breast reconstruction surgery

December 14, 2012

PEAK Plasma Blade for Breast Reconstruction

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With a passion for breast reconstruction, Dr. Elliott is committed to providing his patients with safe and effective care before, during, and after surgery. To help do so, Dr. Franklyn Elliott stays abreast the latest technologies and most advanced techniques available for both cosmetic and reconstructive surgery.

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Breast reconstruction surgery is an intricate procedure that is unique for each individual. As Dr. Elliott has previously mentioned in his blogs, there are many options for breast reconstruction depending on the patient’s needs. Despite whether the patient undergoes TRAM flap surgery or direct to implant reconstruction, Dr. Elliott has found the PEAK surgery system helpful in reducing surgical complications.

The PEAK plasma blade is an electrosurgical device that uses a low heat energy system. Plasma is an electrically conductive cloud or gas that is created when radiofrequency energy contacts tissue. Plasma allows the energy to cross at lower energy levels, leading to lower operating temperatures and less thermal damage. This FDA-cleared surgical device has the advantage of providing exact control of a scalpel and bleeding control of traditional surgical techniques with less damage and quicker wound healing. Another benefit of using the plasma blade during breast reconstruction is the reduced risk of blood vessels constricting so normal circulation can be maintained in the transplanted tissue.

During a consultation, Dr. Elliott thoroughly discusses a patient’s options and the available techniques to determine what will provide optimal results for their breast reconstruction surgery. Please contact our office for additional information about breast reconstruction or any other procedure questions you may have. Be sure to connect with Dr. Elliott on Facebook, Twitter, and Google + for the latest cosmetic and reconstructive news and information.

October 5, 2012

New Study Identifies Four Types of Breast Cancer

Blog, Breast Cancer, Latest News Atlanta breast cancer reconstruction, Atlanta breast cancer reconstruction options, breast cancer research, breast cancer treatments, breast reconstruction awareness day, breast reconstruction surgery, dr franklyn elliott, genetics of breast cancer, Plastic Surgery The Meeting, types of breast cancer

Specializing in breast reconstruction surgery, Dr. Franklyn Elliott knows it’s important to understand the biology of breast cancer and how it affects patients and their families. As an educator who frequently speaks at national and international plastic and reconstructive surgery conferences about breast procedures and techniques, he stays abreast of the latest breast cancer research.

A new study published in the journal Nature, reports that researchers performed a major analysis of breast cancer genetics finding more information about the 4 different types of breast cancer, specifically how they differ.

The researchers analyzed DNA of breast cancer tumors from 825 patients and found approximately 40 key differences in the genes among the 4 major types of breast cancer (basal-like or triple negative, luminal A, luminal B and HER2-enriched). This study differs from previous breast cancer research as scientists focused on the biological details of tumors rather than studying where the cancer occured in the breast.

The study’s results are impactful because they can potentially lead to more effective breast cancer drugs and treatments. Dr. Matthew Ellis, co-leader of the research, stated: “Now we can investigate which drugs work best for patients based on the genetic profiles of their tumors.”

For the over 200,000 women predicted to be diagnosed with breast cancer this year in the U.S., this is an important advancement. The first annual Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day to be held on October 17^th, 2012 to help educate women about their breast reconstruction options. Dr. Elliott will also be speaking at Plastic Surgery The Meeting, at the end of October on methods of breast reconstruction to fellow plastic surgeons.

If you are interested in learning more about breast reconstruction surgery, or other breast procedures, please contact us today. Be sure to connect with Dr. Elliott on Facebook, Twitter, and Google + for the latest cosmetic and reconstructive surgery news.

August 16, 2012

Breast Reconstruction Options for Breast Cancer Patients

Blog, Breast Cancer, Breast Reconstruction, Educational acellular dermal matrix, ADM for breast reconstruction, breast reconstruction, breast reconstruction options, breast reconstruction procedures, breast reconstruction surgery, Delayed breast reconstruction, diep flap, dr franklyn elliott, Dr. Elliott, free tram flap, Immediate breast reconstruction, Latissimus dorsi flap, mastectomy, pedicled TRAM-Flap, TRAM flap

Every breast cancer diagnosis is different, and treatment plans are designed for each patient’s unique case. According to the American Cancer Society’s most recent estimates for breast cancer in the United States, about 226,870 women will be diagnosed with new cases of invasive breast cancer in 2012. If a woman has a mastectomy, or breast cancer removal surgery during which one or both of the affected breasts are removed, she may consider breast reconstruction surgery. Board certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon, Dr. Franklyn Elliott has performed breast reconstruction for the last 25 years and understands the importance of educating every patient about their breast reconstruction options.

Although there are several breast reconstruction options, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons reports that only 33 percent of eligible women undergo breast reconstruction. Dr. Elliott’s passion for breast reconstruction extends beyond educating his own patients. He often attends breast symposiums to teach other plastic surgeons the most advanced breast reconstruction techniques so they can educate their own patients.

Breast reconstruction surgery may be performed immediately or sometime after cancer removal depending on the patient’s situation. Immediate reconstruction occurs at the same time as the breast cancer removal procedure. Delayed reconstruction is an additional surgery performed after a mastectomy, even years after the breast cancer has been removed. Dr. Elliott offers a variety of breast reconstruction options including breast reconstruction with breast implants, reconstruction using tissue expanders, tissue flap reconstruction techniques, and breast reconstruction using acellular dermal matrices.

In tissue flap reconstruction procedures, the breast is reconstructed with the use of tissue from another part of the body such as the abdomen, back, thighs or buttocks. There are many flap procedures including the TRAM flap, DIEP flap, and latissimus dorsi flap. The TRAM flap (transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous ) uses a section of skin, fat, blood vessels, and muscle to replace the breast tissue that had been removed. There are two techniques for TRAM flap procedures: free and pedicled. A free TRAM flap removes the tissue from the body to reattach it to the blood vessels in the chest, while pedicled TRAM flap uses tissue that maintains its original blood supply. The DIEP flap (deep inferior epigastric artery perforator) procedure is very similar to TRAM flap, but does not use muscle from the abdomen (only skin and fat). Finally, the latissimus dorsi flap procedure is similar to the pedicled TRAM procedure, but uses tissue from the back rather than the abdomen. This procedure has the advantage of leaving minimal scarring on the back.

Acellular dermal matrix (ADM) is another breast reconstruction technique that Dr. Elliott uses with his breast patients. ADM uses soft tissue replacements (either synthetic or animal based) to provide additional coverage and support for tissue expanders or implants used in breast reconstruction.

If you are interested in learning more about breast reconstruction options please contact our office today. Be sure to connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google + to stay updated on the latest breast technology news and information.

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