breast cancer reconstruction

We've Moved and Improved!! Breast Reconstruction Charleston

2011-05-19T09:08:00.007-04:00

Check out The Breast Reconstruction Network Blog. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated on current events and issues related to breast health, breast reconstruction, breast cancer. It's the place to get personal answers to your questions about breast reconstruction from our nationally recognized surgeons specializing in free flap breast reconstruction like the DIEP, GAP, HIP, SIEA, TUG. The only team solely based in Charleston, SC dedicated to reconstructing lives of women facing breast cancer. Click Here:

We've Moved and Improved!!

2011-03-31T10:50:00.000-04:00

"We're happy to tell you that we've moved our blog! Please visit our new blog, The Reconstruction Network, at http://breastreconstructionnetwork.com/. And please feel free to email us your medical questions at blog@naturalbreastreconstruction.com."

We've moved

2011-03-31T10:14:00.001-04:00

Our new blog is up !!) Go to www.breastreconstructionnetwork.com. More functionality, great photo gallery, more updates, broader topics.

Gail Lanter, CPC

Office Manager

East Cooper Plastic Surgery –

The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction

843-849-8418

www.naturalbreastreconstruction.com

Blog with us at www.breastreconstructionnetwork.com

Richard M. Kline, Jr. M.D. & James E. Craigie, M.D.

1-866-374-2627

Exclusively based in beautiful, historic, Charleston, South Carolina…our surgeons consistently maintain a over 98% success rate for muscle sparing free flap breast reconstruction. Our friendly, knowledgeable, clinical and administrative staff members are readily available with answers to your questions 7 days a week.

We help women make smart, informed choices about their breast reconstruction options.

Visit our city via direct flights on Southwest Airlines beginning early 2011.

http://www.charlestoncvb.com/

Charleston, where history lives.

Charleston this weekend

2011-03-18T10:12:00.001-04:00

The Greatest Show On Earth
Cirque du Soleil isn't your typical kind of circus. For more than 20 years, Cirque has amazed crowd after crowd, combining traditional circus elements with acrobatics and a street performing flair. Today through Sunday, you have a chance to be a part of the phenomenon with the company's latest show, Alegria, showing at the North Charleston Coliseum. "Alegria," a Spanish word that translates to "joy" in English, is a celebration of youth and its power, as well as growth. There are several different performance times, and tickets range from $35-90. To get admission into "the big tent," go online.

Using Music to Heal the World

Watching the news and learning about all the suffering in the world can create a feeling of helplessness. There is, however, something you can do. At 7 p.m. Sunday, head over to the Music Farm for Above the Noise, a benefit concert to spread awareness of human slavery in Africa and to raise money for the underprivileged individuals involved. The lineup consists of Ryan Bailey & Cumberland Belle, Luke Cunningham and the Explorers Club, with a special appearance from Irene Rose Smith. Tickets are $10 in advance online, $15 at the door.

Enjoying the Arts
Grab the family or some friends for the Town of Mount Pleasant's 15th annual ArtFest. From noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, immerse yourself in the arts with dancing, music, street performers and artworks. The event includes some first-time performers, with an 11:45 a.m. kickoff concert from Wando High School's new steel drum band and a noon concert featuring American Indian-style flute maker and recording artist Hawk Hurst. There will be art exhibits, a Lucky Dog fashion show, crafts and kids activities. Everything takes place at Mount Pleasant Towne Centre. There's no charge to attend. For more information, call Nicole Harvey or Tracy Richter at 843-884-8517.

Shall We Dance?

Who needs Dancing with the Stars when you can dance with the locals? Elite Dance International Studio & Apparel is holding its Spring Formal Ball from 6:30-10 p.m. Sunday at the studio, 709-B U.S. Highway 17 N. Dance until your feet hurt with a night of open dancing and dance performances. There will be wine and hors d'oeuvres — because what would a ball be without food? Additionally, test your luck in an art auction and raffle tickets. Tickets for the ball are $15. For more details, call Elite at 843-654-1011.

www.naturalbreastreconstruction.com

You have been recruited to the Love/Avon Army of Women

2011-03-16T10:36:00.001-04:00

You have been recruited to the Love/Avon Army of Women

glanter@ecplasticsurgery.com has invited you to the Army of Women website

The Love/Avon Army of Women offers women the opportunity to partner with the scientists who are conducting research that will end this disease--once and for all.

Breast cancer has been around for decades, but it does not have to be our future. We can be the generation that stops breast cancer once and for all by figuring out what causes this disease and how to prevent it!

Sign up for your sister, mother, daughter, granddaughter, best friend, and the woman you met last week. This is YOUR chance to be part of the research that will end breast cancer.

It takes a just a minute to join. But the impact we will have will last a lifetime.

Please Join Me in Being One in a Million!

Join the Army of Women

This email was sent by:

Army of Women

Considering "Doing the Charleston" for DIEP Surgery?

2011-03-14T13:17:00.003-04:00

Caught these images on a quick 5 minute trip outside on this beautiful day in Charleston. Sunny, Blue Sky, 75 degrees. Still one week till spring........but things are BLOOMING in our fair city.

Good news:.from the - CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report - March 11, 2011

2011-03-11T09:41:00.001-05:00

Here are some excerpts……..

As a result of advances in early detection and treatment, cancer has become a curable disease for some and a chronic illness for others; persons living with a history of cancer are now described as cancer survivors rather than cancer victims……….Because many cancer survivors live long after diagnosis and the U.S. population is aging, the number of persons living with a history of cancer is expected to continue to increase………….

…….This report summarizes the results of that analysis, which indicated that the number of cancer survivors increased from 9.8 million in 2001 to 11.7 million in 2007. Breast, prostate, and colorectal cancers were the most common types of cancer among survivors, accounting for 51% of diagnoses.

…….Similar to previous reports, this analysis found that the majority of cancer survivors are females and persons aged ≥65 years (2,6,7). Women are more likely to be survivors because cancers among women (e.g., breast or cervical cancer) usually occur at a younger age and can be detected early and treated successfully; in addition, women have a longer life expectancy than men.

Want to read it all? http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6009a1.htm?s_cid=mm6009a1_w

"As the number of cancer survivors continues to increase, it is important for medical and public health professionals to be knowledgeable of issues survivors may face, especially the long-term effects of treatment on their physical and psychosocial well-being," said Arica White, an epidemic intelligence service officer in CDC's Division of Cancer Prevention and Control. "This understanding is critical in promoting good health and coordinating comprehensive care for cancer survivors."

East Cooper Plastic Surgery –

The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction

843-849-8418

www.naturalbreastreconstruction.com

Richard M. Kline, Jr. M.D. & James E. Craigie, M.D.

1-866-374-2627

We help women make smart, informed choices about their breast reconstruction options.

Visit our city via direct flights on Southwest Airlines beginning early 2011.

http://www.charlestoncvb.com/

Charleston, where history lives.

WOW LOTS DO IN CHARLESTON THIS WEEKEND - Something for everyone

2011-03-11T09:01:00.000-05:00

WEEKEND RECOMMENDATIONS!

CHARLESTON

Fun Day Sunday
On Sunday, King Street south of Calhoun will be closed off so walkers can enjoy the stores and restaurants, sidewalk shopping and dining al fresco. This week, Charleston Fashion Week, Music in Our Schools Month and Women's History Month will be honored. While you're out, stroll over to the Gaillard auditorium for KidsFair, which features more than 95 interactive exhibits. Kids Fair is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. To learn more call, 843- 568-4450.

Luck of the Irish
Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with Madra Rua Pub's eighth annual St. Paddy's Block Party. The festivities kick off with a parade at noon on Park Place East, across from Park Circle Community Center. After the parade, stay tuned for live music, Irish dancing, traditional bagpipe music, a mechanical bull, Irish trivia, and corned beef and cabbage. A jump castle and face painting will be set up for the kids to enjoy. The fun takes place on East Montague Avenue in the Olde Village of North Charleston. If you're hoping to find a pot of gold, consider the complimentary parking, party and parade admission an enticing substitute

Play that funky music
Sugarland comes to Charleston this weekend to perform all their latest hits. The concert, with special guest Little Big Town, is at 7:30 p.m. Friday at the North Charleston Coliseum. Tickets range from $25-55 and are available online. (Photo by Dana Tynan)

Then on Sunday, you can check out Marc Broussard and Sonia Leigh at the Charleston Pour House. Doors open at 8 p.m., and the show starts at 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 in advance, $17 at the door. The Charleston Pour House is located at 1977 Maybank Highway.

5^th Annual Folly Beach Pub Crawl
When: Sat., March 12
Price: Free
Featuring bagpipers, green beer dunk tank, Irish food, and more. 14 bars and restaurants along Center Street on Folly will participate in this pub crawl, with live music inside and outside all day long. Noon-6 p.m.

The 2010 Charleston Kids Festival
The Charleston Kids Fair returns for 2011. The event is scheduled for Sunday, March 13, 2011. This is the 23rd annual Kids Fair. The City of Charleston is an official partner with the JCC. The event is geared toward children 3-12 years old. The 2010 Charleston’s Kids Festival was recently held in downtown Charleston, SC. What a great time there was to be had by kids and families alike. There were stage presentations, jump castles and some excellent food provided by Andolinis Pizza. The festival was sponsored By the Jewish Community Center. The fair is held on the grounds of The Gaillard Auditorium and inside the auditorium is tons of sponsored booths with giveaways, games and important information for kids and parents alike. The annual kids fair is one of the most informative and fun festivals that Charleston puts on. It is nice to have a place where families can spend the day with their children in fun and games. One of the high points of the festival is the annual parade of characters and Mayor Joesph Rileys greeting and opening remarks. All the lowcountry's favorite costume characters were there, like Charlie the Riverdog, Mcgruff the crime dog and the First Federal Squirrel.

www.naturalbreastreconstruction.com

Gail Lanter, CPC

Office Manager

East Cooper Plastic Surgery –

The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction

843-849-8418

Richard M. Kline, Jr. M.D. & James E. Craigie, M.D.

1-866-374-2627

We help women make smart, informed choices about their breast reconstruction options.

Visit our city via direct flights on Southwest Airlines beginning early 2011.

http://www.charlestoncvb.com/

Charleston, where history lives.

Breast Reconstruction Survey Question

2011-03-04T11:35:00.001-05:00

Breast cancer can be a devastating diagnosis and it’s important that patients know immediately that breast reconstruction can be an important part of their overall plan for dealing with the breast cancer. Empowering women with information, the ability to make their own choices, and be in control of their journey to wellness can help reassure her that her life can return to normal. Discussing options for reconstruction at the time of diagnosis can actually help women to feel more in control and comfortable with what is happening around them. It helps them see that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. She may decide it's not for her in the end, but the important part is that she knows the breast reconstruction options available to her and with this information is able to make her own empowered and educated decisions.

If you are a breast cancer survivor, when were you first informed about the different types of breast reconstruction surgeries available?

When I was diagnosed

After diagnosis

After Mastectomy

I was not informed

Richard M. Kline, Jr. M.D. & James E. Craigie, M.D.

1-866-374-2627

www.naturalbreastreconstruction.com

We help women make smart, informed choices about their breast reconstruction options.

Visit our city via direct flights on Southwest Airlines beginning early 2011.

http://www.charlestoncvb.com/

Charleston, where history lives.

Things to do in Charleston this weekend

2011-03-04T09:07:00.001-05:00

Celebrate Charleston's role as a culinary hot spot. Forbes Traveler rates the BB&T Charleston Wine and Food Festival, which starts with a few events today, as one of the five best food festivals in the States. Enjoy classic events like wine tasting and restaurant dine-arounds; as well as new events like the Culinary Institute of Charleston's tutorial Sake 101 and the Top Chef challenge, where six local culinary all-stars compete to be named the best in their industry. You must be at least 21 years old to attend any activities. To indulge in several events, check out the grand weekend pass, available for $360. To see a complete schedule and ticket options, go online.

www.naturalbreastreconstruction.com

Young Survival Coalition Orlando

2011-03-02T12:09:00.000-05:00

Thanks to everyone who came and visited us at C4YW. It was great meeting such a wonderful group of ladies. Feel free to forward any unanswered questions regarding lymph node transfer or DIEP/GAP breast reconstruction through our website www.naturalbreastreconstruction.com - We'll get your answers!

Sisters Create Portrait of “Hope”

2011-02-02T10:09:00.001-05:00

http://www.1001-fundraising-ideas.com/sisters-create-portrait-of-hope/

Great story about survival, hope and family commitment to raise funds to end breast cancer.

www.naturalbreastreconstruction.com

www.charlestondiep.com

New Charleston Young Survival Coalition Group

2011-01-26T12:45:00.001-05:00

Wonderful night with the new Charleston www.youngsurvival.org group last night. Great to see Paul Baron MD there along with some of the most terrific ladies in the Lowcountry. Watch for a post for the next meeting, I think it's 2/22/11.

Young Survival Coalition

www.youngsurvival.org

www.naturalbreastreconstruction.com

www.c4yw.org

2011-01-21T12:35:00.001-05:00

“Come visit The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction at the Annual Conference for Young Women Affected by Breast Cancer (C4YW) on February 25-27, 2011 at the Peabody Orlando Hotel. This invigorating conference designed for young women and their unique concerns is the only international conference that explores the many issues relevant to the needs of women under the age of 45 who feel isolated and alone primarily because of their age of diagnosis. C4YW will empower, support and educate young women affected by breast cancer and those who care for them. Leading medical professionals will lead workshops that discuss various updates in research and quality of life, exhibitors will supply resources, and participants will connect with each other to make new friends and connections. For more information, visit www.C4YW.org.”

News! Just In....Young Survival Coalition Charleston Chapter

2011-01-18T15:28:00.001-05:00

A Charleston Chapter of the Young Survival Coalition is being started! The first meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, January 25, 2011 6:30 pm at Liberty Tap Room and Grill – 1028 Johnnie Dodds Blvd, Mount Pleasant, S.C. 29464.

If you need more information or have questions call the Southeast Affiliate office (404) 250-6508 or one of the local volunteers - Tanja 843- 971-7777 or Kristie 843-814-1483.

www.naturalbreastreconstruction.com

Helping women make smart, informed breast reconstruction choices.

Face to Face Get Together - First One for South Carolina FORCE

2011-01-14T14:51:00.001-05:00

Tuesday, January 25, 2011, 6:30 p.m.
Location: Panera Bread on Harbison Blvd Columbia SC

Do you have a family history of breast and/or ovarian cancer? Have you tested positive for BRCA? Are you considering genetic testing? You are not alone.

FORCE exists to improve the lives of individuals and families facing hereditary breast and ovarian cancer. South Carolina FORCE is holding our quarterly get-together and we hope you can join us!
Learn from other people who are navigating the BRCA path. Help someone else by sharing your story. This is a great chance to meet some local area FORCE members and/or catch up with those you’ve met at previous get-togethers. I look forward to seeing you!
Please RSVP to bethanieb@facingourrisk.org

http://www.facingourrisk.org/FORCE_community/local_groups/event-detail.php?event=248

www.naturalbreastreconstruction.com

Do you know your rights if you are facing mastectomy??

2011-01-13T09:23:00.002-05:00

If you have had a mastectomy, or expect to have one, you should be aware of the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998 (WHCRA). This federal law insists that group health plans and individual health policies that provide coverage for mastectomies also provide coverage for breast reconstruction in connection with such mastectomy. Under WHCRA, group health plans, insurance companies and health maintenance organizations (HMOs) offering mastectomy coverage also must provide coverage for certain services relating to the mastectomy in a manner determined in consultation with your attending physician and you. This required coverage includes all stages of reconstruction of the breast on which the mastectomy was performed, as well as surgery and reconstruction of the other breast to produce a symmetrical appearance.

In addition to the protections afforded by the Federal 1998 WHCRA, most states have laws pertaining to insurance coverage for breast reconstruction surgery.

Ask questions.....get answers. www.naturalbreastreconstruction.com
Specialists in microsurgical free flap breast reconstruction - DIEP flap, GAP flap, SIEA flap, HIP flap - Solely based in Charleston South Carolina

Hooray, It's a New Year ........

2011-01-07T09:01:00.000-05:00

We're looking forward to expanding our service area!!) Southwest Airlines now offers service to Charleston from 65 destinations! http://www.southwest.com/Some are as low as $59.00 each way. WOW!!

Our schedule is already booking up for the first quarter of the new year. We have a few dates still open but they are going fast. As the only DIEP Surgical Team solely based in Charleston S.C., we pride ourselves on being easily accessible to our patients. We're a small staff and private facility....we don't own and manage a hospital. We support our community and prefer to utilize a network of close knit breast specialists to offer a complete range of services for women seeking muscle sparing breast reconstruction ("flaps", DIEP, GAP, HIP, SIEA). Charleston is a beautiful place to visit. It is one of the top travel destinations in the United States and voted the "friendliest" city more times than we can count. Our beaches are beautiful, our city clean and safe, and our residents love tourists!! Contact us at www.naturalbreastreconstruction.com or call toll free 1-866-374-2627. Ask questions....get answers.
The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction - Helping women make smart, informed choices about breast reconstruction.

DIEP Surgical Team - Network updates

2010-12-10T13:03:00.000-05:00

New as of 12/1/2010 - WellPath, Coventry Health Care, First Health

As before we remain in network with Blue Cross Blue Shield(9/1/2010), BlueChoice of SC, Cigna, United Health Care, Beech Street/Viant/Multiplan & Three Rivers Provider Networks. DIEP, GAP, TUG, SIEA, HIP - our surgeons perform all methods of muscle sparing microsurgical breast reconstruction consistently maintaining an above 98% success rate.

Charleston, S.C. rated the #1 friendliest city according to Conde Naste Traveler. Southwest Airlines begins to fly direct to Charleston from many major cities beginning Spring 2011.

Got Questions? Need Answers? www.naturalbreastreconstruction.com. We answer all questions as quickly as possible.....usually within the day.

Helping women make smart, informed choices for breast reconstruction since 2002.

YSC Annual Meeting - Orlando Florida

2010-11-17T09:16:00.000-05:00

Sunny and 70 today here in beautiful Charleston, South Carolina!!)

Young Survival Coalition - Annual Conference for Young Women Affected by Breast Cancer. Orlando, Florida - February 25-27, 2011- http://www.c4yw.org/ We'll be there...Will You???

Whew, October is over but.......

2010-11-05T08:50:00.000-04:00

Throughout the year we hope you will use your voice to promote early detection, starting with monthly self-exams, and including screenings on the schedule recommended by the American Cancer Society.

The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction. Richard M. Kline, Jr. M.D. & James E. Craigie, M.D.1-866-374-2627

Exclusively based in beautiful, historic, Charleston, South Carolina…our surgeons consistently maintain a over 98% success rate for muscle sparing free flap breast reconstruction. Our friendly, knowledgeable, clinical and administrative staff members are readily available with answers to your questions 7 days a week. We help women make smart, informed choices about their breast reconstruction options.Visit our city via direct flights on Southwest Airlines beginning early 2011.http://www.charlestoncvb.com/Charleston, where history lives.

National Previvors Day - FORCE

2010-09-29T09:48:00.000-04:00

FORCE - www.facingourrisk.org

Hello Previvors - this is your day! Today is National Previvor Day! It's a day to be grateful, but also a day to educate so that we can show others with a predisposition to hereditary breast and ovarian cancer that they are previvors too! If you are a Previvor, today of all days, spread the word - tell us your previvor story!

Need more DIEP breast reconstruction info? New Videos are up on our website!!

2010-09-14T10:33:00.000-04:00

DIEP information, happy patients, meet our doctors, news coverage. Three new video clips are posted on www.naturalbreastreconstruction.com. Hear patient descriptions of post operative recovery and results. As always our staff and physicians are available through our websites variety of "ask" links and typically answer questions within 24 hours. Charleston, the Conde Nast Traveler #1 destination is also the destination for state of the art breast reconstruction by specialty trained micro-surgeons,
James Craigie M.D. and Richard M Kline Jr., M.D.
DIEP, GAP, SIEA, TUG, HIP, delayed reconstruction, immediate reconstruction, prophylactic mastectomy and reconstruction are all available at
The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction.

We've updated our website with new important info for those seeking DIEP breast reconstruction.

2010-08-27T12:12:00.001-04:00

We updated some info on www.naturalbreastreconstruction.com yesterday. Added a few new testimonials, some really cool animation, front page BIG NEWS announcements. "ask the doctor" links that send questions directly to Dr. Kline and Dr. Craigie. Check us OUT!! We also announced we are now in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)

HOORAY !! a "Charleston Bound" thread on www.breastcancer.org

2010-06-02T13:43:00.001-04:00

FINALLY!! HOORAY!! Someone has posted a new thread on breastcancer.org called "Charleston Bound" so our patients have somewhere to post their positive experiences and info about our beautiful city!!) www.breastcancer.org We'd love for you to talk about us, our doctors and the kind of care we provide our patients.

FORCE - Orlando Florida - Annual Meeting

2010-05-25T09:21:00.000-04:00

Next on the agenda......FORCE: Joining Forces Against Hereditary Cancer - June 24-26, 2010, Buena Vista Palace, Orlando, FL. Dr. Kline is on the Breast Reconstruction Q & A Panel and the Round Table Breakfast. www.facingourrisk.org

We need pictures ladies...happy girls!

2010-05-05T13:36:00.001-04:00

Hey, happy patients, WE ARE LOOKING FOR YOU...we need still photos of you doing what you do best, living your life! We're producing a video to use on our website and another to use at meetings we attend that feature our wonderful reconstruction patients. We'd love for you to send photos....anything at all....playing golf, at a party, hanging out with friends, on vacation! The purpose is to show YOU back to your normal self, living life and loving it after DIEP, GAP, TUG...whatever breast reconstruction surgery you may have had. Send them on either to my e-mail address glanter@ecplasticsurgery.com or via mail to our main office ECPS-The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction, 1300 Hospital Drive, Suite 120, Mount Pleasant, S.C. 29464.

Traveling for DIEP, GAP, SIEA, or TUG surgery?

2010-04-12T12:25:00.001-04:00

Here are some important topics to explore:

1. How many days can you expect to be in the hospital?
2. How many days do you need to be in town before and after your surgery?
3. What about accomodations and transportation? Are any of these items arranged for you through your surgeons office?
4. Is there somewhere for your spouse or caregiver to stay with you in the hospital?
5. Are there special rates at area hotels if you want to bring other members of my family?
6. Do you have to make a seperate trip for consultation or can all be arranged in one visit?
7. How about additional trips for subsequent stages or tattooing????

Find these answers and more at our website www.naturalbreastreconstruction.com.

2nd Annual Tie One On - Susan G Komen for the Cure Lowcountry

2010-03-31T10:29:00.000-04:00

April 22, 2010 at the Daniel Island Club - Call 843-556-3343 or visit www.komenlowcountry.org for more information or tickets. IMPACT! Make One.....

Non-stop flights to Charleston South Carolina

2010-02-18T15:27:00.000-05:00

It's getting easier and easier to get to Charleston ..... Non-Stop flights available from many major cities. Click here for flight schedules in and out of our beautiful city.

http://www.charlestoncvb.com/visitors/travel_support/flights.html

American Eagle 800-247-7300
Continental Airlines 800-525-0280
Delta Air Lines 800-221-1212
Northwest Airlink 800-225-2525
United Express 800-241-6522
US Airways 800-428-4322

Charleston Breast Center goes on the road.......

2010-02-18T15:03:00.000-05:00

Charleston Breast Center goes on the road....

Charleston Breast Center is proud to be an exhibitor at the Annual Conference for Young Women Affected by Breast Cancer in Atlanta, Georgia on February 26-28, 2010. We will be highlighting the value of our services, weekly cancer conferences, the state of the art facility & care provided through the center along with it's impact on our community.

Information and Testimonials wanted.....

2010-02-03T09:17:00.000-05:00

If you are a patient of The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction in South Carolina and want to add a testimonial to our new website, www.naturalbreastreconstruction.com, please forward it through the contact us link on the website. We'll post it as soon as possible. Or, maybe you are a woman who has had one of the muscle sparing breast reconstruction surgeries elsewhere and have a tip to share to aid recovery for others. You can send those through the contact us link too and we'll post that here. Helping women make smart, informed choices....www.naturalbreastreconstruction.com.

New Website Launched Today!!!

2010-02-01T11:04:00.001-05:00

Visit us at www.naturalbreastreconstruction.com! Our new website is up and packed with wonderful info about DIEP, GAP, TUG, SIEA. Make appointments online, learn about our practice and our surgeons, view our patient surgery packages, get great pre and post operative information to help you through your breast reconstruction surgery. Ask questions.....get answers at www.naturalbreastreconstruction.com.

Tip of the Day!!!

2009-10-05T09:50:00.000-04:00

Most insurance plans calculate your deductible and out of pocket expenses based on a calendar year (January through December).

Think about this fact when considering embarking on the series of three procedures which typically complete a DIEP, SIEA, GAP, TUG - breast reconstruction surgery.

Did you know.....

2009-10-01T08:17:00.000-04:00

Approximately 30% of the DIEP, GAP, SIEA, TUG surgeries we perform are in women for whom tissue expanders or implants have failed? Hmmm.....

DIEP VS TRAM - Why???

2009-09-28T13:33:00.000-04:00

Okay, so this is a common response when we tell someone what we do here at "The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction" ...... illustrating that microvascular muscle sparing perforator flaps are confused with TRAM and other flaps that use muscle every day......

I say...We move other parts of the body to build breasts for women who have had mastectomy or are at high risk for breast cancer and choose preventative mastectomy. Our procedures do not use muscle, they are just skin, tissue, fat and blood supply leaving your muscle intact.

Woman says.....Oh, I've heard about that my friend "Mary" had that years ago and said it was just the hardest thing she has ever done.

I say...are you sure she had one of these procedures done ? I'm speaking specifically of the DIEP, GAP, TUG, SIEA flaps. ( sometimes I'll ask what surgeon they used or where they may have had it done to clarify)

Woman says.....I think she said she had it done at "ABCXXZ" hospital, or she'll mention the acronym TRAM, or a surgeon that does not do this type of surgery.

I say.... I think your friend may have had a different procedure. Let me get you in touch with some of our patients who we know have had this procedure and you can ask them any question you like about their experience with this procedure. Then you know you are getting real facts from women who have had the procedure you are investigating.

Sadly, some women see the tummy scar on our post operative photos and just assume all free flap transfer surgeries for breast reconstruction are the same. They aren't....weigh your options empowered with knowlege of all procedures available for breast reconstruction. It's your choice.

September 21, 2009

2009-09-21T15:47:00.001-04:00

Today, we in Charleston remember the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Hugo.

Enough about that......... on to our question of the day!!!!

1. How long should I wait to buy a new supply of bras after my surgery?
Most of the time you will be given a bra, by the hospital or our in house OR staff, that is suitable to wear for the first few weeks after your surgery. We normally don't advise patients to spend alot of money on bras until most of the swelling has gone and your breasts begin dropping a bit. A good rule of thumb is to wait about 3 months before you are able to judge what your post operative size may be and what type of bra may be a good fit for you.

breast reconstruction DIEP - tips and tools

2009-09-18T15:09:00.000-04:00

Thought I would post questions that patients ask along with the answers to share with anyone who might be considering breast reconstruction specifically.....GAP, DIEP, IGAP, SGAP, TUG, SIEA in South Carolina. (Charleston or Mount Pleasant) However, some of the q&a may pertain to all women underoing breast reconstruction surgery.

Today's top two questions/suggestions were.........

1. Don't forget to ask the pharmacist to provide non-child proof caps on your post operative medications. It will be a little sore to move your arms the first few days after discharge from the hospital.

2. Where is Mount Pleasant located in relation to Charleston and the beaches?
Mount Pleasant is a suburb of Charleston. The Cooper River divides Charleston and Mount Pleasant. From our office at 1300 Hospital Drive, it is about 10 minutes to Charleston ( 17 south) and 10 minutes to Isle of Palms via the Isle of Palms Connector.

Watch for more or ask your own question and we're always happy to answer!!)