For patients exploring their options for breast reconstruction and learning they must travel, the very thought of a long car trip or airline travel can seem like an overwhelming task. It is important at DiepCFoundation then that we provide those practices who support patients who will be traveling for their breast reconstruction surgery. On this episode of the DiepCJourney® podcast, I talk to Dr. Richard Kline and his team to learn how they support patients who travel to their practice at The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina.
Please go over to the DiepCFoundation YouTube channel and look for this episode soon! If you have questions after you listen to the interview whether you listen to the podcast or watch the video, let us know and we’ll try to answer them.
The Team Approach in Breast Reconstruction
Dr. Kline collaborates with a team in the operating room for patients using the co-surgeon model in breast reconstruction. This means that there are two board-certified microsurgeons with the patient during their surgery. Microsurgery is a specialized skill requiring training beyond plastic surgery. Dr. Kline trained with Dr. Robert J. Alan, the pioneer of the muscle sparing perforator flaps in autologous tissue reconstruction. Along with Dr. Alan Dr. Kline works with Dr. James Craigie performing various tissue reconstructions for patients across the United States.
Dr. Kline also works with a team of PA’s (physician assistants) who join me in the interview. Meghan Dixon, PA-C and Logan Hillemmann, PA-C share their role in the intake, care, and follow-up recovery instructions for patients who travel. We are also joined by their office manager, Gail Lanter, who is there online and on the phone with a friendly voice, smile, and answers about travel, insurance, and to make new patients feel welcome.
How Do Patients Find Surgeons for Breast Reconstruction?
Some but not all patients travel for breast reconstruction. Autologous tissue reconstruction is a specific skill and access to a board certified microsurgeon can result in traveling for surgery. There are a number of ways folks find the Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction. Dr. Kline defers his team to answer the questions for finding his practice.
Meghan tells us patients find their practice various ways. One of the more beneficial means is by word of mouth from other patients who have had surgery with them before. This creates a sense of community and patients feel a connection when they speak to someone who has had surgery at The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction.
Next Steps in the Process for Planning Surgery
Once a patient contacts their center the next step is talking to office administrator, Gail Lanter, front office staff, or one of the PA’s to get the ball rolling. Along with the staff they begin to look at schedules to book an appointment for evaluation. This can be in person or by telemedicine conference.
Megan tells us after the appointment is scheduled they get to see most of the staff in the office at some point or at least talk to them during their reconstructive journey. Dr. Kine shares details of the telemedicine appointment stating that most patients know a great deal already about what they want at this point in the planning process. The team fills in any gaps in understanding for the patients as well as getting a feel for their personal situation.
The intake forms filled out by the patient gives the surgeon a good idea of what the patient wants. Dr. Kline says they like to allow as much time as necessary for patients to understand the process and procedure they will be having. He shares a very powerful statement he tells patients to help him understand what the patient does or does not know coming into the consultation. This sets the stage for a true shared decision-making process placing the patient as a partner in the decision-making process for the reconstruction surgery.
Start at the beginning. Tell me your story and what I can do for you. Then I sit there and listen.
~ Dr. Richard Kline
Recovery and the In-Hospital Stay
I ask Logan about the recovery process and in-hospital stay once the patient has completed surgery. She tells us patients are in hospital for three nights. The patient is very closely monitored by nurses that the staff at The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction know and work with. They know exactly what the dos and don’ts are after surgery that include:
- Movement
- Arm restrictions
- Flap monitoring
- Help with restroom care
- Teaching family members how to monitor drain output
- What to look for in flap viability (color, cooler to the touch, unusual swelling)
Dr. Kline shares that after day three there is an extremely low possibility of flap issues in their practice. This emphasizes the importance of the education they give to patients and at home caregivers to watch for in the flaps once the patient returns home. Dr. Kline says they have become very comfortable sending patients home after day three who travel because the chance of a flap problem is so rare.
When to Travel Home After Surgery
Dr. Kline points out that many patients feel more comfortable staying in Charleston for a few days after surgery. It is a lovely part of the U.S. and some patients who can decide to rent a beach home with their family to recovery for a few days or a week before traveling home.
He says that if you are closer, meaning within a few hundred miles, sometimes a car is easier because you have complete control over what you are going to do. You can stop every thirty minutes or an hour and walk a few steps to get your blood flowing.
Meghan shares a list of hotels the practice has put together for patients that are in the area. She says that many of these hotels offer a medical discount for patients. It gives patients the opportunity to see the surgical team one more time to reassure patients everything looks good before heading home.
Diet after Discharge from Breast Reconstruction Surgery
The patients are advised to begin a normal, regular diet after they leave the hospital. Meghan does point out that one thing they emphasize is for the patients to up their protein intake and eat a diet that is healthy and nutritious.
The most important thing for patients to remember is to stay well hydrated and increase protein intake. While in hospital this is closely monitored, and Meghan points out that they want the patient to continue to do this after discharge.
Personal Stories Shared in the Interview
Don’t miss our personal stories and what it means to travel back for phase two of breast reconstruction surgery. We shared some smiles and laughter with Dr. Kline about how Hurricane Katrina became “driving force” (excuse the tongue in cheek) for putting The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction on the map.
The team shares their love of the city of Charleston, and I couldn’t agree more when we mention the southern cuisine and hospitality of the area. When patients can afford to take a bit more time and stay after phase two, it can be a celebration of all they have been through and a time for some self-care and reflection.
It takes a real concerted effort to make patients feel comfortable to plan and travel for reconstruction. Gail joins the team on the couch as we wrap up the interview. She shares this,
We don’t just leave you to try to plan on this stuff on your own… and for it to be as pleasant as we can possibly make it for you.
~ Gail Lanter
Patients need to be comfortable whoever they go to for reconstructive surgery. They need to know there is a team working on their behalf. Thank you to the team in Mt. Pleasant and The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction for this informative interview. You can listen to the entirety of the podcast here.
Terri, thank you for walking us through this part of your journey with such honesty. Traveling for specialized reconstruction care is no small undertaking, and you capture both the logistical complexity and the emotional weight of the decision so thoughtfully.
I especially appreciate how clearly you show that reconstruction isn’t just a medical event—it’s an act of agency, research, and courage. Sharing these details will help so many others feel more informed and less alone as they consider their own options. – Marie Ennis-O’Connor