Every woman is unique, and every woman’s body type and aesthetic goals are different. Dr. Zampell’s approach is to tailor your reconstruction based on your diagnosis, oncologic treatment plan, aesthetic goals and individual body habitus.
If you choose to use your own tissue for reconstruction, Dr. Zampell will strive to tailor your reconstruction to your unique body type and reconstructive need. Perforator flaps perform a wonderful function of allowing the surgeon to harvest skin and fat without causing harm to the muscle in the donor area. This tissue can be taken from areas of excess in your abdomen, thigh, buttock or back to perform breast reconstruction tailored to your specific body type.
What is autologous reconstruction?
During autologous breast reconstruction, perforator flaps can be used to recreate the breast mounds. Meticulous care must be practiced in the form of microsurgery to carefully dissect the perforating vessels and harvest the fat and skin without sacrificing the muscle.
Perforator flaps were introduced in the early 1990s in order to minimize morbidity at the donor sites and decrease post-operative healing time. The most common type of perforator flaps include the Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator or DIEP; the Profunda Artery Perforator or PAP; the Superior Gluteal Artery Perforator or SGAP; and Lateral Thigh Perforator or LTP.
If you are a patient who would like the added benefit of slimming the donor areas (belly and buttocks), then perforator flap surgery and breast reconstruction might be ideal for your goals. The end result is an enhanced breast silhouette as well as a reduction in excess torso fat.
What are the benefits of perforator flaps?
- Expedited recovery time
- No loss of muscle
- No donor site morbidity
- No formation of hernias
- Minimizes post-operative discomfort
- Provides a long-term solution for reconstruction patients
- Slims and tones the donor areas (stomach and buttocks)
- Improved self-image and satisfaction with one’s appearance
Who is a good candidate for perforator flaps?
- You wish to use your body's own tissue to recreate your breasts
- You have sufficient body fat in order to achieve the breast size that you desire
- You are comfortable with the idea of scarring in the donor area
- Your perforating vessels are intact
- You are able to withstand general anesthesia
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Contact UsWho is not a good candidate for this type of surgery?
- Women who have had extensive abdominal, thigh or buttock surgery or liposuction
- Almost all women may be considered candidates!
What will my recovery entail?
Total recovery time is typically between four and six weeks. You will be asked to avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activity at first, but Dr. Zampell will make sure you leave with a full aftercare plan that describes your recovery milestones.
Why choose Dr. Zampell for breast reconstruction?
Dr. Zampell has a consummate background in complex reconstructive techniques, having completed an elite fellowship in microsurgery at the University of California Los Angeles. She is meticulous, detail-oriented and passionate about providing elegant, natural results for her patients. Each treatment is tailored to the patient’s unique anatomy, aesthetic sensibilities and lifestyle.
After graduating with honors from Ohio State University College of Medicine, Dr. Zampell pursued a surgical residency at the renowned New York University. At the Ochsner Medical Center in Louisiana, Dr. Zampell trained with Dr. Robert Allen, one of the most innovative and forward-thinking surgeons in the field of breast reconstruction.
