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With his colleagues at Johns Hopkins, Dr. Rad is a co-inventor of the love handle flap (LSGAP) procedure, the most advanced breast reconstruction operation in the world. Dr. Rad is one of only 30 surgeons worldwide who have the technical experience to perform this flap routinely and safely. For this reason, patients for whom traditional reconstructive procedures have failed or are unappealing options seek out Dr. Rad.
Dr. Rad has a great deal of microvascular experience. Microvascular breast reconstruction is an incredibly precise process that involves connecting blood vessels under a microscope using very thin thread. This ensures survival of the transferred tissue.
Dr. Rad utilizes the love handle flap to reconstruct an entire breast for patients who do not have enough abdominal tissue for the DIEP flap. The love handle “SGAP” flap offers patients natural tissue reconstruction when the DIEP flap is not a good option due to prior abdominal surgery.
It is also an excellent option for patients who want to avoid breast implants. This includes patients who have undergone radiation treatment and ones who do not like the idea of prosthetic implants. Using one’s own fatty tissue offers a very natural feel and does not result in the need for implant replacement surgeries down the line.
Because this autologous procedure involves moving excess fat from the love handles, it results in a slimmer waistline. Experiencing this type of benefit can ease the difficult transition process that comes along with mastectomy and reconstruction.
Watch Dr. Rad discuss the love handle flap procedure and microsurgery:
The best candidate for the LSGAP flap breast reconstruction procedure is one for whom:
• The love handle region has plentiful fat, while the abdominal region is lacking in fat
• Radiation treatment makes implant-based reconstruction a poor choice
• Avoidance of prosthetic breast implants is a priority
Ideal candidates for love handle flap reconstruction have realistic expectations in terms of results. It is important to look over photographs of past results to ensure that you have a good understanding of the results that can be achieved. Additionally, non-smokers are good candidates for this procedure.
Dr. Rad performs surgeries at Inova Fairfax Hospital, the best-rated tertiary care hospital in northern VA. Dr. Rad works with board-certified anesthesiologists, and LSGAP breast reconstruction is performed under general anesthesia.
The love handle flap procedure is quite delicate and complex. Due to the composition of the love handles – along with many other factors – the entire surgical process can take up to 10 hours. Three surgeries may be required to complete the process.
During LSGAP surgery, an incision is created in the love handle area. A flap of tissue is harvested and transplanted into the chest, where it is shaped to form the new breast mound. Microvascular surgery is used to disconnect the blood vessels and reconnect them to ensure that the transferred tissue is nourished properly.
At the end of the procedure, the incisions are closed using stitches and then dressed properly to prevent infection. A short hospitalization is standard for most reconstructive procedures.
Your vision for your results will emerge through detailed consultation with Dr. Rad, meticulous examination of your anatomy, and careful pre-surgical planning. While Dr. Rad’s surgical approach is unique for each patient, the goal of naturalness remains constant.
Actual Washington DC Love Handle Flap Patient of Dr. Rad’s
See More Top Love Handle Flap Results
Sherber+Rad cannot guarantee specific results.
Individual results may vary.
The love handle flap is a cutting-edge breast reconstruction technique that many women prefer. It’s the perfect alternative for patients who have ample love handle fat, don’t have extra fat in the abdominal region, and want to use their own tissue for reconstruction.
A number of breast reconstruction options are available:
Implant reconstruction is the most popular option owing to its simplicity; however, implant reconstruction is not a good option when breast radiation treatments have been performed.
DIEP flap reconstruction is the gold standard in tissue reconstruction for patients with adequate abdominal fat.
Dr. Rad performs corrective reconstruction for many women who have had botched breast reconstructions by other surgeons.
When there is adequate abdominal fat, the DIEP flap is Dr. Rad’s preferred option. This is due to the improvement in abdominal contours that it provides, the relative ease of the surgery, and the feasibility of simultaneous bilateral reconstruction. In the absence of adequate abdominal fat, however, the LSGAP flap is Dr. Rad’s preferred second choice. Every patient has a unique situation, and there is no cookie-cutter approach. Dr. Rad spends time with each patient to achieve the best results with the least amount of surgery and in the safest manner possible.
Before the date of your procedure, follow all preparation directions given to you by Dr. Rad. It will be particularly important to avoid smoking. Smoking negatively affects the health of the skin and the blood vessels, which can in turn lead to complications and a prolonged healing period. NSAIDs and certain supplements must also be avoided.
Recovery usually takes around one month. A degree of post-surgical bruising and swelling will be present but will fade naturally. It will be necessary to wear a post-surgical garment around the love-handle area, along with a surgical bra to support the breasts as they heal. Time off from work will be required, along with plenty of rest. Patients must avoid strenuous physical activities like heavy exercise and sports for several weeks.
During your consultation, Dr. Rad will speak with you at length regarding your cancer journey, your mastectomy plans, and your needs and goals. He will go over your breast reconstruction options in detail in order to help you choose the best procedure for you.
Dr. Rad will also perform a physical examination and discuss your complete medical history with you. This will include any allergies you may have, any medications or supplements you are currently taking, and any past medical procedures.
Once Dr. Rad has developed a strong understanding of your case, he will use his vast expertise to create a comprehensive surgical plan. Following this, a date will be set for your LSGAP procedure.
Dr. Rad’s credentials speak for themselves: Princeton (B.S.E, Magna Cum Laude), Duke School of Medicine (M.D.) and University of London (Ph.D.) educated and Johns Hopkins Plastic Surgery trained, he is a Diplomate of the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Assistant Professor at Johns Hopkins, and long-standing member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Dr. Rad is considered an expert in facial plastic surgery and microsurgery. He is ranked the #1 plastic surgeon in Washington DC based on aggregate ratings from all independent ranking websites: “top rated local“, “three best rated” top plastic surgeon and “top plastic surgeon reviews“. SHERBER+RAD have never engaged in paid advertising, and all rankings, reviews are from vetted and respected sources.
The price of a patient’s love handle flap breast reconstruction is covered by their health insurance company. The exact cost of the procedure varies based on the details of each patient’s unique case.
Contact us today to set up a consultation and find out more about the love handle flap in Washington DC. Dr. Rad is the ideal choice for this state-of-the-art technique and would be happy to discuss it with you in further detail.
We look forward to welcoming you for your private consultation with Dr. Rad
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Sherber+Rad1101 15th St. NW, Suite 100, Washington, D.C. 20005
