Former breast cancer patient Carol Church had almost lost hope of getting reconstructive surgery after her second battle with the disease. However, her fortunes changed when Logan Health welcomed Dr. Thomas Wright, a specialist in plastic and reconstructive surgery, to their team, providing top-notch care right in her hometown.
Dr. Wright commenced his service at Logan Health Medical Center in Kalispell in August 2023. Focusing on breast reconstruction, he emphasizes building rapport with his patients to tailor solutions to their needs.
Many of the surgeries Dr. Wright performs significantly enhance patients’ overall quality of life, particularly for breast cancer survivors opting for free flap surgery. This method involves transferring tissue from one part of the body to the chest to create a new breast mound, offering trauma relief and improved well-being.
For patients like Church, free flap surgery becomes the only viable option after complications arise, such as infections from implants. Dr. Wright explains that while implants suit many, free flap surgeries are preferable due to their lower infection risk, especially for those who’ve undergone radiation treatment.
Church, relieved to avoid traveling out of state for her procedure, expressed gratitude for Dr. Wright’s expertise close to home, highlighting the comfort of having immediate access to necessary care.
Dr. Wright’s interest in reconstructive surgery began during his medical schooling at the University of Washington. Raised in Columbia Falls, he pursued excellence at Montana State University before completing his residency in plastic surgery in Salt Lake City and a microsurgery fellowship at the University of Washington.
His expertise extends beyond breast cancer patients to encompass various surgeries involving tissue relocation across the body. From reconstructing thumbs to addressing soft tissue deficiencies, Dr. Wright’s practice spans a wide array of intricate procedures.
What sets Dr. Wright apart is his mastery of microsurgery, a technique employing specialized instruments and microscopes to repair delicate structures like blood vessels and nerves. As the sole microsurgeon in Montana, he provides critical services that empower local surgeons to address complex cases effectively.
Dr. Wright’s passion for microsurgery lies in its ability to optimize the body’s natural healing process. By enhancing blood supply and delivering soft tissue to affected areas, microsurgery facilitates faster recoveries and enables patients to stay closer to home for their care.
Referrals to Dr. Wright often come from Dr. Melissa Kaptanian, Logan Health’s breast surgical oncologist, as well as other surgeons and primary care physicians. Prospective candidates for reconstructive surgery are encouraged to reach out to Dr. Wright’s office for evaluation and guidance.
