The psychologic, neurodevelopmental and socioeconomic impact of congenital and traumatic facial deformity are being investigated. Current research is designed to investigate the factors involved with salvage of failed microvascular anastomoses. Currently, low molecular weight heparin is being administered in a rabbit model to determine if this agent raises the salvage rate, without incurring the side effects of standard heparin therapy. Other studies are investigating the role of vessel clamping and core body temperature on the success of free tissue transfer. This area of investigation focuses on improving our understanding of the factors influencing the shape of the female beast.
Breast shape is determined by breast volume and surface area of the skin envelope.
This laboratory has developed a simple photographic method to measure these two parameters. Preliminary studies are being conducted to determine the relationship between breast volume and surface area that results in an esthetically pleasing breast shape in normal female volunteers. This relationship will then be applied to a variety of clinical situations, including reduction mammoplasty, augmentation mammoplasty, and breast reconstruction, to determine whether this method can be used to predict the correct volume and surface area changes necessary to obtain a good surgical result. Flap Physiology Clinical and animal model studies have provided insight into the vascularity and physiology of musculocutaneous flaps. A rat TRAM flap model has been developed, and preliminary data has addressed queries concerning the optimal timing of surgical delay as well as the extent of the delay procedure required.