 months after the exchange procedure.

Paul S. Gill, MD
Houston Plastic Surgeon
Had Radiation After Bilateral DIEP, Can I Get Nipples? What About Fix Symmetry?

I had a bilateral mastectomy and excellent DIEP reconstruction at the same time. Unfortunately, it was discovered due to the later pathology report that I would need 6 weeks of radiation with boosts to breast, chest wall and supraclavical area. Can I still get nipple reconstruction? And can doctors do anything about the shrinkage of the left breast? How long should I wait?

A: Radiation after Reconstruction

Yes, you can still get nipple reconstruction.   To address the "shrinkage" you describe after radiation, your plastic surgeon can revise your DIEP flap reconstructed breasts to improve their shape and symmetry.   However, most surgeons like to wait at least six months after completing radiation to procedure with any revision.   At least six months is required to let the radiation effects "cool off".

Best of luck.

Dr. Basu

C. Bob Basu, MD
Houston Plastic Surgeon
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