Breast Reconstruction Surgery u
st. ClaIr hosPItal’s Dr. roBErt BragDoN lEaDs thE fIElD
ntil recently, women who had mastectomies had no choice but to wear prosthetic breasts tucked into their bras to simulate natural breasts. They were often awkward and uncomfortable, and there was constant risk of them migrating or even falling out. Fortunately, that has changed, thanks to advancements in technology and plastic surgery, and women who have mastectomies now have many post-operative options, including several types of breast reconstruction, a plastic surgery procedure that rebuilds the breast mound to replace the one that has been removed. St. Clair Hospital’s Robert W. Bragdon, M.D., one of the Pittsburgh region’s leading breast reconstruction surgeons, believes that the procedure offers women both physical and psychological benefits. “Breast reconstruction is a wonderful thing,” he states. “It can reduce the trauma of the breast cancer experience by restoring wholeness and contour to a woman’s body. That’s important, emotionally and psychologically.” About half of women who have mastectomies will have some form of breast reconstruction. “We can do implants or autologous tissue reconstruction, using the patients’ own tissue,” Dr. Bragdon explains. “Often, this is a TRAM (transverse rectus abdominis muscle) flap, which uses tissue from the abdomen to create and shape a breast mound. Some women will opt for additional surgery later, to create nipples.” Abdominal tissue is preferred because it feels like breast tissue; patients also get the bonus of a “tummy tuck.” The newly constructed breast will look and feel natural, although it may lack sensation.
Post-surgery options About half of women who have mastectomies will have some form of breast reconstruction, often using the patients’ own tissue.
Breast implant surgery involves placing a device called a tissue expander under the chest muscle and injecting saline into it at intervals to gradually “inflate” the breast, until it has expanded to the desired size. Both implant surgery and the TRAM flap can be done immediately following mastectomy, or at a later date. Dr. Bragdon is a board-certified plastic surgeon and a pioneer in breast reconstruction surgery who performed the first TRAM flap procedure in Pittsburgh. He performs up to 150 breast reconstruction surgeries every year.
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much of my motIvatIon stems from my experIence wIth my mother. the opportunIty to have breast reconstructIon dId not exIst when she was dIagnosed. I’m grateful that I’m able to gIve thIs opportunIty to women.
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ROBERT W. BRAGDON, M.D.
He is committed to helping women with breast cancer, and that commitment has a deeply personal element. Dr. Bragdon witnessed his own mother’s ordeal with breast cancer, which took her life. “Much of my motivation stems from my experience with my mother,” he says. “The opportunity to have breast reconstruction did not exist when she was diagnosed. I’m grateful that I’m able to give this opportunity to women. They can return to a normal lifestyle, able to wear clothing without worrying about if it hangs right or if the prosthesis might dislodge. They can go swimming and play sports. They feel better about themselves. Breast reconstruction restores a woman’s image, giving her confidence in her fight against breast cancer.” ■
ROBERT W. BRAGDON, M.D. Dr. Bragdon specializes in plastic and reconstructive surgery at St. Clair Hospital, where he is Chief of Plastic Surgery. He earned his medical degree at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and completed his surgical residency training at its affiliated hospitals. Dr. Bragdon completed his plastic surgical residency training at The Western Pennsylvania Hospital. He also completed a burn fellowship at West Penn Hospital and was the first fellow in plastic surgery at Dartmouth. He is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. He practices with Plastic Surgical Associates of Pittsburgh. To contact Dr. Bragdon, please call 412.572.6164. 14 I HouseCall I Volume IV Issue 4