Beaufort Memorial’s New Era of Breast Reconstruction Care
In the charming town of Beaufort, a remarkable change is taking place at the Beaufort Memorial Breast Care & Surgery Program. With innovative advancements in breast reconstruction, the partnership between two talented surgeons is revolutionizing care for local women battling breast cancer. Dr. Tara Grahovac, a board-certified breast oncology surgeon, has teamed up with Dr. Heidi Harrington, a board-certified plastic surgeon, to enhance the breast reconstruction journey right here in our community.
A Team Approach to Care
For many women facing breast cancer, a mastectomy – a surgical procedure to remove a breast – can be a pivotal moment in their lives. To help those women regain their confidence and address their physical changes, reconstructive surgery plays a vital role after recovery. What’s exciting about this new partnership at Beaufort Memorial is that Dr. Grahovac and Dr. Harrington are working together to streamline this process, allowing patients to have both the mastectomy and reconstruction conveniently performed in a single “direct-to-implant” surgery.
“I’ve been very personally involved in this whole process of recruiting a high-end reconstructive surgeon,” Dr. Grahovac stated. She emphasizes that having a dedicated team of specialists makes a significant difference in patient care. Previously, mastectomy patients who sought reconstruction had to travel to Charleston for their procedures and follow-ups. This travel was not only time-consuming but could also feel isolating during an already challenging period.
Convenience Meets Quality
Thanks to Dr. Harrington’s arrival at Beaufort Memorial, patients can now have their reconstructive surgery closer to home. They can also choose to have reconstruction done at the same time as their mastectomy, enhancing their emotional well-being. “Studies have shown that patients fare better when they undergo breast reconstruction simultaneously with their mastectomy,” Dr. Harrington explains. This timely intervention can greatly alleviate feelings of being “disfigured” or “not whole.”
Changing the Surgery Landscape
The shift to a single surgery has many benefits. Traditionally, surgeons would place a tissue expander under the pectoral muscle during a mastectomy, requiring a second operation to replace it with an implant. This method could lead to discomfort and unsatisfactory cosmetic results, not to mention the stress of enduring two separate surgeries.
Dr. Harrington’s innovative approach involves placing the implant above the muscle, which not only reduces recovery time but also minimizes discomfort and the risk of animation deformities—issues some patients find distressing. “Patients have far less discomfort and better overall outcomes,” she shares.
A Peek into the Technology
With advancements in medical technology, the surgical experience is becoming even more efficient. One major addition to the operating room is the SPY-PHI technology that Dr. Harrington is excited about. This tool helps surgeons visualize blood flow during breast reconstruction procedures, a critical factor in determining the viability of the skin for direct implant placement. “I call it ‘Captain Marvel’ because the patient starts glowing when we inject the dye,” she chuckles. Being able to see blood flow allows for a higher degree of confidence in moving forward with the surgery.
Bringing Care to Our Community
Dr. Grahovac and Dr. Harrington’s partnership not only enhances surgical options but also offers a support system that allows patients to heal in familiar surroundings. Dr. Harrington remarked, “You just do better and heal better in your community, surrounded by people who know you, understand you, and support you.” This local presence has made a world of difference for patients needing specialized care.
With the integration of advanced techniques, compassionate care, and collaborative efforts, the breast reconstruction program at Beaufort Memorial is set to uplift the journeys of countless women. As they navigate their treatments, having the benefit of an esteemed surgical team at their side makes healing a little easier and much more comforting.
As we look ahead, the future seems bright for breast cancer patients in Beaufort, all thanks to the hard work of these dedicated surgeons committed to improving lives.
