Reconstructive Microsurgery
Serving patients in Fairfield County, Westchester County, and New York City
The success of reconstructive microsurgery depends on a surgeon's ability to operate on a sub-millimeter scale. As one of the premier plastic surgeons specializing in plastic and reconstructive surgery, Dr. Otake combines years of experience with a meticulous healing approach. Whether performing immediate lymphatic reconstruction to prevent breast cancer-related lymphedema or repairing blood vessels after a trauma, Dr. Otake is dedicated to providing the highest standard of care available today.
Reconstructive microsurgery is a specialized field of plastic and reconstructive surgery that uses high-magnification microscopes to repair or reconnect tiny blood vessels, lymphatic vessels, and nerves.
For many patients, this surgery is a vital part of reconstructive surgery after cancer. It includes lymphatic reconstruction, a new technique aimed at restoring the lymphatic system to prevent the painful swelling associated with lymphedema. Dr. Otake offers several treatments, from breast reconstruction using your own tissue to lymphatic microsurgical bypass to redirect lymphatic fluid into a nearby vein.
On the day of surgery, you are placed under general anesthesia. Using a high-powered microscope, Dr. Otake identifies damaged tissues, vessels, or lymphatic territories.
The details of the reconstruction depend on the condition being treated. For immediate lymphatic reconstruction, performed at the time of cancer surgery, he works alongside your breast surgeon.
Utilizing enhanced lymphatic visualization—including indocyanine green (ICG) and fluorescein isothiocyanate—he can perform reverse lymphatic mapping. This technique allows him to find a healthy lymphatic vessel and connect it to a vein, facilitating the drainage of fluid. Throughout the procedure, every technical point is addressed to ensure the blood vessels and lymphatic vessels remain open and functional.
Other microsurgical procedures Dr. Otake performs include reconstructive breast surgery and reconstruction following complex trauma.
Dr. Otake utilizes reconstructive microsurgery to treat:
Microsurgery uses advanced techniques to restore function that was previously thought lost. For women facing invasive breast cancer, immediate lymphatic reconstruction serves as a primary surgical prevention method, drastically lowering the incidence of lymphedema.
By restoring the flow of lymphatic fluid, patients experience a reduction in pain, swelling, and heaviness. Furthermore, lymphovenous bypass provides a risk reduction strategy that allows patients to avoid the lifelong symptoms and medical costs of chronic lymphedema.
You may be a candidate if you are undergoing an axillary lymph node dissection for breast cancer and wish to pursue surgical lymphedema prevention.
You may also qualify if you already suffer from secondary lymphedema that has not responded to traditional treatments. Dr. Otake will evaluate your risk factors, such as prior radiation and your general medical status, to determine if this procedure is right for you.
Recovery from microsurgery requires careful monitoring. You may need to stay in the hospital for a few days to ensure the reconnected vessels are flowing correctly. Dr. Otake will provide specific precautionary measures, such as skin care and activity restrictions, to protect the delicate reconstruction. Unlike other surgeries, the healing approach here focuses on maintaining the integrity of microscopic connections.
The results of lymphatic reconstruction can be life-changing. Patients often notice a reduction in swelling and a return to their natural body contour over several months.
While the technique is highly successful, results are best when the procedure is performed early—ideally as a primary prevention during your initial cancer surgery.
Dr. Otake is a leader in plastic and reconstructive surgery, known for his expertise in lymphatic microsurgical techniques. He frequently contributes to journals like Plast Reconstr Surg and Ann Plast Surg, staying at the forefront of medical innovation. His collaborative relationship with the breast surgeon ensures that your cancer surgery and reconstruction are handled with seamless, expert care.
This is a technique used during breast surgery to identify the lymphatic vessels draining the arm. By using indocyanine green, surgeons can distinguish between these and the vessels draining the breast, helping to preserve arm function.
Primary surgical prevention (or immediate lymphatic reconstruction) is done at the time of your lymph node removal. Secondary prevention occurs later, after lymphedema symptoms have already developed.
Yes, radiation can scar lymphatic vessels. Dr. Otake will review your radiation history to determine the best healing approach for your specific case.
Yes, it is a minimally invasive microsurgery that involves only the skin and superficial vessels. It is a cornerstone of risk reduction for breast cancer survivors.
Common symptoms include a feeling of heaviness, pain, or visible swelling in the limb near your cancer surgery site. If you notice these, consult a breast surgeon or Dr. Otake immediately.
Dr. Otake often uses indocyanine green for enhanced lymphatic visualization, as it allows him to see the fluid flow in real-time through the lymphatic vessels.
