Breast reconstruction is a surgical procedure performed to recreate a breast's shape, size, and appearance after a mastectomy or lumpectomy. It is an option for individuals undergoing breast cancer treatment or other medical conditions that necessitate breast removal.
The procedure aims to restore the breast's natural contour and symmetry using implants or the patient's own tissue, such as from the abdomen or back, in a technique known as autologous reconstruction. Breast reconstruction can significantly impact a patient's physical and emotional well-being by restoring their sense of wholeness and self-confidence.
Dr. Mary Jo Wright
Dr. Mary Jo Wright is a board-certified breast surgical oncologist and plastic surgeon who specializes in breast reconstruction. She completed extensive training, including fellowships at elite institutions, and served as a Colonel in the U.S. Army. Dr. Wright is also published in medical journals, and is a member of numerous prestigious medical societies.
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Meet Dr. Mary Jo Wright
Dr. Mary Jo Wright is a board-certified breast surgical oncologist and plastic surgeon specializing in breast reconstruction. She joined the Center for Restorative Breast Surgery and the St. Charles Surgical Hospital in November 2020. Dr. Wright brings extensive training and clinical experience to this distinguished group of pioneering surgeons sought out from all over the world for their revolutionary techniques.
Dr. Wright graduated from Vanderbilt University in Nashville and received her medical degree from the St. Louis University School of Medicine in Missouri. She completed an internship and residency in general surgery at LSU Medical Center in New Orleans before serving three fellowships—trauma/critical care at the University of Texas Southwestern in Dallas, breast cancer surgery at Memorial Sloan-Kettering in New York, and plastic and reconstructive surgery at Tulane University Health Sciences Center. Dr. Wright also served in the United States Army Reserve during Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom and served as Commander of the 1st Forward Surgical Team in Iraq in 2003. Later, in 2009, she served as Chief of Surgery of the 945th Forward Surgery Team while on active duty in the United States Army. She resigned from the military with the rank of Colonel.
Following her military service, Dr. Wright worked in private practice in El Paso, Texas, and most recently, Anchorage, Alaska. She has also served as an Associate Professor of Surgery at Tulane Health Sciences Center and LSU Health Sciences Center.
Dr. Wright submitted articles for publication in medical journals, including Journal of Clinical Oncology and Journal of Trauma. She published other papers and educational modules and made presentations at national and international meetings. She is a member of numerous scientific and medical societies, including American Society of Plastic Surgeons, American Society of Breast Surgeons, American Society of Breast Diseases, Society of Surgical Oncologists, Society of Critical Care Medicine, Association for Academic Surgery, American Association for Surgery of Trauma, Association for Surgical Education, New Orleans Surgical Society, an Associate of Women’s Surgeons and a Fellow in the American College of Surgeons. In 2003, Dr. Wright received a Bronze Star Medal and five honorary military coins from the United States Army for her meritorious service. She also received the American Cancer Society Spirit Award.
Dr. Wright’s Accolades and Accomplishments:
- Five honorary military coins
- Bronze star medal recipient for heroic service in a combat zone
- Associate Professor of Surgery at Tulane Health Sciences Center and LSU Health Sciences Center
Practice Locations
Dr. Wright's Areas of Expertise
Dr. Wright is a distinguished plastic and reconstructive surgeon based in Dallas, Texas. Her areas of expertise encompass a broad spectrum of surgical breast oncology procedures, ranging from breast reconstruction following mastectomy to complex breast revision surgeries. Her specialized training and extensive experience enable her to offer tailored solutions to each patient's unique needs, ensuring optimal outcomes and restoring both physical form and emotional well-being.
Beyond her technical proficiency, Dr. Wright is known for her unwavering commitment to patient education and empowerment. She takes the time to thoroughly educate her patients about their treatment options, empowering them to make informed decisions that align with their goals and values.
Learn more about Dr. Wright's specialties below.
Women with a positive BRCA1 or BRCA2 genetic mutation face an elevated likelihood of experiencing breast cancer during their lifetime. To mitigate this risk, numerous women choose to undergo a preventive mastectomy for either or both breasts, followed by breast reconstruction surgery to reshape the breast mound and restore their confidence and self image.
Breast reconstruction is a transformative process that empowers breast cancer survivors by restoring their confidence. Our commitment to revolutionizing the field of breast reconstruction surgery is evident through pioneering techniques like DIEP flap surgery. Dr. Wright is specially trained in advanced procedures and tailors treatment to each patient.
Breast Reconstruction Revision Surgery involves refining and enhancing the outcomes of initial breast reconstruction procedures. Patients choose Dr. Wright for this specialized service due to her expertise in addressing individualized concerns, ensuring optimal aesthetic results and overall satisfaction with the reconstructive process.
Dr. Wright has extensive training and expertise in performing complex breast reconstruction procedures that combine implant and autologous tissue flap techniques. Specifically, she is highly skilled in DIEP flap and latissimus dorsi flap surgeries, where tissue, blood vessels, and skin are transferred from the abdomen or back to reconstruct the breast.
Dr. Wright is a leader in treating lymphedema, a common side effect of breast cancer treatment that causes painful swelling in the arms. She is one of only a handful of surgeons performing microsurgical procedures like lymphaticovenous anastomosis (LVA) to reduce swelling after mastectomy and lymph node removal.
The TRAM flap procedure is a complex autologous breast reconstruction technique. Using advanced microsurgical techniques, Dr. Wright utilizes tissue, fat, blood vessels and skin from the patient’s abdomen to reconstruct the breast after mastectomy, delivering optimal restoration of the breast’s form and symmetry.
About The Institute for Advanced Reconstruction
At The Institute for Advanced Reconstruction, we deliver patient-focused care that puts your needs first. When conservative treatments are not enough, patients who once thought they were out of options turn to us for hope and healing.
Dr. Wright, along with all our surgeons, provides a warm and welcoming environment to bring the utmost comfort to patients. We take time to listen to your concerns and tailor our treatments to provide personalized care that enhances your health and wellness.
To maximize your comfort, we perform many of our reconstructive procedures at our private, state-of-the-art surgical facility, The Center for Outpatient Surgery, which is New Jersey State Licensed, Medicare Accredited, and accredited according to the standards of the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities, Inc. (AAAASF).
What Our Patients Say About Dr. Wright
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Frequently Asked Questions
A good candidate for breast reconstruction typically includes individuals who have undergone a mastectomy or lumpectomy or those at high risk of developing breast cancer and have opted for a prophylactic mastectomy. Other factors that may influence candidacy for breast reconstruction include:
- Overall health
- The absence of underlying medical conditions that may impair healing
- Realistic expectations about the outcomes of the procedure
Body contouring refers to a range of cosmetic procedures designed to reshape and enhance the body's contours by targeting areas of excess fat, loose skin, or sagging tissues. The specific techniques used in body contouring may vary depending on the individual's needs and goals. Here are some common procedures involved in body contouring:
- Liposuction
- Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty)
- Body lift
- Arm lift (brachioplasty)
- Thigh lift
- Post-bariatric
Body contouring procedures are typically tailored to individual needs and can be combined to address multiple areas of concern.
Women with a positive BRCA1 or BRCA2 genetic mutation face an elevated likelihood of experiencing breast cancer during their lifetime. To mitigate this risk, numerous women choose to undergo a preventive mastectomy for either or both breasts, subsequently opting for breast reconstruction surgery.
The specific techniques used in skin reconstruction can vary depending on the extent and location of the damage, as well as the individual's unique circumstances. Common approaches include skin grafting, where healthy skin is taken from one area of the body (donor site) and transplanted to the damaged area, and skin flap procedures, which involve transferring a section of skin, along with its underlying blood supply, to the damaged area.