Robert Ferguson, MD

I went to Dr. Ferguson upon recommendation from the FORCE (facingourrisk.org) site. I have a breast cancer gene (BRCA 2) that indicates that I have an extemely high chance of getting breast and ovarian cancer (and other cancers). I decided to have a preventative mastectomy. I set up a consultation with Dr. Ferguson to "interview" him, assess his bedside manner and see photos of his work. I was hoping to have breast reconstruction using the BRAVA fat grafting method, but with further discussion, we determined that I wouldn't have enough viable fat for this procedure.

I decided to have Dr. Ferguson reconstruct my breasts. Right now I still have expanders in and am anxious to see what the implants will look like. So far, I am very happy with my results. 

Updated on 26 Mar 2013:
A trait that I appreciate most with Dr. Ferguson, is his desire to listen. You can tell that he is very detail oriented in the way that he listens and explains things to you. He is patient and positive! Dr. Ferguson and his PA, Travis are honest and insightful as we go through this reconstruction process. Ann, the nurse, is fabulous too! Dr. Ferguson and his staff are professional, positive, caring and supportive. I would absolutely recommend Dr. Ferguson to others. He is at Intermountain Medical Center and is part of the Huntsman Cancer Center team.

In November, 2011 I was diagnosed with a BRCA1 gene mutation which placed me at an extremely high lifetime risk for breast cancer. After weighing my options I opted for a risk-reducing mastectomy with reconstruction.

While researching the various reconstruction methods I came across BRAVA microfat grafting. Concerned about the aesthetics of implants with no tissue to soften the appearance, and knowing I was an unlikely candidate for a FLAP option, I decided to pursue the idea of fat grafting as my sole method of reconstruction. Further investigation gave me the name of Dr. Ferguson. When meeting with Dr. Ferguson I was immediately at ease and impressed with his explanation of the various options for reconstruction based on my petite body size. He determined that I was a good candidate for the BRAVA microfat grafting with hopes that I had enough viable fat to fill the area where the breast tissue would be removed.

I proceeded with the skin and nipple sparing mastectomy with immediate intrapectoral fat grafting and had an additional 2 fat grafting surgeries, at which point I basically ran out fat. The grafted fat only filled to approximately a small "B" cup with excess skin. After MUCH internal deliberation, Dr. Ferguson and I agreed to have small implants placed to finish the reconstruction.

Aesthetically, I could not be happier with my results. Fat grafting helped with the cosmetic appearance, e.g., no rippling, mimics the slope of a natural breast, etc. Fat grafting is also known to reduce scarring and may even reduce the risk of capsular contracture. Further, the fat that was grafted did restore some sensation in my nipples and breasts. Had I known that I didn't have enough fat for full reconstruction, I may have opted for the one-step implant reconstruction which I believe would not have garnered such impressive results.

I would highly recommend Dr. Ferguson for microfat grafting, implant placement, or a hybrid of the two for the purposes of breast reconstruction.

I’m a breast cancer survivor. I chose Dr. Ferguson for my reconstruction. He told me just what I wanted to hear on my initial visit, saying he could do what I envisioned my reconstruction to look like, thus I decided to go with him as my doctor. My end results were very disappointing - nothing like what we had talked about. For me it was a lot of pain and time missed from work for none of the results I wanted. I’m stuck with 34DDD saggy breast that I never wanted. I wanted B or C cup sized breast. I cried less over my mastectomy.