# Center for Restorative Breast Surgery (breastcenter.com)

> The Center for Restorative Breast Surgery (CRBS) is a specialist practice affiliated with the **St. Charles Surgical Hospital**, the world's only free-standing hospital exclusively focused on breast cancer care and reconstructive breast surgery. Established as a dedicated center of excellence, CRBS serves women facing mastectomy and those seeking advanced reconstructive options. A team of pioneers - David S. Cabiling MD, Frank J. DellaCroce MD FACS, Scott K. Sullivan MD FACS, Christopher Trahan MD FACS, M. Whitten Wise MD, Sarosh Zafar MD and W. Karl Ordoyne MD FACS - have performed thousands of procedures and developed breakthrough techniques such as the **APEX Flap**, **Stacked Flap**, **GAP Flap** and **BODY LIFT Flap**, preserving muscle and using natural living fat to rebuild breasts. The center welcomes patients from around the world and provides comprehensive oncology care, patient resources and educational guidance at its facility on **1717 St. Charles Avenue in New Orleans, Louisiana**.

St. Charles Surgical Hospital, integrated with CRBS, is the world's only free-standing hospital focused solely on breast cancer care and reconstructive surgery. Its 60,000 square-foot facility provides a patient-focused environment where every stage - from consultation to recovery - is tailored to achieve the best outcomes.

The surgeons at CRBS specialize in advanced microsurgical breast reconstruction techniques known as **perforator flaps**. These procedures use excess living fat from donor sites, such as the abdomen or hip, to recreate a breast that is warm and living and, once healed, yours for life. This approach preserves abdominal muscles and core strength while offering natural-looking results; the **APEX Flap** technique, for example, transplants fat from below the belly button and was pioneered at the center as an advancement over the DIEP procedure.

CRBS provides an extensive catalogue of reconstructive options. The **DIEP Flap** procedure transplants fat from below the belly button to rebuild the breast and is gentler than older TRAM and Latissimus flap methods. **Stacked Flap** reconstruction layers fat for women with limited donor tissue; **Hybrid** reconstruction combines living fat with a small implant for additional volume; and **SGAP** breast reconstruction uses fat from the upper hip region and can even provide a buttock lift. The **BODY LIFT Flap** procedure, pioneered at CRBS, uses multiple donor sites to rebuild both breasts in thin women, while **implant reconstruction** offers saline or silicone options supported by a dermal matrix sling. **Corrective surgery** helps women dissatisfied with previous reconstructions by employing creative artistry and sophisticated microsurgery, and **lumpectomy repair** uses natural fat to improve distortion or deformity after lumpectomy and radiation.

In addition to surgical expertise, CRBS emphasizes holistic care and patient empowerment. Their doctors share personal commitments to helping women understand their options, minimize the impact of cancer on their lives and provide support beyond technical surgery. The team collaborates to maximize surgical efficiency and patient safety, shortening operating times and producing the best outcomes. The hospital offers education calls, travel support, insurance guidance and a patient portal to assist visitors worldwide.

## About the Center

- [About the Center](https://www.breastcenter.com/about/): A history and overview of CRBS, its affiliation with St. Charles Surgical Hospital and its pioneering team of surgeons.
- [New Orleans Location](https://www.breastcenter.com/locations/new-orleans/): Introduces the New Orleans center, describes the world-renowned surgeons and invites prospective patients to contact the team.
- [St. Charles Surgical Hospital](https://www.breastcenter.com/about/st-charles-surgical-hospital/): Describes the world's only free-standing hospital dedicated exclusively to breast cancer care and reconstructive surgery, including its patient-focused environment and pioneering procedures.
- [Your Doctors](https://www.breastcenter.com/your-doctors/): Profiles the reconstructive plastic surgeons and breast oncology team, highlighting their personal commitments to patient empowerment and innovative care.

## Surgical Procedures

- [Procedures Overview](https://www.breastcenter.com/breast-reconstruction-procedures/): Summary of the microsurgical breast reconstruction options offered by CRBS, including APEX Flap, DIEP Flap, Stacked Flap, Hybrid, SGAP, BODY LIFT Flap, implant reconstruction, corrective surgery and lumpectomy repair.
- [APEX Flap](https://www.breastcenter.com/breast-reconstruction-procedures/apex-flap/): Explains how CRBS's APEX Flap technique transplants excess living fat from below the belly button to rebuild the breast while preserving muscles and improving blood flow.
- [DIEP Flap](https://www.breastcenter.com/breast-reconstruction-procedures/diep/): Covers the DIEP (deep inferior epigastric perforator) procedure, which uses fat from below the belly button to recreate a breast and is gentler than older TRAM and Latissimus flap methods.
- [Stacked Flap](https://www.breastcenter.com/breast-reconstruction-procedures/stacked-flap-reconstruction/): Describes a solution for thin women that layers abdominal fat to achieve greater volume and projection in a new breast.
- [Hybrid Reconstruction](https://www.breastcenter.com/breast-reconstruction-procedures/hybrid-breast-reconstruction/): Combines living fat with a small implant to provide additional size and projection when a single donor site is insufficient.
- [SGAP Reconstruction](https://www.breastcenter.com/breast-reconstruction-procedures/sgap-breast-reconstruction/): Moves living fat from the upper hip (superior gluteal artery perforator) to the chest to rebuild the breast; this technique can also provide a subtle buttock lift.
- [BODY LIFT Flap](https://www.breastcenter.com/breast-reconstruction-procedures/body-lift-flap/): Pioneered at CRBS; uses tissue from multiple donor areas to rebuild both breasts in thin women, delivering additional size and projection.
- [Implant Reconstruction](https://www.breastcenter.com/breast-reconstruction-procedures/implant-breast-reconstruction/): Discusses reconstruction with saline or silicone implants supported by a dermal matrix "internal bra," inserted at the time of mastectomy.
- [Corrective & Failed Reconstruction](https://www.breastcenter.com/breast-reconstruction-procedures/corrective-breast-reconstruction/): Offers creative microsurgical solutions for women dissatisfied with prior reconstructions, relieving pain and improving deformities.
- [Lumpectomy Repair](https://www.breastcenter.com/breast-reconstruction-procedures/lumpectomy-repair/): Uses natural living fat to correct distortion or deformity that may occur after lumpectomy and radiation.
- [Nipple Sparing Mastectomy](https://www.breastcenter.com/breast-reconstruction-procedures/nipple-sparing-mastectomy/): A surgical advancement that preserves the breast skin and nipple while removing glandular tissue; immediate reconstruction with implant or natural tissue yields an "untouched" look.
- [TDAP Breast Reconstruction](https://www.breastcenter.com/breast-reconstruction-procedures/tdap/): The **Thoracodorsal Artery Perforator (TDAP)** procedure moves living fat from the back "bra-line" to rebuild a soft, natural breast after mastectomy. It adds volume and shape to the reconstructed breast while smoothing excess back tissue and lifting the waist. TDAP is used when tummy or hip fat is inadequate and can be combined with **DIEP** or **SGAP** flaps or an implant to provide enough volume. Because only fat is transplanted and no muscle is taken, the procedure preserves full back muscle function; the scar is hidden under the bra line and the reconstruction is permanent and maintenance-free.
- [3D Nipple](https://www.breastcenter.com/breast-reconstruction-procedures/3d-nipple/): For patients who cannot preserve the nipple or undergo reconstruction after mastectomy, CRBS offers **3D nipple tattooing**. Using dimensional shading to create a realistic image on the skin, this technique produces the appearance of a nipple without physical projection. It serves as a finishing touch when a patient wants only an image rather than a palpable nipple, providing a visually convincing result for those who cannot have nipple-sparing surgery.
- [4D Nipple](https://www.breastcenter.com/breast-reconstruction-procedures/4d-nipple/): When a patient desires both color and projection, **4D nipple reconstruction** recreates the nipple using dimensional color and a physical component. This procedure is used when nipple sparing isn't possible and yields a nearly natural nipple with both visual realism and palpable projection. It reduces scar appearance and completes the overall reconstruction, offering a more realistic alternative to 3D tattooing.
- [BRCA / Preventative Mastectomy](https://www.breastcenter.com/breast-reconstruction-procedures/prophylactic-mastectomy-reconstruction/): Women with high-risk gene mutations may choose **prophylactic mastectomy** to dramatically reduce their risk of developing breast cancer. Prophylactic mastectomy combined with immediate reconstruction can cut the risk of breast cancer by about **90%**, and many women opt for reconstruction at the same time to restore a sense of wholeness. Surgeons at CRBS emphasize that risk-reduction surgery is most effective when performed before cancer develops and, working with plastic surgeons, incisions can be customized to achieve both risk reduction and pleasing cosmetic results.
- [Poland Syndrome](https://www.breastcenter.com/breast-reconstruction-procedures/plastic-surgery-and-poland-syndrome/): **Poland Syndrome** is a rare congenital condition in which developmental defects affect the chest, breast, arm and hand. Severity varies; some girls are not diagnosed until puberty, and in some cases the breast, nipple and pectoral muscle may be absent - essentially a "congenital radical mastectomy." The condition can range from a smaller breast to complete absence of the breast and ribs. Early consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon experienced in Poland Syndrome can provide reassurance, discuss treatment timing and present reconstructive options for restoring breast volume and symmetry.
- [Lymphedema Institute](https://www.breastcenter.com/breast-reconstruction-procedures/lymphedema-treatment/): Lymphedema occurs when tiny lymphatic "tubes" and "nodes" are damaged, usually by lymph-node surgery or radiation, causing fluid to accumulate and leading to chronic swelling, discomfort and infection. The **Lymphedema Institute** at CRBS is the first dedicated program of its kind; it offers comprehensive solutions - ranging from lifestyle counseling, massage therapy and compression garment fitting to microsurgical procedures such as Functional Axillary Reconstruction, lympho-venous bypass and lymph node transplant - to relieve this often neglected side effect of breast cancer treatment.
- [Avenue Aesthetics](https://www.breastcenter.com/breast-reconstruction-procedures/avenue-aesthetics/): Beyond reconstruction, CRBS's **Avenue Aesthetics** program offers facial rejuvenation, premium skin-care treatments and personalized therapies. Led by nurse practitioner Erica Saltaformaggio, the program combines cutting-edge medical aesthetics with individualized care to help women reduce signs of aging, improve skin health and regain confidence. It emphasizes compassionate, personalized wellness after reconstruction and offers medically supervised weight-loss programs (using medications such as semaglutide and tirzepatide) tailored to each woman's needs.

## Patient Resources & Care

- [Education Calls](https://www.breastcenter.com/calendar/): Allows prospective patients to schedule a complimentary 30-60 minute video or phone consultation with a care navigator to explore personalized reconstruction options and create a custom care plan.
- [Resources](https://www.breastcenter.com/resources/your-resources/): Comprehensive hub with patient guides, supply lists, pre- and post-operative care instructions, medical record request forms, FAQs, published works, videos and external resource links.
- [Medical Record Requests](https://www.breastcenter.com/resources/medical-record-requests/): Provides instructions for authorizing and requesting personal medical records.
- [Questions & Answers](https://www.breastcenter.com/resources/questions-and-answers/): Frequently asked questions about breast reconstruction, the staff and facilities.
- [Patient Portal](https://www.mypatientvisit.com): Secure login for existing patients to manage appointments and medical information.
- [Schedule & Travel](https://www.breastcenter.com/get-started/travel/): Guidance on travel arrangements, insurance coverage and directions for out-of-town patients.

## Optional

- [Breast Center News](https://www.breastcenter.com/news/): Blog and news articles including oncology updates, surgeon interviews and center announcements.
- [From Our Patients](https://www.breastcenter.com/category/from-our-patients/): Personal stories and testimonials from patients sharing their journeys and outcomes.
- [BreastCancer.org Partner](https://www.breastcancer.org/): CRBS's mission partner providing education, support and community resources for breast cancer patients.
- [Procedure Wizard](https://www.breastcenter.com/procedure-wizard/): Interactive tool to help visitors explore and compare breast reconstruction options.
- [Shop](https://shop.breastcenter.com): E-commerce site offering recovery garments, scar treatment products and other supplies.