Travis Boyd, M.D., is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Plastic Surgery at UT Southwestern Medical Center. He is an integrated plastic and reconstructive surgeon specializing in lymphatic reconstruction, microvascular breast reconstruction, and direct-to-implant breast reconstruction.
Dr. Boyd earned his medical degree at the University of Louisville. He completed a residency in integrated plastic and reconstructive surgery at UT Southwestern and then received advanced training in hand and upper extremity surgery through a fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.
He joined the UT Southwestern faculty in 2020.
Dr. Travis Boyd is a leader in innovative surgical techniques for patients with breast cancer. He specializes in microvascular breast reconstruction, an advanced surgical approach for women undergoing a mastectomy.
This procedure involves the transfer of the patient's own tissue, typically from the abdomen or thighs, to reconstruct a natural-looking breast. Additional significant advantages include a lower risk of rejection and infection, since it uses the patient's own body tissue.
"The results can look more natural, and there's a chance it could bring back some feeling in the reconstructed breast," Dr. Boyd says. "This can really improve a patient's quality of life after surgery."
Microvascular breast reconstruction uses fewer artificial materials. Muscle is kept, shortening recovery time and maintaining strength at the donor site.
During the procedure, Dr. Boyd uses advanced microsurgical techniques to reconnect small blood vessels, improving both the life span and function of the reconstructed breast. Typically, the procedure lasts a lifetime.
Dr. Boyd also specializes in direct-to-implant breast reconstruction. This streamlined method involves placing the breast implant during the mastectomy itself, in a single procedure.
Patients experience a shorter operative time and a quicker return to normal life activities, as it eliminates the need for a second surgery to replace a tissue expander with a permanent implant. This technique is particularly appropriate for healthy non-smokers with small- to moderate-sized breasts who prefer to maintain a similar breast size after surgery.
He collaborates closely with his patients to determine the best surgical approach for their specific needs.
“I strive to create an environment of trust and accountability. I understand the importance of what the person is going through, and my goal as their surgeon is to be relatable and approachable. In the end, I want my patients to understand that I am going to do the right thing when the time is right,” Dr. Boyd says.
Some breast cancer patients who have undergone a mastectomy will have damage to their lymph nodes due to dissection, which can result in lymphedema. Dr. Boyd performs lymphatic reconstruction to help treat this condition.
"Survivors of breast and other types of cancer are often burdened by lymphedema, and this significantly impacts the quality of patients' lives after cancer," Dr. Boyd says. "The goal of lymphatic reconstruction, whether it is delayed or immediate, is to reduce the burden of lymphedema and prevent it, respectively."
Since many patients with lymphedema are still unaware of the available treatment options, Dr. Boyd is on a mission to advance his knowledge in microsurgery and educate others. At UT Southwestern, he collaborates with other reconstructive and lymphatic surgeons, teaches residents, counsels patients undergoing cancer treatment, and works with cancer survivors to explain the benefits of microsurgery.
Whatever path his patients take, Dr. Boyd wants to be a resource. During this challenging journey, he aims to speak candidly and approach patients as if they’re part of his family.
“If there is something I can do to alleviate the one thing weighing a patient down and preventing them from living their everyday life or the life they imagined after having cancer, it’s my duty as a surgeon to help.”
Results: 2 Locations
