Dr. Babak J. Mehrara

Dr. Babak J. Mehrara, MD, is a plastic and reconstructive surgeon specializing in cancer-related reconstruction at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. He brings specialized training in microsurgery, the technique of transplanting tissue from one part of the body to another by reconnecting small blood vessels under a microscope. His clinical expertise centers on perforator flap reconstruction, including the deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap and gluteal artery perforator (GAP) flap for breast reconstruction. The DIEP flap, the most common form of autologous breast reconstruction, uses tissue from the abdomen to sculpt a new breast while preserving the rectus abdominis muscle, reducing pain, shortening recovery, and lowering the risk of hernias compared to traditional microsurgical approaches. Dr. Mehrara also has significant experience in hernia repair and works closely with colleagues in general surgery on complex cases.

A recognized expert in his field, Dr. Mehrara has lectured nationally and internationally on breast reconstruction and has published extensively on the subject. His work with perforator flaps represents the most advanced microsurgical reconstruction techniques currently available, offering patients meaningful improvements in outcomes and quality of life after cancer treatment. He also brings considerable expertise in managing cancer-related lymphedema, a condition involving the buildup of lymph fluid or fatty tissue under the skin that causes swelling and discomfort in patients who have had lymph nodes removed. Depending on each patient's circumstances and stage of lymphedema, he offers a range of interventions including liposuction, lymph node transplant, and lymphatic bypass procedures.

Lymphedema research is Dr. Mehrara's primary scientific focus. He has developed multiple laboratory models to investigate how lymphedema develops, with the long-term goal of designing new surgical and medical strategies to better prevent and treat the condition. His NIH-funded laboratory at Memorial Sloan Kettering collaborates with researchers across the United States to advance the oncology community's understanding and management of lymphedema. Through his integration of clinical innovation, laboratory research, and patient-centered care, Dr. Mehrara continues to shape advances in reconstructive surgery and lymphedema treatment for cancer patients.