The First Free Tissue Transfer in Reconstructive Plastic Surgery at Northside-Forsyth Hospital

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Earlier this year in March 2013, Atlanta plastic surgeon Dr. Hunter Moyer performed the first free tissue transfer surgery ever at Northside-Forsyth Hospital. Free tissue transfer, a technique in reconstructive plastic surgery, is a procedure that relocates healthy tissue to repair another area of the body. Dr. Moyer performs free tissue transfers to address injuries caused by trauma, severe burns, or cancer removal. While this is a highly complex procedure, free tissue transfer surgery is a possible option for breast reconstruction and cosmetic surgery at both Northside hospitals in Atlanta and Forsyth County.

Free tissue transfer harvests healthy skin, fat, muscle, or bone in the form of a flap that is transferred from the donor site to another site. Along with the tissue, blood supply is transferred so arteries and veins are also transferred and reconnected to vessels at the receiving site using a surgical microscope. Dr. Moyer examines areas requiring a tissue flap as well as the areas where tissue may be safely harvested. By using materials from the patient’s own body, the risk of infection and post-operative risks are significantly reduced. Tissue transfers can provide natural-looking plastic & reconstructive surgery results and resolve a range of conditions and injuries.

This procedure is commonly used in a number of reconstructive treatments including facial and breast reconstruction. Dr. Moyer performs breast reconstruction surgery with various tissue flap techniques including the TRAM flap (transverse rectus abdominus myocutaneous), a reconstructive technique refined at Atlanta Plastic Surgery, P.C. In addition to tissue flaps, patients can also choose breast reconstruction with implants. Dr. Moyer surgically inserts saline or silicone implants to restore the breast mound.

For more information on reconstructive or cosmetic procedures that Dr. Moyer performs, contact us to schedule your consultation. For more news and updates on plastic surgery, follow Dr. Moyer on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.

The New Generation of Silicone Gel Breast Implants’ Effect on Capsular Contracture

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In the October 2012 issue of the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Journal, Atlanta plastic surgeon Dr. Hunter Moyer conducted a study titled, “The Effect of Silicone Gel Bleed on Capsular Contracture” with Drs. Ghazi and Losken, also from Atlanta. In the study, the latest generation silicone gel breast implants, also known as highly cohesive gel implants, were tested for its effect on a common breast implant complication. Capsular contracture is an implant complication that occurs when the body forms excess scar tissue around an implant, creating a hardened breast texture and appearance. Dr. Moyer’s study explored how silicone gel bleed, or when the silicone fill of an implant leaks out of the shell, affected the breast.

The use of silicone breast implants in breast augmentation and breast reconstruction is increasing each year, according to statistics published by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. The highly cohesive silicone implants used in the study are Mentor’s Contour Profile Gel® (CPG) and Allergan’s Natrelle 410® implants. Since these implants are fairly new, Dr. Moyer has extensively researched the safety of these breast implants in his lab both at Emory and Georgia Tech.

Results conclude that the silicone gel fill does not harm the patient’s body, as the new implants are stronger and safer, and that even in the event of an implant rupture, the body will react locally but not systemically. Dr. Moyer continues investigating techniques and new developments in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery.

For more information on a procedure or to schedule a consultation, contact our office today. Also, connect with Dr. Moyer on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ for more plastic surgery news.