The expert aesthetic reconstruction team of Dr. Michael DeWolfe and Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Kelly Retzlaff is committed to helping patients reclaim that which has been taken away or denied by cancer, injury, birth defect, or other disease. Dr. DeWolfe and Kelly utilize the most advanced surgical techniques and reconstructive treatments to achieve the natural look you desire and the thriving, productive life you deserve. Our services include:
Breast Reconstruction SurgeryNasal Reconstruction
Reconstructive Options Following Mohs Surgery
Abdominal Wall Reconstruction
BREAST RECONSTRUCTION SURGERY
Breast cancer can deeply affect every aspect of a woman’s life. Aesthetic Breast Reconstruction provides a path to follow during this difficult time. A path to healing. To wholeness. To confidence.
Dr. DeWolfe and Kelly are proficient in the latest tissue-based and implant-based breast reconstruction techniques, nipple reforming and areola micropigmentation. Together, they partner with patients and their breast cancer team to find the most effective and appropriate procedure.
When considering breast reconstruction it is often easiest to explore options by putting them into three distinct categories: Tissue Expanders/Implants, Abdominal Free Flap, and Latissimus Flap. Learn more about each procedure below. And visit our 3D Gallery to experience a virtual tutorial.
TISSUE EXPANDERS/IMPLANTS
Some women have the option of undergoing a one-stage reconstruction in a single surgery by receiving the implant at the time of mastectomy. Alternately, a balloon-like tissue expander may be placed in the mastectomy area and slowly filled with saline solution over several visits. After the tissue and skin have been stretched to reach the desired size,the expander is replaced with a permanent implant. This procedure is appropriate for slender women with size C breasts or smaller, who do not have sufficient tissue for an autologous reconstruction (using your own tissue).
- Length of Surgery: Approximately 1 hour • Requires two surgeries: one to insert the expander, and one to replace it with an implant.
- Expected Recovery: 2-3 weeks • Support/Sports Bra for 2-4 weeks
- Duration of results: Implants typically last 10 years
- Recommended for patients who: Want a shorter surgery and recovery time • Have limited abdominal or buttock tissue • Have size C or smaller breasts
- No recommended for patients who: Have had radiation • Are seeking the most natural-looking breast • Do not want an implant
ABDOMINAL FREE FLAP
Moving abdominal tissue and blood vessels to the chest is accomplished by creating a microvascular flap to form the new breast. The blood vessels are then reattached through microvascular surgery, resulting in the safest, most natural outcomes. Dr.DeWolfe is one of the few surgeons in the Chicago area who specialize in this intricate type of reconstruction.
- Length of Surgery: 6-8 hours • There may be a need for additional surgery, if revisions are needed
- Hospital Stay: Approximately 3 days
- Expected Recovery: 6 weeks
- Benefits: Only one initial surgery • Implants are rarely used • Yields the most natural-looking breast • The reconstructed breast will be soft to the touch
- Recommended for patients who: Are healthy enough for long surgery • Have enough time for recovery • Have ample abdominal tissue • Have had radiation
- Not recommended for patients who: Are smokers and have no plan to quit • Are not comfortable with having a long surgery • Have had abdominal surgery before (not including C-sections)
LATISSIMUS FLAP
This method transfers tissue from the back to recreate the breast. It is similar to procedures that take tissue from the back, though surgery time is generally shorter and implant may be required.
- Length of Surgery: 3-4 hours • If revisions are needed, there may be a need for additional surgery
- Hospital Stay: Approximately 1-2 days
- Expected Recovery: 3-6 weeks
- Benefits: Only one initial surgery • Implants are rarely used • Yields the most natural-looking breast • The reconstructed breast will be soft to the touch
- Recommended for patients who: Have had radiation • Are healthy enough for moderate surgery • Have adequate back tissue
- Not recommended for patients who: Are not comfortable with implants • Are smokers and do not plan to quit
Each of these options has advantages and disadvantages related to the final aesthetic outcome, invasiveness of operative procedure, time needed for recovery, and the need for future operations. Please click on the links above for more information about each type of breast reconstruction, or view our 3D Gallery for detailed visual tutorials.
NASAL RECONSTRUCTION
Wounds caused by injury, or treatment for diseases like paranasal sinus and nasal cavity cancer treatment can affect nose appearance in many ways. Dr. DeWolfe and his expert surgical team utilize a variety of proven procedures to attain the desired look, and to regain proper nasal function. Options include:
- Skin Graft
- Adjacent Tissue Rearrangement
- Regional Flaps
- Free Tissue Transfer
RECONSTRUCTIVE OPTIONS FOLLOWING MOHS SURGERY
Mohs Surgery is an advanced technique used to remove certain types of difficult skin cancers. Careful reconstruction is often needed to restore the region of the skin affected by removal of the cancer. Dr. DeWolfe tailors Mohs surgical and reconstruction options to effectively treat the cancer and bring back the skin’s natural appearance.
ABDOMINAL WALL RECONSTRUCTION
Complications from hernia surgery or surgery to repair wounds can often leave an opening of the abdominal wall, or excessive scar tissue. Dr. DeWolfe dynamically restructures the abdomen through a variety of innovative techniques, including using muscle flaps from the abdomen or other areas of the body with biologic or synthetic materials to achieve lasting closure and integrity of the abdominal wall.