Rebuilding, Beautifully: Microsurgical Innovations and Robotics Changing Breast Reconstruction

Board-certified UCI Health breast reconstructive surgeon Gordon Lee, MD joins the podcast to share his experience and discuss the latest techniques in breast reconstruction, including microsurgery, robotic advancements, and AI applications. Learn about specific case studies, such as direct-to-implant breast reconstruction, robot-assisted microsurgery, and innovative AI applications. Discover how these technologies are changing patient care and the future of plastic surgery.  Topics discussed:  Microsurgical natural-tissue reconstructions like the DIEP flap, which preserves abdominal muscles while reconstructing the breast after mastectomy. The reconstructive—not cosmetic—nature of breast surgery after cancer, highlighting its vital role in restoring patient body image, emotional well-being, and self-esteem during recovery. Advanced head-to-toe cancer and trauma reconstructions, including lymphatic surgeries for lymphedema — connecting microscopic lymphatic vessels to veins to restore drainage. Ongoing development of next-generation injectables, microneedling, energy-based skin therapies, and regenerative techniques to address aging and aesthetic concerns.Connect with UCI Health physicians online at clinicalconnection.ucihealth.org, on LinkedIn @UCI Health Physicians, on Instagram @ucihealthphysicians, or at @uciphysicians on X. Refer a patient at referralportal.ucihealth.org and learn more about ongoing clinical trials at ucihealth.org/clinical-trials.