Our Procedures: Reconstructive Surgery After Breast Cancer

Breast Reconstruction Team

For those who want reconstruction directly after their cancer treatment, our team collaborates with members of the patient’s cancer team — surgical oncology, medical oncology and radiation oncology — to offer a holistic approach that helps ensure we provide the best care possible.

Why choose Johns Hopkins?

Johns Hopkins plastic and reconstructive surgeons and physician assistants specialize in complex breast reconstruction procedures. They have successfully completed reconstruction for hundreds of patients, whether the patient has opted to have surgery directly after cancer treatment or has chosen to wait.  Learn more about breast reconstruction.

Our Specialty Center

The Johns Hopkins Breast Center provides patients with the recommendations for treatment based on a consensus of multiple specialists across many disciplines.

Understanding the Breast Reconstructive “Ladder”

Breast reconstructive surgeons Drs. Wendy Chen and Nima Khavanin presented a free webinar designed to guide you through the breast reconstructive decision process, often referred to as the "breast reconstruction ladder."

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Schedule by Phone

New and existing patients can schedule by phone using this number: 443-997-9466

International patients can request an appointment though international patient services.


Latest in Breast Cancer Treatments and Reconstruction

Our panel of Johns Hopkins breast cancer specialists provided the latest information about radiation and surgical treatments for breast cancer, and discussed what’s new in breast reconstruction after mastectomy. The presenters of this online seminar were plastic and reconstructive surgeon Kristen Broderick, breast surgical oncologist Maureen O’Donnell, and radiation oncologist Jean Wright.

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Treatment Options

We specialize in the following breast reconstruction techniques:

• Autologous tissue surgery (using tissue and skin from a patient’s body to recreate the breast), such as: Q Deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap Q Profunda artery perforator flap (PAP) Q Superficial inferior epigastric artery flap (SIEA) Q Superior gluteal artery perforator flap (SGAP) Q Transverse upper gracilis flap (TUG) Q Transverse rectus abdominous muscle (TRAM)

• Breast reduction and mastopexy (lift) for symmetry

• Expanders and implant reconstruction and removal

• Fat grafting

• “Goldilocks” mastectomy

• Nipple reconstruction surgery

• Oncoplastic surgery

SGAP Flap | Breast Reconstruction Overview

The superior gluteal artery perforator (SGAP) flap uses tissue from the top of the buttocks to create breast tissue. This is usually done if patients do not have adequate skin and tissue in their abdomens or have had previous abdominal surgeries.

DIEP Flap | Breast Reconstruction Overview

The deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap is a common technique where skin and tissue (no muscle) is taken from a person’s abdomen to recreate their breast. Lillie Shockney, administrative director of the Johns Hopkins Breast Center, further explains.

Mastectomy Surgery | Johns Hopkins Medicine

At Johns Hopkins, the skin sparing mastectomy is the most common type of mastectomy surgery performed for breast cancer treatment. This animation shows and describes this advanced surgical procedure, which preserves the skin during the removal of one or both breasts, allowing for a better breast reconstruction result.

Tissue Expander for Staged Breast Reconstruction

Staged breast reconstruction involves expansion of the breast skin and muscle using a temporary tissue expander. This animation illustrates the process.

Delayed Breast Reconstruction Surgery

Delayed breast reconstruction is an option if a plastic surgeon was not involved at the time of a mastectomy. This animated procedure illustrates the process.

SGAP Flap Breast Reconstruction Surgery

SGAP flap procedure uses skin and fat tissue from the buttock area to create a new breast following mastectomy. This animated procedure illustrates the surgery.

Breast Reconstruction Surgery - DIEP Flap

At Johns Hopkins, the DIEP Flap reconstruction is an important option offered to mastectomy patients. This animation shows and describes this advanced surgical procedure.

Our Surgeons

Our surgeons are devoted to their profession and to providing attentive patient care. From the first consultation to the final check-up, they make themselves available and accessible to patients and their families.

Physician Assistants

Breast Reconstruction PAs

Carla Bes, PA-CCarla Bes, PA-C

 

 

Rae Buckley, PA-CRae Buckley, PA-C

 

 

Caroline Davis, PA-CCaroline Davis, PA-C

 

 

Olga Duclos, PA-C, MSHSOlga Duclos-Lasnier, PA-C, MSHS

 

 

Nina Ringelman, PA-CNina Ringelman, PA-C

 

 

Default Doctor ImageSusan Signorelli, PA-C

 

 

Laura Z. LeBaron, PA-CLaura Z. LeBaron, PA-C