The below question was answered by Charleston breast surgeon, Dr. Richard M. Kline, Jr., MD of The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction:

If the first DIEP flap breast reconstruction fails what are my options?

This is a rare scenario, but in our practice we generally recommend waiting 3 months for the body to recover, then using another area of tissue, most commonly the buttock to perform the reconstruction.  The failure of the first reconstructive attempt does not seem to adversely affect the success rate of the second reconstructive attempt. We have in the past sometimes attempted to perform the salvage reconstruction at an earlier date, but we have come to feel that the patients do better overall if they are allowed a period of healing before proceeding with the next surgery.

What is DIEP Flap Reconstruction?

Perforator  flaps and natural breast reconstruction represent the state-of-the-art in breast reconstruction. The DIEP flap is the most frequently used type of  perforator surgery for breast reconstruction because of the tummy tuck benefit  that can be part of the process. Doctors  borrow skin and tissue from your abdomen, and use it to create a soft, warm,  living breast.

It starts  with an incision along the bikini line similar to a tummy tuck incision.  Surgeons remove the necessary skin, soft tissue, and tiny feeding blood  vessels. The blood vessels are matched to supplying vessels at the mastectomy  site and reattached under a microscope. Tissue is then transformed into a new  breast mound.

Our refined technique provides all the necessary  tissue to build a breast, without removing the abdominal muscles. In addition  to reconstructing the breast, the contour of the abdomen is often improved -  much like a tummy tuck.

Have questions for our team? Send them on over, we’d love to hear from you!

E! News anchor Giuliana Rancic knows firsthand the importance of getting mammograms before turning 40.

At just 37 years of age, the TV personality was diagnosed with the early stages of breast cancer. She initially went through a double lumpectomy, before making the final decision to undergo a double mastectomy. All before the age of 40.

In an exclusive interview with Glamour magazine, Giuliana reveals her thoughts on the initial diagnosis: “I knew nothing about breast cancer before this happened to me, and I thought mastectomy meant stage three or four cancer. I didn’t have a big family history of it. I just never thought it would happen to me. I really didn’t.”

Breast cancer is a serious matter. It’s never too early to begin checking for lumps. According to the Susan G. Komen Foundation, 5% of all breast cancers occur in women under 40. This may not seem like a high number, but when there are over 226,000 women being diagnosed with breast cancer each year, 5% equates to roughly 11,000. That’s 11,000 women under 40 being diagnosed with breast cancer in the U.S. alone.

So what can you do to prevent a missed diagnosis as a young woman? Start checking early, and regularly. If you have a family history of breast cancer, consider starting your annual mammograms before you turn 40. Detecting breast cancer early is the best way to lower your risk and fully eradicate the disease.

It’s also never too early to perform self-exams. You should be familiar with the way your breasts normally look and feel. This will allow you to catch warning signs of breast cancer early.

When performing a self-exam, be on the lookout for the following:

• Lump, hard knot, or thickening inside the breast or underarm area

• Swelling, warmth, redness, or darkening of the breast

• Change in the size or shape of the breast

• Dimpling or puckering of the skin

• Itchy, scaly sore or rash on the nipple

• Pulling in of the nipple or other parts of the breast

• Nipple discharge that starts suddenly

• New pain in one spot that doesn’t go away

*All information above is provided by the Susan G. Komen Foundation

Educate your friends and daughters on the importance of detecting breast cancer early, and make sure they’re aware of the risks. Remember—breast cancer knows no age.

Follow Giuliana on Twitter today to stay up- to-date with on journey through breast cancer, motherhood and life!

The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction was thrilled to participate in the East Cooper Medical Center’s We Know Women Event on Thursday, May 17th.This was the third annual We Know Women Event which featured physician panel talks, one-on-one Q&A with physicians, retail therapy with more than 20 vendors and a wine tasting compliments of Whole Foods Market. Our very own Dr. James Craigie served on the panel “Save the Tatas:  Breast Cancer-Diagnosis to Treatment” alongside Dr. Baron of The Charleston Breast Center and others. We had an Ask The Doctor table set up on the lawn where we raffled off a beach bag filled with goodies. Although the rain did make its way to the event, uninvited, we didn’t let it stop us, as we came prepared with CNBR logo ponchos. See below for a look back at this years event!

Click here to watch Dr. Craigie answer questions on natural breast reconstruction.

Check out our pictures below for all the fun we had!

Dr. Craigie answering questions during the panel discussion-Save the Tatas: Breast Cancer-Diagnosis to Treatmen

Other panelists joining Dr. Craigie included – Dr. Lisa Baron – Charleston Breast Center, Dr. Jennifer Beatty – General Surgery Dr. Matthew Beldner – Hematology/Oncology

Fresh pink gerbers, just like our logo!!

It pays to come prepared!!! (With ponchos)

Amy McCarthy, winner of our big beach tote filled with goodies that we raffled off!

Make sure to like our Facebook page to stay up to date on all our events and happenings!

The below question is answered by Charleston breast surgeon, Dr. Richard M. Kline, Jr. of The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction:

What is the recovery process like for DIEP flap breast reconstruction?

Generally speaking, patients can sit in a chair the day after surgery, they are walking by 2 days after surgery, and they leave the hospital on the fourth day after surgery.   We ask you to sleep on your back for a minimum of a month, sometimes longer (depending on the size of the flaps), and to avoid vigorous physical activity for at least 6-8 weeks.  Most people seem to feel like they are well on their way to recovery within 2 months, although obviously healing goes on for a significantly longer.  However, everyone is different, and some patients recover more rapidly, other seems to take a little more time.  We feel that the optimal approach is to let you speak to other patients who have been through the process, so that they may share their experiences directly with you.

Below are some additional tips for optimal post surgical experience.

Family and Friends: Support from loved ones is very helpful. But understand that comments they may make during your recovery can cause you concern. Remember this: We will tell you honestly how you are doing and what we expect your result will be.  Please trust in our knowledge and experience when we discuss your progress with you.

Healing: You will heal! How quickly depends on factors your genetic background, your overall health and your lifestyle (exercise, smoking, drinking, etc.). Many people believe the surgeon “heals” the patient.  No person can make another heal. Dr Craigie and Dr Kline can facilitate, but not accelerate, the healing process.  But you play the starring role, so your cooperation is key.

Swelling: You may find swelling of your new breast and abdomen (DIEP) or buttock (GAP) to be troublesome and your clothes may not fit.  Be patient, this swelling will gradually subside and you will feel better in a few weeks.  There will be a certain amount of tightness in the area where the flap was taken from.  This will slowly relax in a few months.

Following Instructions: Another way to improve healing is by following the instructions given by Dr. Craigie and Dr. Kline’s staff.  We believe “the difference is in the details” and strive to achieve the best possible results for you.  It is imperative that you act as a partner in this process — not a passive participant.  The instructions are designed to give you the best opportunity for healing without delay or surprise.

Click here for a complete list of post surgery healing and recovery tips and instructions.

Have questions for surgical team at The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction? Send them on over, we’d love to hear from you!

Once upon a time, before refrigerated trucks and supermarkets, people ate according to what was grown nearby in any given season (or according to what they’d thought to preserve during the previous months).

While today’s agricultural and supermarket industries offer us many more choices in how and what we can eat, doing things the old-fashioned way comes with a number of health benefits. Here’s why you can do your body a huge favor by adding more local, seasonal produce to your diet.

• Higher nutrient content. Produce has its highest nutritional value at peak ripeness, and starts losing that value as soon as it’s harvested. Many fruits and vegetables [link to ] destined to be shipped long distances are picked before they achieve optimum ripeness and lose nutrients during the long shipment process (and while they sit on your shelves). Eating locally and in season lets you avoid both problems and enjoy more of the nutrients that protect against breast cancer [link to] and other diseases.

• Better taste. The fresher produce is, the better it tastes. It’s as simple as that. If you’re unfamiliar with the various offerings at your local farmer’s market, you can enjoy an assortment of tantalizing flavors by researching recipes designed for the vegetables and fruits available to you. Or ask the people you buy produce from: chances are, they’ll have plenty of ideas for enjoying the season’s freshest offerings.

• Smaller carbon footprint. The less distance food travels, the less gasoline is required to get it from the field to your mouth. This creates a greener, healthier planet for everyone.

• Better prices. When a crop is ripe, farmers have to harvest it and sell it before it goes bad. This means that prices will be lower for you—it’s a simple matter of supply and demand. Take advantage of your favorite food’s peak seasons by learning to preserve batches of whatever you want to eat when the season has passed.

Eating a diet rich in plant-based foods has been shown to be one of the most effective ways to prevent cancer of all kinds. Treat your body right by indulging in the delicacies blooming outside your doorway, and enjoy the rich flavors and high quality of life that brings you!

We at The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction were thrilled to sponsor the DBC survivor team Paddles n’ Pearls at this year’s fifth annual Dragon Boat Festival on Saturday, May 5^th. This year’s event raised a record breaking $108,000 dollars to nurture the warrior spirit of those fighting cancer. This years goal was $75,000 and to it say it was surpassed is an understatement!

46 teams made up of 20 people each, on colorful boats, competed in a 250 meter race across the Ashley River.   Some of the team members partaking in the race are supporting the cause, other having previously battled cancer, while some are even currently undergoing treatment.  The spirit of this event is to unleash your inner warrior. The fight against cancer should not be something a cancer warrior fights alone, however  it should be fought with a team—made up of loved ones supporting you and helping you navigate along the way.

The crowd ranges from college students to those in their 80’s and 90’s and a great time is had by all. This year the weather was perfect and we couldn’t have thought of a better way to spend a Saturday afternoon. We can already say that we are looking forward to next year and hope to see you there!

Check out our Facebook page to see all the fun our team had while sponsoring this year’s event!

The below question is answered by Charleston breast surgeon, Dr. Richard M. Kline, Jr. of The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction:

What are the benefits of the DIEP flap breast reconstruction over other options?

I am going to break this question into two parts.

Because it lowers stress, boosts the immune system, reduces pain, and improves bonding among individuals, laughter really does have the powerful health benefits we’ve long attributed to it. We at The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction are proud to say that Charleston is home to world-class comedy clubs where you can get your daily dose.

Next time you’re in need of a hearty chuckle, check out one of these laughter hot spots.

Theatre 99

Known as Charleston’s home for improv comedy, Theatre 99 offers affordable live shows most Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. In addition to improv, audiences enjoy sketch and stand-up comedy performances on the theater’s stage. Those who are interested in participating in comedy themselves can take advantage of Theatre 99’s improv classes and workshops.

Plan your next outing here.

Visit: 280 Meeting Street, above The Bicycle Shoppe, Charleston, SC

The Stephen Colbert Childhood Tour

Stephen Colbert, one of Charleston’s most famous and well-loved native sons, soaked up the city’s atmosphere and went on to a wildly successful career in comedy. Diehard fans can make a driving tour of Colbert’s childhood stomping grounds by visiting James Island, where he spent his youth, and East Bay Street in downtown Charleston, where his family moved after the death of his father and two brothers.

Be sure to swing by Episcopal Porter-Gaud school, where Colbert acted in school plays and wrote for the newspaper.

Center Pointe Bar & Grille

Friday nights at Center Pointe mean comedy. Enjoy jokes in a sports-bar atmosphere where you can enjoy food and drinks from a full kitchen and bar menu. Want to create some comedy of your own? Come back on Monday nights for karaoke!

Visit: 4950 Centre Pointe Dr., North Charleston, SC

Palmetto Comedy House

Enjoy a night of stand-up at this comedy hub, located inside the Clarion Suites Hotel. The Palmetto is known for special event shows (including performances for Valentine’s Day and its Divas of Comedy show), so check out the schedule to see what’s coming up.

Visit: 3640-B Dorchester Rd., Charleston, SC

News and entertainment outlets have bombarded us with reports about the benefits of happiness, which include better mental and physical health, longer life, and more fulfilling relationships. So how can you bring a little more joy into your everyday experience? Try some of these strategies, custom designed for busy people in a fast-paced world.

1. Send a snail-mail card.

We’ve all heard the saying that it’s better to give than to receive. That’s because doing something kind for another person (even if it’s only something very small) brings that person happiness—and we’re hardwired to enjoy that feeling. Depending on your recipient, you might send a care package, a box of chocolates, a bouquet of flowers, a hand-written letter, a card, or a meaningful photograph. A five-minute project on your end could bring a day’s worth of happiness (or more!) to the person checking his or her mailbox.

2. Dance to your favorite song.

Even people with insanely busy schedules should have time for a three- to five-minute dance break. The benefits are worth the time: music triggers strong emotional responses, and the endorphins you’ll get from even a short bout of energetic dancing will help recharge a failing battery. For an even bigger bliss boost, enlist a friend to help you bust your move.

3. Let yourself enjoy your food.

Hectic schedules often dictate that we bolt meals while sitting in front of a screen or driving from one event to the next. Even if you have to multi-task during lunch, take a few seconds to experience and enjoy the flavors in your mouth. Studies show that actively practicing gratitude is a great way to boost happiness. As a bonus, slowing down while you eat is an effective way to prevent overeating and associated weight gain.

4. Breathe deeply in a stressful situation.

There’s nothing like a traffic jam or a backup at the grocery store checkout to raise your stress level and zap your happiness. But experts say that we can actually choose how such roadblocks affect us. Next time you’re in a less-than-ideal situation, use the down time to focus on breathing deeply, pulling air into your stomach and exhaling slowly. This strategy helps us relax physically and reminds us that we control our worlds—a big component toward achieving happiness.

We’ve all found tricks for bringing more smiles into our chaotic lives—what are your favorite tips for hanging on to the grin-worthy moments in your life? Feel free to share below!

The below question is answered by Richard M. Kline Jr., M.D., of The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction.

At what point in the process should a breast cancer patient see a breast reconstruction surgeon?

Opinions on this vary, but I think the prevailing opinion is the sooner the better.  Ideally, the patient would see the reconstructive surgeon even before plans were finalized for treating her cancer.  This is because many times several options are available to the patient, and she may not fully understand the implications of the various options available to her unless she understands what reconstructive options are available in each setting.

A Little Bit About Our Surgical Team :

Co-directors Dr. Richard M. Kline and Dr. James E. Craigie are certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery. Both surgeons have trained under Dr. Robert J. Allen, a pioneer in breast reconstruction using the DIEP, SIEA, and GAP flaps. Dr. Craigie completed a microsurgical breast reconstruction fellowship dedicated to muscle sparing techniques (directed by Robert J. Allen, M.D.). Dr. Kline completed his residency at LSU while Dr. Allen was developing these techniques.

Our entire surgical team is dedicated to remaining at the forefront of breast reconstruction surgery to provide excellent care and results for each individual patient. Because of this commitment, the practice consistently earns referrals from our patients, as well as from other surgeons throughout the United States.

Knowing the RIGHT Questions to Ask:

When searching for a surgeon to perform your microsurgical breast reconstruction, it’s important to ask him or her the right questions.

Below are a few questions to ask:

• Are you a microsurgeon? Where and by whom were you trained in this specialty?

• How many microsurgeries have you performed? And how often do you perform them?

• What is your success rate?

• Can you arrange for me to speak with some of your patients who have had the procedure I am seeking? (Candidates should speak with people of similar ages and lifestyles).

• How long do you anticipate I will be under anesthesia for the procedure?

• How many board certified physicians will be assisting with the first stage of the procedure? Will there be physicians in training (residents) involved with my surgery

• Will I have to sign a consent that if a physician is unable to complete the procedure, I will have to consent to a TRAM/Free TRAM?

Do you have a question about breast implants or natural breast reconstruction? Ask our surgical team by clicking HERE.