Carolyn De La Cruz, MD
- Associate Professor of Surgery Department of Plastic Surgery
- Director of Lymphatic Surgery
Dr. De La Cruz completed a fellowship in microvascular reconstructive surgery at M.D. Anderson Medical Center in Houston. She completed her plastic surgery residency training at the University of Miami.Dr. De La Cruz specializes in breast reconstruction surgery at UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital, and has an active role in the Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Center. Dr. De La Cruz's concentration is in a technique used only at a dozen centers across the country called free tissue transfer, or free TRAM (transverse rectus abdominis muscle) flap, for reconstruction in cancer patients.Dr. De La Cruz also treats breast cancer related lymphedema. She has studied across the country and abroad to learn new techniques to improve the quality of life for these patients. She performs debulking procedures, lymphatic venous bypasses and lymph node transfers.
Representative Publications
- Katzel EB, Shakir S, Kostereva N, Lannau B, Gimbel M., Nguyen VT, De La Cruz C, Marra K, Gusenoff JA. Abnormal Vessel Architecture Persists in the Microvasculature of the Massive Weight Loss Patient. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 2016 Jan;137(1):24e-30e.
- Jindal R, Chong TW, Valerio I, Gimbel, ML, De La Cruz C . Alleviation of Venous Congestion in Muscle-Sparing Free TRAMs with a Temporary Angiocatheter. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 2010 July;126(1):29e-31e.
- Kayiran O, De La Cruz C, Tane K, Soran A. Lymphedema: From Diagnosis to Treatment. Turkish Journal of Surgery. 2017 Jun;33(2):51-57.
Research Interests
- Clinical Outcomes Research for Breast Reconstruction
- Patient Satisfaction after Breast Reconstruction
- Women and Academic Medicine
- Surgical Management of Lymphedema; Clinical Outcomes and Techniques
- Truncal Lymphedema and IcG flouroscopy
Research Grants
|
Grant Title |
Role in Project |
Years Inclusive |
Source |
Amount |
|
ASPS Breast Reconstruction Awareness Grant |
Principal Faculty Participant |
2013 |
Plastic Surgery Research Foundation |
$10,000 |
|
Magee Women’s Hospital Medical Staff |
Principal Faculty Participant |
2014 |
Plastic Surgery Research Foundation |
$12,000 |
|
ASPS Breast Reconstruction Awareness Grant |
Principal Faculty Participant |
2015 |
Plastic Surgery Research Foundation |
$10,000 |
|
ASPS Charitable Care Grant |
Principal Faculty Participant |
2016 |
Plastic Surgery Research Foundation
|
$15,000 |
|
Komen Grant for Surgical Lymphedema Patients |
Principal Faculty Participant |
2017 |
Komen Foundation |
$19,000 |
|
ASPS Breast Reconstruction Awareness Grant |
Principal Faculty Participant |
2020 |
Plastic Surgery Research Foundation |
$15,000 |