atlanta breast reconstruction

January 18, 2017

L. Franklyn Elliott, MD to Contribute to Atlanta Breast Surgery Symposium

Blog, Breast Surgery, Educational, Whats Happening with Dr. Elliott atlanta breast reconstruction, Atlanta plastic and reconstructive surgeon, atlanta plastic surgeon, breast reconstruction surgeon Atlanta, breast surgery Atlanta

Dr. Franklyn Elliott has long been recognized as a leading breast reconstruction surgeon, with a passion not only for helping breast cancer patients reclaim and restore their bodies but also for passing along his expertise to other surgeons. Every year, Dr. Elliott participates in and speaks at a number of plastic and reconstructive surgery conferences throughout the US as well as internationally, but this month, he is looking forward to the one in which he takes his most active role: the annual Atlanta Breast Surgery Symposium.

During this year’s symposium on January 20^th – 22^nd, coordinated by the Southeastern Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons, Dr. Elliott will be serving as Emeritus Chair. However, he will also complete a variety of speaking engagements throughout the three-day conference. In addition to moderating panels and discussions on topics such as types of breast implants and areola repositioning, Dr. Elliott will be offering the introduction for the Honorary Hartrampf Lecture—the keynote speech of the symposium, dedicated to retired surgeon Dr. Carl Hartrampf, who began the conference 33 years ago. In a more education-focused role, Dr. Elliott will also be giving two lectures of his own: one on the pedicled TRAM flap (a specialized breast reconstruction method) and one on the latest ways to support and secure a breast implant in place during breast reconstruction.

Along with his speaking engagements, this year Dr. Elliott also has the honor of presenting a 20-minute self-narrated video during the symposium, demonstrating a breast reconstruction procedure he developed in which the latissimus dorsi muscle on the back is used to support a breast implant and create a more natural appearance, all without actually leaving a scar on the back. As Dr. Elliott presents the video, it will be broadcast to symposium attendees who will also be able to ask Dr. Elliott questions throughout the procedure. With hundreds of doctors from over 15 different countries attending, the Atlanta Breast Surgery Symposium is a conference that contributes greatly to the education of surgeons throughout the US and abroad, and Dr. Elliott is honored to be a part of it.

Every doctor’s medical career begins with rigorous education and training, but what separates the exceptional doctors is that their passion drives them to continue learning, improving, teaching, and keeping up with all the medical advances throughout their careers. If you would like to learn more about Dr. Franklyn Elliott and the many cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries he offers, feel free to explore our website or schedule a plastic surgery consultation with Dr. Franklyn Elliott. To keep up with Dr. Elliott’s future speaking opportunities and other plastic surgery news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.

January 6, 2017

Choices to Make about Breast Reconstruction

Blog, Breast Cancer, Breast Reconstruction, Breast Surgery, Educational atlanta breast reconstruction, Breast reconstruction specialist Atlanta, Plastic Surgeon Atlanta, Reconstructive surgeon atlanta, what are my breast reconstruction options

I have been a double board-certified plastic surgeon for over thirty years, and among all the surgeries I perform, my specialty of breast reconstruction is unique for multiple reasons. Unlike patients of other surgeries, each breast reconstruction patient is recovering from or still going through the heartbreaking diagnosis of breast cancer. In addition to the emotional stress it involves, breast reconstruction is also a particularly complex surgery because there are numerous options a woman must choose between—immediate vs. delayed, breast implant vs. natural tissue, etc. To help you gain a better understanding of the decisions you may need to make before breast reconstruction, I have compiled the chart below.

Determining the best breast reconstruction options for you can feel overwhelming at first. However, with over thirty years of experience in performing this surgery, I have developed the expertise to guide you through the process, make recommendations based on your specific needs, and explain the reasoning behind my recommendations. If you’re ready to get started, schedule a breast reconstruction consultation with me, Dr. Franklyn Elliott. Or, for more health tips and the latest plastic surgery news, follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.

December 14, 2016

Using Back Muscles for Breast Reconstruction

Blog, Breast Reconstruction, Breast Reconstruction, Breast Surgery, Educational atlanta breast reconstruction, atlanta plastic surgeon, breast implants Atlanta, breast reconstruction latissimus dorsi technique, direct to implant breast reconstruction

When a woman is preparing for breast reconstruction, whether she’s opting to have her reconstruction at the same time as her mastectomy/lumpectomy or her original breast cancer surgery was years ago, one of the primary decisions she needs to make is whether to restore her volume with a breast implant or with fat, muscle, and other tissue taken from her abdomen. There are pros and cons to each method, depending on the patient’s unique anatomy, needs, and aesthetic goals. Some women prefer the fact that implants offer a simpler and quicker recovery, but it’s important to realize that this procedure is still more complex than when an implant is used for a typical breast augmentation.

When a woman with natural breasts receives a breast augmentation, her existing breast tissue and muscle are generally able to support the implant and keep it in its place. But for women who have had a mastectomy, this breast tissue has been removed, so to keep the implant securely placed and natural-looking, we need to use another piece of material over the implant. While there are some manufactured, artificial products which serve this purpose, many of my patients prefer to use their own natural tissue if possible, and this is done using a specific muscle from the back called the latissimus dorsi. My video below explains more about how the latissimus dorsi muscle can be used with a breast implant and how, in some cases, this can even be done without leaving a scar on the back.

No matter which of the many available options you choose for breast reconstruction, remember that finding a board-certified plastic surgeon who is experienced and who makes you feel comfortable is a vital step in the process. To start discussing your options, schedule a consultation with me, Dr. Franklyn Elliott. Plus, for more helpful plastic and reconstructive surgery information, follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.

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