Reconstructive surgery is performed to correct abnormalities that are present as the result of serious injury, birth defects, or cancer. Bay Area plastic surgeon John Griffin has experience performing the most advanced reconstructive surgery methods, including the use of perforator flaps and microsurgical techniques, for deformities of the breasts, body, and face.
Breast Reconstruction
Breast reconstruction is performed to rebuild breasts that have been lost to breast cancer. Dr. Griffin is experienced in a range of breast reconstruction techniques, including:
- Breast implants and tissue expanders
- Allografts
- Fat grafting
- Flap reconstruction using the DIEP and SIEA flaps
- Nipple and areola reconstruction
Dr. Griffin will discuss each of these approaches with patients during a consultation visit. He can recommend the most appropriate course of treatment based on the patient’s anatomy and personal preferences. The goal is to restore the breasts to a natural and normal appearance, and make the patient feel more comfortable with the appearance of her body.
Nasal Reconstruction
Rebuilding the nose after injury is a complicated procedure that should be performed by a skilled reconstructive and plastic surgeon. This type of procedure is intended to correct deformities that have result from injury and skin cancer. Nasal reconstruction may involve the use of skin grafts, local flaps, regional flaps, and cartilage grafts. During nasal reconstruction, the skin is lifted up to reveal the underlying anatomy. The surgeon can then rebuild or reshape the bridge, nostrils, or columella using cartilage from the septum (if available), the rib, or ear. Local flaps and skin grafts can be used to provide additional tissue and skin to the nose.
Facial Reconstruction
Facial reconstruction surgery is performed to correct deformities. These deformities may be caused by birth defects, serious injury, or skin cancer. Facial reconstruction surgery usually involves the use of flap and microsurgical techniques to rebuild specific areas and produce a more normal facial appearance.
Dr. Griffin has experience performing facial reconstruction for:
- Lower extremity and trunk reconstruction
- Cancer deformities
- Facial post-traumatic deformity
- Reconstruction of the ears
- Nose reconstruction
- Facial scarring reconstruction
- Hand reconstruction
Complex Reconstruction of the Body and Face
Complex reconstruction of the body and face may involved multiple, staged procedures to correct deformities caused by serious trauma, skin cancer, or birth defects. The surgical techniques may involve wound closure, flap surgery, and microsurgery to rebuild the affected area and restore a more normal appearance.
Advanced Microsurgery
Dr. Griffin is fellowship trained in microsurgery. Advanced microsurgical techniques allow plastic and reconstructive surgeons to transplant a flap of tissue from one area of the body to another. This flap of tissue is kept alive by connecting its small vessels and nerves to the vessels and nerves in the transplanted area. The major benefit of this approach is that it provides surgeons with a good amount of tissue and skin to work with when rebuilding another part of the body. Patients often have excess tissue and skin in areas such as the stomach and buttocks. By removing a flap of skin from this area, surgeons have enough tissue to rebuild the breasts or to provide additional support to other facial and body structures.
Perforator Flaps
The term perforator is defined as a blood vessel or nerve that connects a superficial system to its deeper system. The perforator flap is skin, fatty tissue, and the nutrient-supplying blood vessels that are removed from certain areas of the body, while preserving the underlying musculature. Perforator flaps can be taken from different areas of the body, with the specific name of each flap referring to its perforator. For example, the DIEP and SIEA flaps are taken from the stomach area, and the GAP flap is taken from the buttocks. Each perforator flap is removed and connected to another area of the body using microsurgical techniques.
To schedule a reconstructive surgery consultation, contact Dr. Griffin today.
