Plastic Surgery
Updates and news from UNMC Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
Message from the Chief
Spring has finally arrived and with that the annual Spring Fling at our Village Point location. See details below. Dr. Reilly has announced her retirement for the end of June so that she may pursue other interests including international medical missions, burn care in developing countries and other passions.  Dr. Reilly has been an integral part of the division for the past 13 years and her retirement will be bittersweet. Although she will be sorely missed and nearly impossible to replace, we are excited for her to start this new chapter in her life. Our plastic surgery student interest group is now formally in place and will be meeting quarterly. 

I hope you enjoy our newsletter and I welcome any comments, suggestions or feedback.
View our website:
 https://www.unmc.edu/surgery/divisions/plasticsurgery/index.html
Diep Flap Breast Reconstruction
At Nebraska Medicine, we are pleased to be able to offer what has become the gold standard of abdominally based breast reconstruction. The DIEP flap which is named after its blood supply, the deep inferior epigastric artery and vein, requires a specialized skill set to perform. It involves removing the abdominal skin and fat from the patient’s body and performing a microvascular anastomosis to recipient vessels in the chest. Unlike the TRAM flap (transverse rectus abdominus myocutaneous flap) where the soft tissue of the abdomen is raised along with the entire rectus muscle and is rotated into the chest, the DIEP flap spares the rectus muscle. This greatly decreases donor site morbidity as it relates to the development of abdominal hernias and bulges. This operation also allows the patient to preserve their core strength by leaving the rectus muscle in its anatomic location.
 
The alternative to using one’s own tissue for breast reconstruction is the use of silicone or less commonly saline implants. The risks of implant based breast reconstruction includes implant exposure, capsular contracture, implant rupture, implant visibility and rippling which are not complications found with DEIP flap reconstruction. Unlike the DIEP flap, infection may require removal of the implant. In addition, we know that the addition of post mastectomy radiation therapy can greatly increase the risk of complications associated with implant based breast reconstruction. DIEP flap reconstruction has become a preferred method of breast reconstruction in patients who need radiation therapy.
 
We currently perform the most DEIP flap reconstructions in the state of Nebraska and have gained the attention of patients and providers form neighboring states. Our two surgeon approach has allowed us to offer this surgery to patients both efficiently and expediently with short hospital stays.
 
For more questions or to schedule a consultation, please call 402-596-4000

SPRING SAVINGS AT DREAMS MEDSPA
It may not feel like it yet, but spring is in the air at Dreams Medspa. Throughout the month of April, patients will enjoy special promotions on many of their favorite skincare products and services. This year, purchasing is more convenient than ever.
Spring Fling eSale: April 1 through 30
Promotions for esthetician packages, SkinPen, Mira Dry, fillers and more are offered online for purchasing at Store.SurgeryVP.com
 
Spring Fling Product Sales: April 1 through 30

Patients will enjoy 25% off of all products throughout the month, in- spa.

Each week, a different product line is highlighted with representatives present in the lobby; including Alastin, Revision, ZO Skin Health, Inc. and SkinMedica. During these weeks, the corresponding product line is marked down to 30% off.

Flash Fridays: April 5, 12, 19, 26

Watch your email and social media! Every Friday during the month, we are offering a flash sale on Botox, Dysport and glycolic peels for one day only.

Plastic Surgery Interest Group

The Plastic Surgery Interest Group (PSIG) aims to broaden medical student and resident exposure to Plastic Surgery as an innovative and essential specialty. The objectives of the PSIG are:
Facilitate interactions between medical students, residents and faculty in the division of plastic surgery at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC).  
 
  • Impart fundamental knowledge about plastic surgery and its subspecialties including: craniofacial, hand, microsurgery and aesthetics. 
  •  
  • Coordinate participation in plastic surgery research. 
  •  
  • Facilitate involvement in shadowing experiences and away rotations. 
  •  
  • Practice essential plastic surgery techniques (e.g. suturing) through various workshops hosted by the division of Plastic Surgery. 
  •  
  • Discover how to maximize ones time at the UNMC and prepare for plastic surgery residency applications of both integrated and independent tracts. 

Contact- Toni Harris (Program Coordinator)
402-559-3007/ toni.harris@unmc.edu
Time- Friday 5:00 PM
Frequency- Quarterly meetings (more frequently by request)
Location- Eppley Science Hall, 6 th floor, Room 6020
 
   ERAS- Enhanced Recovery of Anesthesia
In 2017, drug overdoses claimed the lives of more than 72,000 people, a two fold increase from the decade prior. In the current opioid epidemic, drug overdoses are now the 8 th most common cause of all causes of mortality in the United States. The introduction of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols have shown success in reducing the amount of opiates administered and have expedited patient recovery after plastic surgery, particularly in breast reconstruction. However, to date, there are no such protocols for rhinoplasty. Opiate administration status post rhinoplasty is common particularly if osteotomies are performed. 
 
The Division of Plastic Surgery at the University of Nebraska Medical Center has developed an ERAS protocol that is aimed at reducing the need for opiates following rhinoplasty. The protocol holistically addresses the patient in the pre-operative, intra-operative and post-operative setting allowing for the obviation of opiates. A pilot study conducted on 10 patients all of whom underwent osteotomies during their rhinoplasty procedures demonstrated that this protocol was feasible. In addition, preliminary results demonstrate almost complete elimination of opiate use when this protocol was followed. 
 
Given the profound affects this can potentially have on rhinoplasty management this research was selected to be presented at the Midwest Association of Plastic Surgeons this year. Moving forward the Division plans on obtaining IRB approval to conduct a prospective randomized control trial looking at the efficacy of the protocol in a stronger powered study.  
UNMC Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
983335 Nebraska Medical Center
ESH 6011
Omaha, NE 68198
Ph: 402-559-8363