Breast Reconstruction

Dr. Copeland-Halperin underwent advanced training in specialized breast reconstruction techniques to provide state-of-the art approaches to breast surgery.  A diagnosis of breast cancer can be overwhelming, so it is important to feel confident with the treatment team. We are here to help guide patients through the array of options for breast reconstruction, including a choice not to undergo reconstruction.  Dr. Copeland-Halperin offers both implant-based and autologous (using a patient’s own tissue) reconstructive procedures after lumpectomy, mastectomy or revision procedures. We understand and are sensitive to individual goals and concerns, and seek to help each patient develop the treatment plan that best suits their values and preferences. Reconstruction options include:

  • Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator (DIEP) Flap: The Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator (DIEP) flap is the most common method of autologous reconstruction, using the patient’s own tissue. The DIEP flap employs abdominal fat and skin – the tissue that is typically discarded in a “tummy tuck” abdominoplasty operation – to reconstruct the breast, while preserving the abdominal muscles. The DIEP flap is less debilitating than the conventional TRAM (transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous) flap, in which abdominal muscle is used for breast reconstruction.
  • Transverse Rectus Abdominis Myocutaneous (TRAM, Muscle-sparing TRAM, Free TRAM) Flap
  • Profunda Artery Perforator (PAP) Flap
  • Latissimus Dorsi Flap
  • Fat Grafting/Fat Transfer
  • Implant reconstruction above or below the muscle, with saline or silicone prosthetic implants
  • Oncoplastic reconstruction following lumpectomy or partial mastectomy
  • Nipple reconstruction
  • Symmetry procedures
  • Revision of prior reconstruction