Publications by authors named "Tiffany N S Ballard"

Background: Autologous fat grafting is emerging as a promising reconstructive technique after breast conservation therapy (BCT). Recent evidence suggests that autologous fat grafting does not increase the risk of cancer recurrence; however, women may still be subject to unnecessary biopsies secondary to suspicious radiologic findings. The purpose of this study was to assess surgical complications and biopsy rates in these patients.

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Background: Breast augmentation is the most common aesthetic surgery performed in the United States. Despite its popularity, there is no consensus on many aspects of the procedure.

Objectives: The authors assessed current trends and changes in breast augmentation from January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2015.

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Background: Chronic postsurgical pain (CPSP) is a reported risk for women undergoing breast reconstruction, but it remains unclear that such persistent pain is induced by reconstructive surgery. To address this concern, this prospective cohort study examined the prevalence of and risk factors associated with CPSP among women undergoing breast reconstruction.

Materials And Methods: Women (n = 1996) recruited for the Mastectomy Reconstruction Outcomes Consortium (MROC) Study were assessed preoperatively and at two-years postoperatively for relevant medical/.

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Background: Substantial federal resources have been directed toward ensuring the delivery of high-quality care at safety net hospitals. Although disparities in receipt of breast reconstruction persist at the patient level, the extent to which hospital factors contribute to these differences remains unclear. The rates of immediate breast reconstruction across safety net and non-safety net hospitals were investigated.

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Background: As resident "index" procedures change in volume due to advances in technology or reliance on simulation, it may be difficult to ensure trainees meet case requirements. Training programs are in need of metrics to determine how many residents their institutional volume can support.

Objective: As a case study of how such metrics can be applied, we evaluated a case distribution simulation model to examine program-level mediastinoscopy and endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) volumes needed to train thoracic surgery residents.

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Background: The ideal timing of postmastectomy radiation therapy (PMRT) in the setting of two-stage implant-based breast reconstruction remains unclear. In this cohort study, the authors sought to determine whether complication rates differed between patients who received PMRT following tissue expander placement (TE-XRT) and those who received PMRT after exchange for permanent implants (Implant-XRT) utilizing using prospective, multicenter data.

Methods: Eligible patients in the Mastectomy Reconstruction Outcomes Consortium study from 11 institutions across North America were included in the analysis.

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A 20-year-old woman underwent lacrimal gland biopsy for unilateral swelling and was unexpectedly found to have olive-green discoloration of her orbital rim. Postoperative questioning revealed that as a teenager she had been treated for acne with minocycline, a semisynthetic tetracycline antibiotic and a first-line treatment for moderate and severe acne. While hyperpigmentation is a known side effect of minocycline, reports of pigmentation changes of the periorbital bones are relatively rare and could pose a diagnostic dilemma during surgery.

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Background: Health outcomes research has gained considerable traction over the past decade as the medical community attempts to move beyond traditional outcome measures such as morbidity and mortality. Since its inception in 2009, the BREAST-Q has provided meaningful and reliable information regarding health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and patient satisfaction for use in both clinical practice and research. In this study, we review how researchers have used the BREAST-Q and how it has enhanced our understanding and practice of plastic and reconstructive breast surgery.

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Background. To promote patient-centered care, it is important to understand the impact of sociodemographic factors on procedure choice for women undergoing postmastectomy breast reconstruction. In this context, we analyzed the effects of these variables on the reconstructive method chosen.

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Successful integration of research into the educational mission of a plastic surgery residency program requires the support and dedication of the faculty members to create a culture that promotes innovation, discovery, and advancement of the field of plastic surgery. Dedicated research time during plastic surgery training is beneficial to both the resident and training program. Regardless of whether residents plan to pursue an academic career or enter private practice, participating in research provides an opportunity to develop skills to think critically and mature professionally.

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Background: Optimizing the patient experience is a central pillar in healthcare quality. Although this may be recognized as important in breast reconstruction, surgeons are often unaware of how well they and members of their team achieve this goal. The objective of our study was to evaluate patient satisfaction with the experience of care in a multicenter, prospective cohort of patients undergoing breast reconstruction.

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Background: Autologous fat grafting is widely used for refinements in postmastectomy breast reconstruction. However, there are few studies evaluating outcomes in this patient population. The purpose of this study was to assess outcomes of autologous fat grafting after breast reconstruction in postmastectomy patients.

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An 87-year-old female with a history of open-angle glaucoma presented with longer, thicker eyelashes on the right side compared to the left. Her irides were also different colors, as the right iris was brown and the left was hazel (green-brown). The patient had noticed a gradual darkening of her right iris and lengthening of her eyelashes over the last year, but denied visual changes or foreign-body sensation.

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Breast reconstruction continues to evolve along with advances in the detection and management of breast cancer. With more patients diagnosed with breast cancer earlier in life and increased identification of genetic mutations predisposing patients to breast cancer, patients' desires and expectations regarding reconstruction have become more sophisticated. Restoration of the breast to a form as close as possible to its presurgical state continues to be a primary goal.

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