Drs. Momeni, Yesantharao Secure Grant from PSF
July 8, 2024
Dr. Arash Momeni, an associate professor in the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, and Dr. Pooja Yesantharao, a PGY3 resident, have received recognition from the Plastic Surgery Foundation (PSF) for their proposal titled “Longitudinal Impact of Acellular Dermal Matrix (ADM) on the Peri-Prosthetic Environment.” Their project has been awarded funding that permits up to $50,000 for two years through the PSF-Directed Research Grant, Breast Implant Safety Program.
The study will examine how ADM influences the peri-prosthetic environment, which is the area surrounding an implant, over time. ADM is a biomaterial used in reconstructive surgery to provide support and promote healing. The findings from this research are expected to provide insights that could improve surgical outcomes and patient care in reconstructive surgery.
Dr. Momeni explains, “Capsular contracture remains a significant adverse outcome following implant-based reconstruction. In this study, we aim to understand how ADM modulates capsular development in response to inflammatory insults over time. We believe this will add important knowledge into the mechanism of action of ADM in the context of implant-based breast reconstruction.”
Drs. Momeni and Yesantharao were inspired to pursue this research because post-mastectomy implant-based breast reconstruction is the most common reconstructive procedure in the U.S. Despite the increasing number of these reconstructions, several important factors remain incompletely understood. The discrepancy between the common use of ADM in implant-based reconstruction and the limited understanding of its mechanism of action prompted them to explore this area further. The grant will provide resources to support their investigation.
On receiving the grant, Dr. Momeni says, “It is an incredible honor to have our proposal awarded, allowing us to continue our research aimed at ultimately improving clinical outcomes for women undergoing post-mastectomy implant-based breast reconstruction.”
The PSF-Directed Research Grant, Breast Implant Safety Program funds studies that assess breast implant safety, including local and systemic complications and illnesses related to breast implants.