Episode 64: Microsurgery and Fat Grafting in Breast Reconstruction
Release Date: 08/28/2024
Episode 102: A Better Decsion Through Self-Advocacy
DiepCJourney Podcast
In this episode of the , , Founder and Director of , speaks with Frances, a young member of the DiepCFoundation community who reached out with a powerful purpose: to help others understand the importance of self‑advocacy after a breast cancer diagnosis. Frances shares how she navigated her diagnosis of DCIS, the emotional impact it had, and what she believes is missing for patients who receive this news. As she explains in the interview, “I look forward to sharing and helping someone else just like the women before me have helped me.” Her story highlights the determination it takes...
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Episode 101: Fertility Preservation, Legislative Advocacy, and Patient‑Centered Breast Cancer Care
DiepCJourney Podcast
In this episode, , Founder and Director of , sits down with , board‑certified breast surgeon with in New Jersey. Dr. Jadeja brings a powerful blend of clinical expertise, advocacy, and compassion to her work in this episode of the , and she shares why fertility preservation must be part of comprehensive cancer care for young patients. Episode Highlights Dr. Jadeja’s path to breast surgery She reflects on what drew her to the field and how joining Premier Surgical Network has strengthened her ability to deliver high‑quality, patient‑centered care. Why fertility preservation matters...
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Episode 100: Lymphatic Drainage Massage and Acupuncture
DiepCJourney Podcast
In this episode of the , we sit down with , a dual‑licensed acupuncturist and Certified Lymphedema Wound Care Therapist whose integrative approach is reshaping how patients understand and care for their lymphatic health. As noted in the interview outline, Tina brings “a high level of expertise in the field of non‑operative and post‑operative edema control,” blending Eastern medicine with modern lymphatic therapy to support patients recovering from surgery and cancer treatment. Tina shares her professional journey, what drew her to acupuncture, how she entered the world of lymphatic...
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Episode 99: Breast Cancer Rehabilitation Therapy
DiepCJourney Podcast
Part of my work as of is traveling to medical conferences. In April of this year, at the ARSA Summit, 2026, I met Alina and Carolyn who both work in cancer rehabilitation. Their booth at the conference intrigued me and we started a robust conversation on the value of their work especially as it relates to breast cancer and breast reconstruction surgery. This episode of the is on the topic of Breast Cancer Rehabilitation Therapy at ReVital Cancer Foundation. It will be available on the when published. Alina Hedaya, PT, DPT, OCS, Cert MDT is a Doctor of Physical Therapy. Her current focus...
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Episode 98: Am I Being Told All My Options for Breast Reconstruction?
DiepCJourney Podcast
How can you help today? After listening to this interview with a highly skilled microsurgeon, of , share it with someone who is newly diagnosed, has a genetic mutation putting them at high risk, and is facing a mastectomy but wants to reconstruct their breasts. Since opening in 2016, our intent has been to empower patients with information about all breast reconstruction options. There are three options: Implant-based reconstruction used a medical device surgically placed in the body after a mastectomy to replace the breast tissue that has been removed. A plastic surgeon can do...
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Episode 97: Exercise That Supports Healing
DiepCJourney Podcast
We know from evidence-based studies that exercise improves patient recovery before and after breast cancer treatment and surgery. It improves quality of life and strengthens physical function. In this episode of the we explore the benefits with Chris Fitzmaurice, a Clinical Exercise Physiologist at the University of Miami Health System. He is passionate about helping people achieve their health goals through evidence-based exercise programs and personalized guidance. He is a Certified Cancer Exercise Trainer (CET); and Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) and Health...
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Episode 96: Breast Sensibility: The Mind/Body Connection
DiepCJourney Podcast
On this episode of the my guest is Dr. Stefania Tuinder, a notable global expert in breast sensation for those undergoing mastectomy and breast reconstruction. Originally from Italy, she is now located in Maastricht in the south of the Netherlands and works at an academic hospital. Her main work there is microsurgery, not only breasts but for sure breasts is where she does the majority of her work. Dr. Tuinder does only autologous breast reconstruction using all kinds of flaps. She has an active research interest in breast sensibility. The word sensibility is often referred to as sensation in...
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Episode 95: Where Passion Meets Surgical Precision
DiepCJourney Podcast
As part of my work at , I am able to meet in person, well-known board-certified surgeons across the world. My guest is one such surgeon I know. I have been anxious to interview her. Two words I find myself choosing to describe her are: Adaptable and compassionate. Each time I see her at a conference, the conversation is so easy and comfortable. I can’t think it would be any different with her patients. is a plastic surgeon at the at Magee Women’s Hospital. Topics she covers in our interview include: · How she developed her passion for...
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Episode 94: A Breast Reconstruction Journey Toward Clarity & Confidence
DiepCJourney Podcast
Deciding which breast reconstruction path to take is rarely simple. Whether facing an active breast cancer diagnosis, navigating a high‑risk genetic mutation, or having a strong family history of cancer, the process demands research, planning, trust, and a strong circle of support. In this episode of the , we sit down with Marcy Goodman who is a wife, mother, and dedicated professional. She opens up about the many layers of her decision to pursue autologous (using her own tissue) breast reconstruction. Marcy shares how she evaluated her options, found the right surgical team, and ultimately...
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Episode 93: Navigating Healthcare as a Patient Advocate
DiepCJourney Podcast
Patient advocacy shows up in so many meaningful ways, and my guest on this episode of the has been part of my own journey since the very beginning. We first connected back in 2015, when I was just starting to write my blog. She offered guidance, encouragement, and wisdom at a time when I was still finding my footing. I’ve followed her story ever since, and her voice has continued to inspire me and so many others. As a valued member of the DiepCJourney® community, it felt only natural to invite her to share her experience with all of you. I’m delighted to welcome Rebecca Hogue, Becky...
info_outlineWhen you think about breast reconstruction do you only think about breast implants? If so, it is because many people are still choosing this option for reconstructing their breast after mastectomy. However, there are options. Using your own tissue is an option and the tissue, along with a blood source, can come from various parts of the body. Fat grafting to shape and form the breast is also an option many ask about but not all know about. This is our topic on this episode of the DiepCJourney podcast.
My guest, Dr. Eric Wimmers, is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon practicing in Hopewell, New Jersey at the Plastic Surgery Center. He is part of the Institute for Advanced Reconstruction (IFAR) network of surgeons across the U.S.
Dr. Wimmers has unique training in microsurgery and immunology. Although he operates on the entire body, his special interests are breast reconstruction, abdominal wall reconstruction, and peripheral nerve repair.
His pathway to his current practice as a microsurgeon developed over time. Dr. Wimmers shares his personal journey with us from beginning as an emergency room physician to a surgeon. Once he had exposure to the scope of plastic surgery, restoring form and function to the human body affected by trauma and disease he never looked back.
Dr. Wimmers shares the value of his surgical practice being part of the IFAR network. He points out that they are grouping up with other like-minded microsurgeons across the U.S. to tackle problems and issues patients face when they have been told there is no hope or fix. Combined resources and talent within the IFAR network are providing greater access to care for patients.
We continue our discussion with an explanation of the types of breast reconstruction available. Dr. Wimmers utilizes the tummy tissue most often to perform DIEP flap breast reconstruction. However, he points out not all patients have the excess tissue in their own body in the right places to do autologous reconstruction, meaning using the patients own tissue. He does get inquiries about fat grafting only.
Patients are interested in it for a variety of reasons. It might be that they have already had a tummy tuck. It may be that their fat distribution is in other places other than the abdomen. Most of his patients requesting fat grafting only tend to be on the smaller side and prefer a smaller size breast. He explains the fat grafting only procedure in detail in our interview. Dr. Wimmers tells us fat grafting only is a series of procedures done over time. Fat grafting is a very technique driven procedure.
Be sure to watch our interview on the DiepCFoundation Educational Channel
Connect with Dr. Eric Wimmers:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrEricWimmers/
Connect with The Institute for Advanced Reconstruction:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AdvancedReconstruction
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/advancedreconstruction/
X/Twitter: https://x.com/AdvancedReconNJ