Category: Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

A Helping Hand: Carmen’s Story

Dr. Pet listens to pulse in patient's fingers using ultrasound in clinic room

A rare disease nearly cost Carmen her hands, until she met microvascular surgeon Mitchell Pet, MD.

What is Microsurgery?

Surgeon looking through a microscope

Surgeons explain what mircosurgery is, how its performed, its benefits and more.

7 Things to Know About Lymphedema

Lymphedema is swelling caused by a blockage or damage to the lymphatic system. Most cases of lymphedema in the United States happen after cancer or cancer treatment. Understanding this condition can help with lymphedema prevention, management and treatment.

Coaching After Amputation: Sam’s Story

Sam Schaefer returning to his active lifestyle after amputation surgery. Text overlay reads "Coaching After Amputation: Sam's Story"

Sam Schaefer suffered from constant pain after an injury left him with a rare neurological condition. After a below-the-knee amputation at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, he is back to playing hockey, breaking world records and coaching at a local gym.

Mackinnon Receives AAPS Honorary Award

Susan Mackinnon, MD, the Minot Packer Fryer Professor of Plastic Surgery at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, has received the American Association of Plastic Surgeons (AAPS) 2022 Honorary Award.

Ask The Doctors: Critical Limb-Threatening Ischemia

Ask the Doctors Header Image, featuring Patrick Geraghty, MD shown to the right, with Critical Limb-Threatening Ischemia typed to the left.

Limb ischemia is a peripheral arterial disease that causes reduced blood supply to the limbs. Long-term limb ischemia can progress into chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CL-TI), which requires immediate medical attention and treatment. Dr. Geraghty and the limb preservation team at Washington University answer questions about this condition, risk factors and treatment options.

The Essentials of Biological Tissue Grafts, Donation and Research at Washington University

There are several sources for biological tissue grafts used for reconstructive, reparative or replacement surgery. Allografts are obtained from tissue donors and transplanted into recipients through the tissue donation process. The decision to donate involves registration as a donor and is an important conversation to have with family. Ongoing surgery and research at Washington University benefits from the donation of tissue grafts or specimens from consented donors.

Breast Cancer Care

Breast Cancer Surgery

Washington University surgical oncologists and plastic and reconstructive surgeons provide the highest level of care for people with breast cancer.

Top Doctors 2021

Congratulations to the Department of Surgery faculty recognized on the 2021 Castle Connolly Top Doctors® list.

The Real Costs of Cosmetic Surgery Tourism

As medical tourism continues to rise in popularity, Washington University plastic and reconstructive surgeon Marissa Tenenbaum, MD, explains what patients should consider if thinking about traveling abroad for cosmetic surgery.

Paradigm Shift

Closeup image of glass knives on stone table with text overlay that reads: "Paradigm Shift."

The 30th anniversary of the Plastic Surgery Research Laboratories marks an exciting period of growth in the area of plastic and reconstructive surgery research.

Still Standing

Image of patient standing in clinic with text overlay that reads "Still Standing. A multidisciplinary team of Washington University surgeons saved Julius Moss from having an amputation after his diabetic foot ulcer refused to heal."

A multidisciplinary team of Washington University surgeons saved Julius Moss from having an amputation after his diabetic foot ulcer refused to heal.

Chair Installation of Justin Sacks, MD, MBA, FACS

Justin M. Sacks, MD, MBA, FACS

The Foundation for Barnes-Jewish Hospital celebrates the appointment of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Chief Justin Sacks, MD, MBA, as the Chairholder of the Shoenberg Endowed Chair in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

Ask the Doctors: WALANT Hand Surgery

Kelly Currie, MD, Assistant Professor of Surgery in the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, answers some of the most frequently asked questions about the WALANT technique for hand surgery.

Virtual Marathon

Dr. Keith E. Brandt, MD

Keith Brandt’s 50th marathon was unconventional, but unites the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in celebration.

A Little Goes a Long Way

Ida Fox, MD, takes a biopsychosocial approach to medicine, helping people with spinal cord injuries regain hand function.

Real-Life Superheroes

Pediatric surgeons at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis share what makes their patients superheroes in their eyes.

Avoiding Amputation

Plastic and Reconstructive, ACCS and Vascular surgeons are taking innovative steps in growing a limb salvage service for patients who might otherwise require amputation.

Andriole and Mackinnon Receive 2020 Distinguished Faculty Awards

Two Department of Surgery faculty members were recognized in the 2020 Washington University School of Medicine Distinguished Faculty Awards. Please join us in congratulating Gerald L. Andriole, MD, from the Division of Urologic Surgery, and Susan E. Mackinnon, MD, from the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, on their awards.

New Division Chief of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery: Justin M. Sacks, MD, MBA

A new faculty member joined the Department of Surgery in February 2020. Justin M. Sacks, MD, MBA, joins the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery as the new Division Chief, from Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, where he was Vice Chair of Clinical Operations and Director of Oncological Reconstruction in the Department of Plastic and […]