Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Research

Research Team, Projects and Publications

The Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at BIDMC offers a wide range of services including reconstructive surgery for trauma or cancer patients, breast reconstruction, microsurgery, hand surgery, upper and lower extremity reconstruction, and aesthetic (cosmetic) surgery. Our team's multidisciplinary and collaborative approach ensures that our patients receive high-quality personalized care and achieve the best outcomes, regardless of the procedure type.

BIDMC plastic and reconstructive surgeons conduct research to advance the field and train the next generation of surgeons. Current clinical research includes therapeutic targeting of progenitor stem cells in breast cancer patients, perforator identification using NIR imagery, management and rehabilitation of the upper extremity, and outcomes following head, face, neck, and breast surgery. Our team is committed to providing exceptional care to patients and their families, and to improving care through innovative research.

Contact Us

If you are interested in applying to join our team as a Research Fellow or Research Intern, please email Dr. Carly Comer.

Publications

Our investigators have produced numerous studies as part of their research activities.

View Publications

About Our Research Projects

Basic Research Projects

Current research, including clinical trials and laboratory research, focuses on finding more effective and precise surgical techniques to improve procedures.

Our basic research activities include:

  • Electrochemical Activation and Inhibition of Neuromuscular Systems through Modulation of Ion Concentrations with Ion-Selective Membranes
  • Peripheral Circulation Detection and Therapeutic Targeting of Progenitor Stem Cells in Breast Cancer Patients
  • Suture-less Anastomosis Using Silk Protein Biomaterials for Coupler Fabrication
  • Perforator Identification Using Near-Infrared Imaging (NIR):
    • Near-Infrared Imaging for Intra-operative Assessment of Perfusion in Vascularized Bone Flaps
    • Spatial Frequency Domain Imaging to Monitor Viability of Composite Tissue Facial Flaps
    • Clinical Pilot Study Using Spatial Frequency Domain Imaging to Assess Oxygenation of Perforator Flaps during Breast Reconstructive Surgery
Clinical Research Projects

The Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at BIDMC is a leader in breast, hand, head, neck and face surgery research. Through cutting-edge technology and research, our team works to improve patient outcomes and advance the field of plastic and reconstructive surgery.

Breast Surgery
Clinical Outcomes & Patient Satisfaction after Breast Cancer Reconstruction
  • Evaluation of Breast Reconstruction Outcomes in an Academic Medical Center
  • Outcomes of a Microsurgical Breast Reconstruction (DIEP Flap) Program
  • Shared Decision Making Increases Patient Satisfaction in Breast Cancer Reconstruction
  • Impact of Complications on Patient Satisfaction in Breast Reconstruction
  • Health Quality Outcomes of Breast Reconstruction in the Elderly
  • Breast Cancer Recurrence Following Post-Mastectomy Reconstruction
  • Outcomes Following Breast Reconstruction Using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) Database
  • Cost Analysis in Breast Reconstruction
  • Autologous Fat Grafting in Breast Reconstruction
  • Evaluation of Prophylactic, Risk-Reducing Mastectomy and Breast Reconstruction
  • Clinical Outcomes after Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy and Breast Reconstruction
Evaluation of Outcomes in Cosmetic Breast Surgery
  • Clinical Outcomes and Patient Satisfaction with Cosmetic Breast Augmentation Surgery (Breast Implant)
  • Clinical Outcomes and Patient Satisfaction with Cosmetic Breast Mastopexy (Breast Lift)
Hand Surgery
  • Long-term Clinical Outcomes of the Upper Extremity
  • Management and Rehabilitation of the Upper Extremity
  • Replantations
  • Studies in Complex Hand Reconstruction
  • The Congenital Hand
  • Traumatic Upper Extremity Injuries
  • Vascular Malformations
Head, Face and Neck Surgery
  • Real-time Intraoperative Computed Tomography Monitoring of Fracture Reduction
  • Outcomes Following Surgery for Skin Cancer of the Head and Neck
  • Evaluation of the Nasal Airway Using an Acoustic Rhinometer

Research Contact

To get in touch with our team, please call us.

Meet the Research Team

Our experienced and multidisciplinary team of faculty conducts innovative research to improve plastic and reconstructive surgery outcomes.

Faculty

Fellows

Christine Kang, MD, MPH
Darya Kazei, MD
Carolina Manrique, MD
Marek Paul, MD
Diana Wang Financial Administrator, Graduate Medical Education

Division of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery

The Division of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, part of the Department of Surgery, offers exceptional patient care, research programs, and education and training opportunities.