Cosmetic and Reconstructive Specialists of Florida PLLC

Products And Services

• Breast Reconstruction

  The Breast Reconstruction is a surgical procedure that women, who have a mastectomy or lumpectomy as part of their breast cancer treatment, may choose this procedure to rebuild one or both breast to near normal appearance, shape and look. The Breast Reconstruction is often performed in stages that involves multiple procedures and can either begin at the time of the mastectomy or be delayed at a later date. This procedure can be implant-based, the reconstruction Relies on the breast implants to help rebuilt a new breast or flap reconstruction uses the patient’s own tissue from another part of the body to build a new breast. Immediate versus delayed breast reconstruction depends on some of the following factors: Physical exam by a breast reconstruction plastic surgeon Surgical risk factors (such as smoking and being overweight) Treatments needed after the mastectomy surgery Other conditions that may impair wound healing It’s important to discuss your options with your plastic surgeon and oncologist. Reconstruction Options Implant Based Reconstruction Implant based reconstruction is a very popular technique which provides an adequate cosmetic outcome without having to use tissue from another part of the body. Most implant- based reconstructions require two surgeries; the first being the placement of tissue expanders and the second being the replacement of expanders with permanent implants. This is commonly referred to as a staged reconstruction. Staged Reconstruction with Tissue Expanders Staged reconstruction with tissue expander(s) involves the placement of tissue expander(s) typically at the time of the mastectomy by inserting the expander(s) into a pocket formed under the muscle and remaining skin of the chest wall. This first stage is followed up by a series of outpatient visits to the office for expansions. Singe Stage/ Direct Implant Reconstruction Patients who have adequate breast skin remaining following a mastectomy may be good candidates for direct-to-implant breast reformation. The main factor that determine whether a patient is eligible for this type of reconstruction is whether the remaining skin (often in conjunction with the use of dermal matrix such as Alloderm®) is able to accommodate the volume of the permanent breast implant. Autologous Reconstruction Autologous reconstruction is the main alternative to implant-based reconstruction. This approach utilizes your own tissue—skin, fat and sometimes muscle from another part of your body to form a breast shape. The tissue (also called a “flap”) will come from the belly, inner thighs or the buttocks to create the reconstructed breast with the most common donor site being the abdominal area. Abdominal Tissue Transfer TRAM Flap The use of abdominal tissue to reform is named Transverse Rectus Abdominis Myocutaneous or TRAM flap. In its original form, this was used as a pedicled flap (pTRAM). This means that the blood vessels that supply the abdominal tissue are not separated from the body. Rather, the tissue stays connected and is moved to the chest through a tunnel underneath the skin. Some of the risks of this procedure include bulging of the abdomen, hernia and fat necrosis of the flap (firm areas in the breast). fTRAM Flap The alternative to a pedicled TRAM is a free TRAM (fTRAM). In this procedure, the same abdominal tissue is utilized as in the pedicled TRAM, however, the skin, fat, blood vessels and possibly a small piece of the abdominal muscle are completely removed from the body. The blood vessels are then re-attached to the blood vessels in the chest, and the skin and fat is used to reconstruct the breast mound. Among the benefits of a fTRAM over a pTRAM include a better blood supply, less donor site morbidity of the abdomen and a potentially better aesthetic outcome. DIEP FLAP To decrease the risk of bulging in the abdomen, hernia or abdominal weakness following breast shape alteration, the Deep Inferior Epigastric artery Perforator (DIEP) flap was developed. This flap also uses the tissue of the lower abdomen but does not use any of the abdominal wall muscles. The aim is to perform a DIEP flap whenever possible but there is no guarantee that all the muscle will be spared. The decision of fTRAM versus a DIEP flap can only be made in the operating room based on the individual patient’s anatomy.

  Link: Breast Reconstruction

• Lymphedema

  The lymphatic system is part of the circulatory system and a significant part the immune system, comprising a complex and extensive drainage network of vessels that carry a fluid (lymph) throughout the body. Lymphedema is the obstruction of the lymphatic system, is a condition where excess fluid collects in tissues causing swelling usually in one or both arms and legs, a number of patients might also experience swelling in the head, chest and genitals. Lymphedema is incurable, but the appropriate treatment can help reduce the swelling and pain. Some patients are at risk for lymphedema as part of their cancer treatment, which can be the result of lymph node removal or radiation damage around the lymph nodes. Liposuction, Lymphaticovenous Anastomosis (lymphovenous bypass) and Vascularized Lymph Node Transfer (lymphovenous transplant) are among the most common treatments to improve this condition Medical Management: There are several medical options to help treat lymphedema, especially during its earlier stages. At CRS plastic surgery we suggest compression, elevation, infection prevention, physical therapy and massage to help alleviate swelling and other symptoms. We can arrange medical treatments with a Lymphedema Physical Therapist. However, if you experience symptoms of lymphedema after trying non-surgical therapeutic approaches, you may be a candidate for surgery. Our surgeons have received speciality training in lymphedema surgery at Duke University and internationally with Dr. Corinne Becker the pioneer in vascularized lymph node transplant. Surgical Options: What’s Available? If your lymphedema progresses despite using medical treatments, you may be a candidate for surgery. There are several options that your doctor will discuss with you: Liposuction: When lymphatic fluid overflows into your surrounding tissues, it can result in inflammation which stimulate fat stem cells to grow. Our surgeons removes this extra fat caused by lymphedema. Liposuction is typically an outpatient procedure with a very short recovery time. Lymphaticovenous anastomosis (also referred to as lymphovenous bypass): Our surgeons uses microsurgical techniques and equipment to reroute your lymphatic system.We are able to bypassing the damaged nodes or missing nodes and connect lymphatic channels directly into your veins. The lymphovenous bypass is an outpatient surgery. You can return to regular activity within a few days. Vascularized lymph node transfer surgery (lymphovenous transplant): Our surgeons will transplant a group of lymph nodes from a healthy part of your body to the affected area, effectively replacing the lymphatic system in this region. This is an inpatient procedure with a recovery time of a few days before resuming regular activity.

  Link: Lymphedema

• Breast Procedures

  Breast procedures are designed to improve the balance and shape of your body, and this can be done through enhancement, reduction, or revision. Our physicians at Cosmetic and Reconstructive Specialists of Florida can address a variety of issues related to the breast appearance. The surgical procedures such as breast augmentation, breast lift, and breast reconstruction, can give you a contoured, youthful, and natural appearance to the breasts that meet your individual goals. We also offer our patients effective breast reduction procedures for both men which is referred to as gynecomastia surgery and for women who suffer from overly large breasts which can result in chronic discomfort and pain from the weight of the breasts.The following links will briefly name some of the options available and provide more detailed descriptions on each procedure. To schedule a consultation for breast surgery, please contact Cosmetic and Reconstructive Specialists of Florida. Breast Augmentation Breast Lift (Mastopexy) Breast Reduction Breast Reconstruction Breast Implant Revision Inverted Nipple Surgery Male Breast Reduction (Gynecomastia Treatment)

  Link: Breast Procedures

• Body Procedures

  Body Contouring is a term used to describe several surgical procedures designed to improve and reshape the appearance of the body. After a substantial weight loss, life changes or pregnancy, the skin and tissues often lack the elasticity. Surgical Body Contouring removes excess sagging skin and fat while improving the shape of the body resulting in a better and more proportioned appearance with smoother contours. Through such procedures as abdominoplasty, liposuction, and post weight loss surgery, our patients have a renewed self-confidence and feel more comfortable with their body. Our physicians are focused on helping patients reshape their bodies and enhance areas that may have proven resistant to the most rigorous diet and exercise routines. Our plastic surgeons will address areas such as the thighs, upper arms, and stomach to give you a tighter physique with a more toned appearance and enhance these specific areas. The following links will explain some of the options available here at CRS Plastic Surgery that may help you with your specific body

  Link: Body Procedures

• Facial Procedures

  Our doctors offer an array of facial procedures including facelift, eyelid surgery, rhinoplasty and more which can rejuvenate your face for a more youthful, toned aesthetic. We provide you with an effective cosmetic enhancement through surgery without anyone being able to tell that you’ve undergone plastic surgery. Another option is, injectable cosmetic treatments such as dermal fillers and paralytics, this provides you with a more subtle but effective skin rejuvenation and revitalization in a procedure that takes no longer than an average lunch-hour. Cosmetic and Reconstructive Specialists of Florida offers the most popular cosmetic injection treatments, such as RESTYLANE, BOTOX®, and JUVEDERM™, as well as the latest and most innovative options, including fat injections and Sculptra®. The following guide shows you brief descriptions of some of the facial cosmetic surgery options that can help you achieve a more youthful appearance. You will also find links to the many non-invasive injectable cosmetic enhancement procedures offered here at CRS of Florida.

  Link: Facial Procedures