Achieving Symmetry and Understanding Fat Grafting in Breast Reconstruction

<p class="MsoNormal">Achieving symmetry and understanding fat grafting in breast reconstruction are topics patients frequently ask about. I reached out to an expert in the field.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">My guest on this episode of the <a href= "https://diepcjourney.com/category/podcast/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">DiepCJourney podcast</a> is Dr. Tim Matatov of <a href= "https://breastreconstructionaz.com/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">Southwest Breast and Aesthetics</a> in Phoenix, Arizona. Dr. Matatov is a board-certified microsurgeon who performs procedures such as implant breast reconstruction, several autologous reconstruction procedures, autologous meaning using the patient’s own tissue to reconstruct the breast, nipple reconstruction, and a variety of other breast reconstruction procedures. <span style= "mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style= "mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He works with a team of two other surgeons, <a href= "https://breastreconstructionaz.com/about/practitioners/dr-joseph-zakhary/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Dr. Joseph Zakhary</a> and <a href= "https://breastreconstructionaz.com/about/practitioners/dr-matthew-mino/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Dr. Matthew J. Mino</a>.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">We discuss mastopexy, or breast lift, in the setting of breast reconstruction. Achieving symmetry in the contralateral breast for a unilateral DIEP flap is important to the patient. It serves a functional purpose as well when wearing wardrobe items like a bra. He points out the psychological benefits to the patient since this becomes a quality of life and self-image concern for women. Dr. Matatov outlines the various names and details of mastopexy procedures and why one might be chosen over the other for optimal patient outcomes. Dr. Matatov shares how important it is to have an open discussion with patients about managing reasonable expectations.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Dr. Matatov continues the discussion with fat grafting. He points out that a lot of the techniques and percentages,