Current concepts in breast reconstruction.

Breast cancer affects many women, but with advances in detection and treatment, survival rates have increased. Thus, it is important to understand that there are many reconstructive options available to help ease the psychological burden of mastectomy. Reconstructive options include tissue expander/implants, biologics, and several autologous tissue options, including pedicled latissimus and TRAM flaps, free TRAM flaps, and perforator flaps. We present a discussion of reconstructive techniques, the risks and benefits of each, and individual patient considerations that will help physicians to guide treatment options.

Wendell L. Hughes' life and contributions to plastic surgery.

Wendell L. Hughes was a pioneer in ophthalmic plastic surgery and best known for the "Hughes flap," a tarsoconjunctival flap used for lower eyelid reconstruction. In 1937, Wendell L. Hughes sought to achieve the criterion standard of replacing "like with like" in his development of the tarsoconjunctival flap for lower lid reconstruction. This work was published in his ground-breaking thesis, Reconstructive Surgery of the Eyelids, the most comprehensive book on ophthalmic plastic surgery of its time. Although this flap has undergone many modifications, it has stood the test of time and is still used today. In addition, Dr. Hughes was heavily involved in surgical education, a founding member of the American Board of Plastic Surgery, and a leader in the development of sutures and microneedles. More importantly, he was a gracious humanitarian and inspiring mentor loved by peers and patients alike. Other authors have reviewed the intricacies of the Hughes flap; however, little attention has been given to the contributions of its creator.