Reconstructive surgery can help build confidence and change lives in extraordinary ways. Restoring form and function, whether from an accident, a congenital abnormality or a cancer diagnosis, is some of the most rewarding work we do.
Our surgeons, all board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, provide a comprehensive spectrum of services for reconstructive surgery ranging from standard to the most complex.
We’re here to meet the needs of you and your family by providing compassionate, quality care.
For women who have undergone a mastectomy, breast reconstruction can be a physically and emotionally rewarding procedure.
New medical procedures are making it possible for surgeons to create a breast that can come close to matching a natural breast. Frequently, the initial reconstruction is possible immediately following breast removal (mastectomy).
For many patients, this can lessen the emotional shock that comes with breast removal.
We can provide breast reconstruction surgery months or even years after removal, after you recover from any additional cancer treatments.
Many patients also opt for a breast lift, breast augmentation or breast reduction for the opposite breast to improve symmetry, position, and size.
Our surgeons offer a variety of surgical options for patients seeking breast reconstruction. DIEP flap breast reconstruction is the most advanced breast reconstruction surgery used today.
In DIEP flap surgery, surgeons use the patient’s lower abdominal skin and fat to reconstruct breast tissue after mastectomy.
Plastic Surgery & Skin Specialists by BayCare Clinic physicians are uniquely trained to perform DIEP flap breast reconstruction for patients in northeastern Wisconsin.
During the procedure, skin, fat, and blood vessels are taken from the patient’s abdomen, moved to the chest, and the tissue is then reshaped into a breast.
Unlike the TRAM flap procedure, no muscle is typically removed during the DIEP flap procedure.
DIEP flap reconstruction can be performed on one or both breasts.
Once the new tissue is in place, microsurgery is used to connect the blood vessels in the flap to blood vessels in the chest.
Surgeons use precision microscopes and instruments to repair small blood vessels less than a few millimeters in diameter.
A plastic surgeon can help determine whether DIEP flap procedure is right for you. Request an appointment today.
View more breast reconstruction videos
The Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act, passed in 1998, is a federal law that provides protections to patients who choose to have breast reconstruction in connection with a mastectomy or cancer diagnosis.
The law requires most group insurance plans that cover mastectomies to also cover breast reconstruction.
We can also provide breast reconstruction surgery months or even years after removal, after you recover from any additional cancer treatments. Many patients also opt for a breast lift, breast augmentation or breast reduction for the opposite breast to improve symmetry, position, and size.
As our population continues to age, the incidence of skin cancer is increasing rapidly.
As with any cancer treatment, removing the malignancy is the most important part of care. However, removing cancerous tissue can leave scars - scars that aren't easily hidden -- especially on the face.
The plastic surgeons at BayCare Clinic are well-trained to treat all types of skin lesions, including cancer. We provide patients with safe, effective skin cancer treatment through aesthetic and reconstructive surgery.
Once healed, they can provide additional scar reduction treatments to make the incisions even less visible.
To learn more about reconstructive surgery with Plastic Surgery & Skin Specialists by BayCare Clinic request your appointment today.
We have offices throughout Northeast Wisconsin.
Click the button below to view real life before and after pictures of patients, courtesy of The American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
These photographs represent typical results though not everyone will achieve the same results. WARNING: this link contains content that may be considered graphic in nature.
Sheila, Age 62
"I researched a plastic surgeon shortly after I was told I had skin cancer on my lip. The Dr I was seeing said that I would have a very noticeable scar. I found Dr. Schmidt and read his credentials and decided I wanted him for my Dr. I was very impressed with his bed side manner and he always made me feel comfortable and confident. He did a wonderful job on my surgery and after a few months now, it looks great and some tell me they don’t even notice it. Thank you, Dr. Schmidt, I will always come back if need be, and you are a wonderful Dr. Also, I would like to say that everyone in his office has been very nice and helpful with everything regarding questions, rearranging when I have been late for an appointment as I live 100 miles away. Thank you to everyone."
Related Information
Related Medical Services
Providers