Publications by authors named "Heather Karu"

Achieving satisfactory nipple esthetics following skin-sparing or nipple-sparing mastectomy is an important element of ensuring positive patient outcomes. Several techniques used to reconstruct the nipple-areolar complex have been described in previous literature and have had success in securing good cosmetic outcomes. For patients with macrothelia, surgeons may employ a number of options in reducing nipple size.

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Symmastia is a rare complication of augmentation mammaplasty that occurs when a breast implant crosses the midline and connects with the contralateral implant pocket. We present a case of implant rupture, migration to the contralateral breast, and ultimate symmastia following a traumatic fall in a patient with prior breast augmentation.

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Split-thickness skin grafts (STSG) are commonly used to treat soft-tissue defects. Harvesting a STSG creates an additional partial thickness wound at the donor site which must be managed. Many dressings are commercially available for the management of STSG donor sites; however, there is no evidence-based consensus on optimal dressing for site management.

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Background: Nipple reconstruction is the last stage in cosmetic reconstruction of the breast after mastectomy, but no method produces reliable and consistent aesthetic results. This study examined the use of the Biodesign Nipple Reconstruction Cylinder (NRC) during reconstruction of the nipple after mastectomy.

Methods: Patients with a history of breast cancer and mastectomy desiring nipple reconstruction were invited to participate.

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