Episode 105: Breast Neurotization Using Nerve Tape® with Dr. Serletti
DiepCJourney Podcast
What role does breast neurotization play in restoring sensation after breast reconstruction, and how are advances in microsurgical nerve repair helping surgeons approach this important aspect of patient care? In Episode 105 of the , I am joined by , Chief of Plastic Surgery at the , to discuss his experience using , a suture-free solution for connecting nerves during microsurgical procedures. Dr. Serletti is a pioneer in free flap autologous breast reconstruction, using a patient’s own tissue to reconstruct the breast, and is internationally recognized for his work in reconstructive...
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Episode 104: Understanding Risk-Reducing Mastectomy & Reconstruction
DiepCJourney Podcast
In this episode of the , sits down with e of for an important and compassionate conversation about risk‑reducing mastectomy, genetic mutations, and the reconstructive options available to those navigating increased breast cancer risk. Dr. Craigie brings years of microsurgical expertise and a deeply patient‑centered approach to help listeners understand when and why risk‑reducing surgery may be considered, what the process looks like, and how women can make informed decisions that support long‑term survivorship. Episode Highlights • What BRCA Genetic Mutations Mean for Risk Dr....
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Episode 103: Hormone Replacement Therapy: A Conversation with Dr. Ann Chuang
DiepCJourney Podcast
In this episode of the , we welcome , a fellowship‑trained, board‑certified breast surgeon with the in Glen Rock and Westwood, New Jersey. Dr. Chuang specializes in oncoplastic breast surgery, skin‑sparing and nipple‑sparing mastectomies, and hidden‑scar approaches. She joins us to bring clarity to a topic that affects countless breast cancer patients: Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). We revisit the landmark Women’s Health Initiative of 1991, explore how research has evolved, and discuss what patients and clinicians need to understand today about menopausal hormone...
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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...
info_outlineDo most people who have nipple reconstruction have breast reconstruction? Not necessarily. Do you think about nipple reconstruction if you’ve had breast cancer and are in a consultation for breast reconstruction? We are going to answer these questions and others on this episode of the DiepCJourney Podcast.
My guest is Dr. Courtney Carpenter of PRMA in San Antonio, Texas.
Dr. Carpenter is passionate about utilizing her extensive expertise and experience to help transform lives through reconstructive plastic surgery. I want to point out that PRMA uses the co-surgeon model in breast reconstruction, meaning there are two board-certified microsurgeons with the patient in the OR at the time of autologous breast reconstruction surgery. PRMA is part of the IFAR (Institute for Advanced Reconstruction) network of surgeons.
We discuss these topics:
· At what phase of the reconstructive process does nipple reconstruction happen?
· Methods of nipple reconstruction.
· Recovery and dressings used after surgery.
· 3-D Medical tattooing of the NAC (nipple areola complex) for those who do not have nipple reconstruction.
This is what Dr. Carpenter tells us as she summarizes her thoughts at the end of the podcast.
“Nipple recon is something people don’t think about. They hear their diagnosis. They are thinking about breasts. They are not necessarily thinking about the nipples or the thought that their nipples might be removed isn’t something that even crosses their mind, even though it might be on my mind or their breast surgeon’s mind.
I think that people should be encouraged to ask more questions. Especially if they are a candidate for preserving their nipples or not preserving their nipples. Questions are always great! I love questions, it means you’re thinking about it! You’re trying to get as much data as you want or as you need in order to make your decision.”
I am grateful for her time and expertise to help prepare our listeners for their consulation for breast reconstruction surgery and to know what questions to ask about nipple reconstruction.
Connect with Dr. Carpenter on the following platforms:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prmaplasticsurgery/