Dr. Craig completed her plastic surgery residency at Yale and microsurgical training at the leading microsurgical and cancer research institution, MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. She then joined the plastic surgery faculty at MD Anderson Cancer Center where she performed complex reconstructive procedures for breast cancer survivors. Dr. Craig has traveled to the world’s best microsurgical and breast reconstruction experts to provide Houston patients with the latest advancements.

What is Microsurgical Reconstruction?

As breast reconstruction procedures have evolved, microsurgery has been integral to advancing the aesthetic result of a patient’s final result. Microsurgical reconstruction is performed with the use of a microscope to connect minute blood vessels during free flap surgery. This form of autologous breast reconstruction transfers tissue, blood vessels, and fat from a donor site to your breast mound to create the breast mound after a mastectomy. Microsurgical reconstruction has ushered in revolutionary techniques for DIEP, SIEA, SGAP, and PAP flap surgery to preserve muscle and improve recovery time for patients.

What Breast Reconstruction Procedures Use Microsurgery?

The procedures that rely on the skill of the microsurgical reconstruction are:

  • DIEP flap.
  • SIEA flap.
  • SGAP flap.
  • PAP flap.

These are ‘perforator flaps’ that utilize microsurgical techniques to dissect small blood vessels and by doing so, spare the surrounding muscle, thereby minimizing post-operative pain and expedite recovery.

How Do I Find a Microsurgical Reconstructive Surgeon in Houston?

Once you have decided to pursue breast reconstruction surgery, you will need to find an expert that can provide you with the best possible care. To find a microsurgical expert in Houston, you should look for:

  • Training at a top-ranked center. Dr. Craig received her plastic surgery training at the esteemed Yale University. Dr. Craig then focused one year on microsurgical reconstruction at the nation’s leading cancer hospital, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center.
  • One-on-one training from leading experts. Look for a microsurgical reconstructive surgeon who has sought to learn techniques from established breast reconstruction experts in the world such Dr. Craig.
  • Experience and in-depth knowledge of all available procedures. There are several procedures available for breast reconstruction. By choosing a doctor who specializes in all types of breast reconstruction (even microsurgery), you will have the latest techniques and best options for restoring your natural breasts. Plastic surgeons with microsurgical experience, like Dr. Craig, garner the ability to offer all types of breast reconstruction options and evaluate the one that works best for you.
  • Approachability and excellent bedside manner. It is important that you find someone whom you trust. Choosing a plastic surgeon who relates to you and talks you through difficult choices will give you more confidence in the final result.

Dr. Craig received her plastic surgery training from Yale, microsurgical training from MD Anderson Cancer Center, where she then taught fully trained plastic surgeons how to perform microsurgical reconstructions on breast cancer patients. She has continually enhanced her aesthetic results by taking the time to learn the newest techniques from leading breast reconstruction experts Phillip Blondeel and Roger Khouri.

For more information about micro reconstruction procedures contact our Houston office at 713-346-9909.