We are going to discuss the topic of scars and cover several topics related to scars on this edition of the DiepCJourney podcast. It is understood, anyone who has surgery will have scars of some kind. There is a mechanism to how scars heal. In plastic surgery, if you think of the Greek word, plastikós (πλᾰστῐκός it means to shape or mold. Scars are a significant consideration in plastic surgery then. I invited an expert in the field to share his expertise on the topic.
My guest is Dr. Andrew Gassman joined PRMA in San Antonio, Texas in 2021.
Dr. Gassman completed his plastic and reconstructive surgery residency at UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine in Los Angeles, California, and a general surgery residency, as Chief of Surgical Resident Education, at Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood Illinois. Following his residency, Dr. Gassman completed his fellowship in breast and reconstructive microsurgery, with a specialty in facial reanimation at UTSW Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in Dallas, Texas.
Dr. Gassman and his team practice the co-surgeon model in breast reconstruction, meaning each patient undergoing autologous breast reconstruction will have two board-certified microsurgeons in the OR at the time of their reconstruction. They are part of the IFAR (Institute for Advanced Reconstruction) network collaborating with other microsurgeons in the IFAR network to improve patient safety, care, and outcomes.
Dr. Gassman discusses the importance of scars and the considerations for plastic surgeons regarding scars for their patients. He tells us,
"These are marks that a patient is going to carry with them for their lives."
He tells us about techniques used at his practice and considerations like:
· Scar placement
· Scar healing
· Different types of scars and skin types
· Scar management after surgery
· Scar revisions at phase 2
· Emotional impact of scars
We reference a DiepCJourney podcast in our discussion you can listen to here:
Ep. 60: Credibility in the Noise _ Social Media, Breast Reconstruction, and Your Experience.
Connect with Dr. Gassman on the following platforms:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gassman_ps/
Instagram: PRMA https://www.instagram.com/prmaplasticsurgery/
