Our expert team offers advanced reconstructive options for patients who have breast asymmetry or deformity from breast cancer treatment, trauma, or congenital lack of breast development. One of the most sophisticated techniques we provide is microvascular breast reconstruction, a highly specialized set of procedures that help restore the breast using the body’s own tissue.
What is Microvascular Surgery?
Microvascular surgery is a sub-specialized branch of reconstructive plastic surgery that involves moving healthy tissue, including skin, fat, muscle, and sometimes bone, from one area of the body to another to rebuild structures lost to trauma or disease. These procedures are also called flaps and, unlike skin grafts or fat transfer, involve moving large amounts of tissues while maintaining their structural integrity and reconnecting their small blood vessels (and in some cases sensory nerves) to new sites.
Techniques such as the DIEP (Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator) and PAP (Profunda Artery Perforator) flaps are commonly used in breast reconstruction to achieve a comfortable, durable, and natural breast reconstruction using excess skin and fat from the abdomen and thighs, respectively.
These Procedures are Especially Beneficial For:
- Patients with breast cancer who will undergo mastectomy.
- Patients with congenital or traumatic breast deformities.
- Patients with previously failed breast reconstruction using implants.
- Patients with wound healing complications after breast radiation.
Benefits of Microvascular Breast Reconstruction Include:
- Restoration of natural breast appearance.
- Avoidance of breast implant related complications.
- Potential to restore sensation by reconnecting nerves.
- Durable results using the body’s own tissue.
Advanced Surgical Options for Lymphedema Relief After Breast Cancer
Following breast cancer surgery, especially mastectomy with lymph node removal, patients are at increased risk of developing lymphedema in the arm or chest wall. MemorialCare offers Lymphaticovenous Anastomois (LVA), a cutting-edge microsurgical procedure that can be performed during or after breast reconstruction to prevent or treat lymphedema.
LVA creates precise connections between lymphatic vessels and small veins, allowing lymph fluid to bypass damaged pathways and drain properly. When performed early, often at the same time as mastectomy or flap-based breast reconstruction, LVA can significantly reduce the risk or severity of lymphedema.
Why LVA During Breast Reconstruction?
- Prevents or reduces post-surgical lymphedema
- Improves long-term aesthetics and functional outcomes
- Improves comfort and mobility, especially in the arm and upper body
- Minimally invasive with no major disruption to the reconstruction process
At MemorialCare, our board-certified, fellowship-trained plastic and reconstructive surgeons work closely with breast surgical oncologists, medical oncologists, and certified lymphedema therapists to create seamless, personalized treatment plans. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or planning for breast reconstruction, our team will help determine if LVA is the right fit for your care.
Why Choose MemorialCare?
Our board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon, Dr. Khang Nguyen, is fellowship-trained in microvascular surgery and has extensive experience in performing these complex procedures. He works closely with specialists across medical oncology, radiation oncology, surgical oncology, and rehabilitation services to provide comprehensive, personalized care.
Personalized Care, Close to Home
At MemorialCare, we know that healing is more than physical. Our team provides compassionate, coordinated care to help patients regain confidence and comfort after surgery. Whether you’re recovering from cancer treatment or a complex injury, we are here to support your journey every step of the way.