| Melissa Ann Crosby, M.D., FACS |
Present Title & Affiliation
Primary Appointment
Bio Statement
Melissa A. Crosby, M.D. is an Associate Professor in the Department of Plastic Surgery at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center. Dr. Crosby specializes in complex microsurgical reconstructive surgery in cancer patients, with a directed focus in breast reconstruction. Her research interests are directed at improving outcomes in reconstructive surgery for breast cancer patients, including surgical treatments for lymphedema. Her current projects include research in evaluating the clinical outcomes and efficacy of using the paravertebral block in breast surgery, fat grafting for partial mastectomy defects, and lymphaticovenular bypass for patients with lymphedema. She has authored numerous abstracts, book chapters and articles in peer-reviewed journals and is actively involved in educating the public on breast reconstructive options.
Office Address
P.O. Box 301402
Department of Plastic Surgery
Unit Number: 443
Houston, TX 77230-1402
Room Number: FC8.2006
Phone: (713) 794-1247
Fax: (713) 794-5492
Education & Training
Degree-Granting Education | |
| 2000 | University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, MD, MD |
| 1995 | Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, BA, Zoology |
Postgraduate Training | |
| 7/2005-6/2006 | Clinical Fellowship, Microsurgical Reconstructive Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, Charles Butler, M.D. |
| 6/2000-6/2005 | Clinical Residency, Plastic Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, TX, Rodney J. Rohrich, M.D. |
Board Certifications
| 2007 | The American Board of Plastic Surgery |
Experience/Service
Administrative Appointments/Responsibilities
Other Appointments/Responsibilities
Institutional Committee Activities
Honors and Awards
| 2001 | Academic Achievement Award in General Surgery |
| 1999 | DDW Wyeth-Ayerst Educational Fellow Reporter Program |
| 1999 | Junior AOA Honor Society |
| 1999 | The Heusner Pupil Award |
| 1997 | Holderness Medical Fellowship Program |
| 1997 | Received an overall year-end grade of Honors for first and second year of medical school |
| 1997 | The Lange Medical Publications Award |
| 1997 | UNC School of Medicine One Year Research Fellowship |
| 1996 | Medical Education and Community Orientation (MECO) Project |
| 1996 | Merit Award |
| 1995 | College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Graduation Scholarship Award |
| 1995 | Mortar Board Senior Honor Society |
| 1995 | Phi Beta Kappa |
| 1995 | Summa cum laude, GPA 4.0 |
| 1994 | Jonathan Wade Psoras Memorial Award |
| 1994 | Sun Angel Scholarship |
| 1992-1995 | Alpha Epsilon Delta Pre-medical Honor Society |
| 1991-1995 | Golden Key National Honor Society |
Professional Memberships
| American College of Surgeons Associate Fellow, 7/2009-10/2010 |
| American Society of Plastic Surgeons Member, ASPS CME Committee, 2009-present Member, ASPS Public Education Committee, 2009-present Member, Coding & Payment Policy Committee, 2009-present Member, Patient Safety Committee, 2009-present Member, 2007-present |
| American Society of Reconstructive Microsurgery Member, 2007-present |
| Houston Society of Plastic Surgeons Member, 2005-present |
| Internal Advisory Board (IAB) Beth Sanders Moore Young Breast Cancer Survivor's Program, Houston, TX Member, 2007-present |
| Texas Medical Society Member, 2007-present |
Selected Publications
Peer-Reviewed Original Research Articles | ||
| 1. | Card A, Crosby MA, Liu J, Lindstrom WA, Lucci A, Chang DW. Reduced Incidence of Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema Following Mastectomy and Breast Reconstruction versus Mastectomy Alone. Plast Reconstr Surg. 130(6):1169-78, 12/2012. | |
| 2. | Brewster AM, Bedrosian I, Parker PA, Dong W, Peterson SK, Cantor SB, Crosbby M, Shen Y. Association Between Contralateral Prophylactic Mastectomy and Breast Cancer Outcomes by Hormone Receptor Status. Cancer 118(22):5637-43, 11/2012. | |
| 3. | Crosby MA, Chang DW. Reply: Microsurgical Primary Prevention of Lymphatic Injuries following Breast Cancer Treatment. Plast Reconstr Surg. 130(5):1169-78, 11/2012. | |
| 4. | Nguyen MQ, Crosby MA, Skoracki RJ, Hanasono MM. Outcomes of Flap Salvage with Medicinal Leech Therapy. Microsurgery 32(5):351-7, 7/2012. e-Pub 3/2012. | |
| 5. | Crosby MA, Card A, Liu J, Linstrom WA, Chang DW. Immediate Breast Reconstruction and Lymphedema Incidence. Plast Reconstr Surg 129(5):789e-95e, 5/2012. | |
| 6. | Lee J, Chen S, Reece GP, Crosby MA, Beahm EK, Markey MK. A Novel Quantitative Measure of Breast Curvature Based on Catenary. Annals of Biomedical Engineering 59(4):1115-24, 4/2012. e-Pub 1/2012. | |
| 7. | Wagner JL, Fearmonti R, Hunt KK, Hwang RF, Meric-Bernstam F, Kuerer HM, Berosian I, Crosby MA, Baumann DP, Roos MI, FeigBW, Krishnamurthy S, Hernandez M, Babiera GV. Prospective Evaluation of the Nipple-Areola Complex Sparing Mastectomy for Risk Reduction and for Early-Stage Breast Cancer. Ann Surg Oncol 19(4):1137-44, 4/2012. | |
| 8. | Brewster AM, Bedrosian I, Parker P, Dong W, Peterson SK, Cantor SB, Crosby MA, Shen Y. The Association Between Contralateral Prophylactic Mastectomy and Breast Cancer Outcomes using a Propensity Scoring Approach. Cancer. e-Pub 4/2012. | |
| 9. | Cormier JN, Rourke L, Crosby MA, Chang DW, Stewart BR, Armer J. The Surgical Treatment of Lymphedema: A Systematic Review of the Contemporary Literature. Annals of Surgical Oncology 19(2):642-51, 2/2012. | |
| 10. | Dabeer M, Kim E, Reece GP, Merchant F, Crosby MA, Beahm EK, Markey MK. Automatic Calculation of Symmetry Measure on Clinical Photographs. J Eval Clin Pract 17(6):1129-36, 12/2011. e-Pub 7/2010. | |
| 11. | Kim MS, Rodney WN, Reece GP, Beahm EK, Crosby MA, Markey MK. Quantifying the Aesthetic Outcomes of Breast Cancer Treatment: Assessment of Surgical Scars from Clinical Photographs. J Eval Clin Prac 17(6):1075-82, 12/2011. e-Pub 7/2010. | |
| 12. | Crosby MA, Garvey PB, Selber JC, Adelman DM, Sacks JM, Villa MT, Lin HY, Park SJ, Baumann DP. Reconstructive Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Contralateral Prophylactic Mastectomy. Plast Reconstr Surg 128(5):1025-33, 11/2011. | |
| 13. | Kim MS, Burgess A, Waters AJ, Reece GP, Beahm EK, Crosby MA, Basen-Engquist KM, Markey MK. A Pilot Study On Using Eye-Tracking To Understand Assessment of Surgical Outcomes from Clinical Photography. Journal of Digital Imaging 24(5):778-86, 10/2011. | |
| 14. | Crosby MA. Discussion: Harmonic Scalpel Versus Electrocautery in Breast Reduction Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Plast Reconstr Surg 128(4):250e-251e, 10/2011. | |
| 15. | Uygur F, Crosby M, Skoracki R, Robb G, Chang D. Free Flap Reconstruction of Extensive Defects Following Resection of Large Neurofibromatosis. Annals of Plastic Surgery 67(4):376-81, 10/2011. | |
| 16. | Wagner JL, Fearmonti R, Pantoja L, Beahm EK, Crosby MA, Baumman DP, Bedrosia I, Hunt KK, Kuerer, HM, Meric-Bernstam F, Ross MI, Feig BW, Lucci A, Hwant RF, Krishnamurthy S, Hernandez M, Babiera GV. Nipple-Areola Complex Sparking Mastectomy is Technically Feasible for Risk Reduction and for Early-Stage Breast Cancer: Cosmetic, Oncologic, and Body Image Outcomes. Annals of Plastic Surgery. e-Pub 10/2011. | |
| 17. | Kawale M, Lee J, Leung SY, Fingeret MC, Reece GP, Crosby MA, Beahm EK, Markey MK, Merchant FA. 3D Symmetry Measure Invariant to Subject Pose During Image Acquisition. Breast Cancer: Basic and Clinical Research 5:131-42, 2011, 6/2011. | |
| 18. | Crosby MA, Dong W, Kronowitz SJ. Effect of Introperative Saline-Fill Volume on Perioperative Outcomes in Tissue Expander Breast Reconstruction. Plast Reconstr Surg 127(3):1065-72, 3/2011. | |
| 19. | Baumann DP, Crosby MA, Selber JC, Garvey PB, Sacks JM, Adelman D, Villa MT, Feng L, Robb GL. Optimal Timing of Delayed Free Lower Abdominal Flap Breast Reconstruction after Post-mastectomy Radiation Therapy. Plast Reconstr Surg 127(3):1100-6, 3/2011. | |
| 20. | Crosby MA, Hanasono MM, Skoracki RJ, Feng L, Butler CE. Outcomes of Partial Vaginal Reconstruction with Pedicled Flaps Following Oncologic Resection. Plast Reconstr Surg. 127(2):663-9, 2/2011. e-Pub 10/2010. | |
| 21. | Lee J, Kawale M, Merchant FA, Weston J, Fingeret MC, Ladewig D, Reece GP, Crosby MA, Beahm EK, Markey MK. Validation of Sterophotogrammetry of the Human Torso. Breast Cancer: Basic and Clinical Research 15(5):15-25, 2/2011. | |
| 22. | Crosby MA, Chike-Obi CJ, Baumann DP, et al. Reconstructive Outcomes in Patients with Sarcoma of the Breast. Plast Reconstr Surg 126(6):1805-14, 12/2010. e-Pub 8/2010. | |
| 23. | Kim MS, Burgess A, Waters AJ, Reece GP, Beahm EK, Crosby MA, Basen-Engquist KM, Markey M. A Pilot Study on Using Eye-Tracking to Understand Assessment of Surgical Outcomes from Clinical Photography. Journal of Digital Imaging 24(5), October 2011. e-Pub 9/2010. | |
| 24. | Crosby MA, Martin JW, Robb GL, Chang DW. Pediatric mandibular reconstruction using a vascularized fibula flap. Head Neck 30(3):311-9, 3/2008. PMID: 17685454. | |
| 25. | Rohrich RJ, Ghavami A, Crosby MA. The role of hyaluronic acid fillers (Restylane) in facial cosmetic surgery: review and technical considerations. Plast Reconstr Surg 120(6 Suppl):41S-54S, 11/2007. PMID: 18090342. | |
| 26. | Broughton G, Crosby MA, Coleman J, Rohrich RJ. Use of herbal supplements and vitamins in plastic surgery: a practical review. Plast Reconstr Surg 119(3):48e-66e, 3/2007. PMID: 17312476. | |
| 27. | O'Malley MS, Shaheen NJ, Crosby MA, Murray SC, Klenzak JS, Galanko JA, Singla A, Ransohoff DF, Sandler RS, Gaither J, Paskett ED. Colorectal Cancer Screening in North Carolina. Community Clinician's Perspectives. NC Med J 62(5):292-7, 9/2001. | |
| 28. | Shaheen N, Crosby MA, O'Malley M, Sandler R, Galanko J, Ransohoff D, Klenzak J. The Practices and Attitudes of Primary Care Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants with Respect to Colorectal Cancer Screening. Am J Gastroenterol 95(11):3259-65, 11/2000. | |
| 29. | Shaheen N, Crosby MA, Bozymski E, Sandler R. Is There Publication Bias in the Reporting of Cancer Risk in Barrett's Esophagus? Gastroenterology 119(2):333-8, 8/2000. | |
| 30. | Shaheen N, Robertson D, Crosby MA, Furs S, May D, Harlan W, Grimm I, Isaacs K, Bozymski E. Hyoscyamine as an Antispasmodic in Elective Colonscopy; A Randomized, Double Blinded, Placebo-controlled Trial. Am J Gastroenterol 94(10):2905-8, 10/1999. | |
| 31. | Shaheen N, Crosby MA. The Use of Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy in Pregnancy. Gastointest Endosc 46(6):564-5, 12/1997. | |
Invited Articles | ||
| 1. | Crosby MA, Beahm EK. Discussion: Patient Satisfaction in Unilateral and Bilateral Breast Reconstruction. Plast Reconstr Surg. 127(4):1425-7, 4/2011. | |
| Other Articles | ||
| 1. | Crosby MA, Adelman DM. Commentary: Fat Grafting and Breast Reconstruction with Implant: Another Option for Irradiated Breast Cancer Patients. Breast Diseases: A Year Book Quarterly 23(3), 10/2012. | |
| 2. | Crosby MA. Commentary: Preferences in Choosing between Breast Reconstruction Options: A Survey of Female Plastic Surgeons. Breast Diseases: A Year Book Quarterly 21(3), 2010. | |
| 3. | Crosby MA. Commentary: Complications after Autologous Fat Injection to the Breast. Breast Diseases: A Year Book Quarterly 21(1):85, 2010. | |
| 4. | Crosby, MA. Commentary: Postoperative analgesia and flap perfusion after pedicled TRAM flap reconstruction- continuous wound instillation with ropivacaine 0.2%. A pilot study. Breast Diseases: A Year Book Quarterly 20(4):469-470, 2009. | |
| 5. | Crosby MA. Commentary: Autologous fat grafting: a technique for stabilization of the microvascular pedicle in DIEP flap reconstruction. Breast Diseases: A Year Book Quarterly 20(2):218-219, 2009. | |
| 6. | Crosby, MA. Commentary: Immediate latissimus dorsi miniflap volume replacement for partial mastectomy: use of intra-operative frozen sections to confirm negative margins. Breast Diseases: A Year Book Quarterly 20(1):103-104, 2009. | |
| 7. | Crosby MA. Commentary: Immediate Postoperative Complications in DIEP versus Free/Muscle-Sparing TRAM Flaps. Breast Diseases: A Year Book Quarterly 19(4):1477, 2008. | |
| 8. | Crosby MA. Commentary: Immediate and postoperative complications in DIEP versus free/muscle-sparing TRAM flaps. Breast Diseases: A Year Book Quarterly 19(3):281-282, 2008. | |
| 9. | Crosby MA. Commentary: Ischemic Complications in Pedicle, Free, and Muscle Sparing Transverse Rectus Abdominis Myocutaneous Flaps for Breast Reconstruction. Southeastern Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons 60(5):562, 2008. | |
| 10. | Crosby MA. Commentary: The In-the-Crease Inferior Gluteal Artery Perforator Flap for Breast Reconstruction. Breast Diseases: A Year Book Quarterly 18(1):102, 2007. | |
Abstracts | ||
| 1. | Zhao L, Shah S, Reece GP, Crosby MA, Beahm EK, Fingeret MC, Markey MK, Merchant FA. Semi-Automated Registration of 3D Torso Images from Breast. Proceedings from the 3D Body Scanning Technologies 3rd International Conference, 10/2012. | |
| 2. | Baumann DP, Crosby MA, Selber JC, Garvey PB, Sacks JM, Villa MT, Adelman DM, Robb GL. Optimal Timing of Delayed Free Lower Abdominal Flap Breast Reconstruction after Post-mastectomy Radiation Therapy. Proceedings from the American Association of Plastic Surgeons 90th Annual Meeting, 4/2011. | |
| 3. | Kawale MM, Reece GP, Beahm EK, Crosby MA, Markey MK. Automated Identification of Fiducial Points in 3D Torso Images. Proceedings from the 3rd Annual International Conference in Computational Surgery, 1/2011. | |
| 4. | Wang D, Sun C, Lee J, Reece GP, Crosby MA, Beahm EK, Markey MK. Development of a Bayesian Network to Model Decisions about Tissue Expansion Implant Breast Reconstruction. Proceedings from the 3rd Annual International Conference in Computational Surgery, 1/2011. | |
| 5. | Brewster AM, Parker PA, Bedrosian I, Dong W, Peterson SK, Cantor SB, Crosby MA, Shen Y. Association Between Contralateral Prophylactic Mastectomy and Breast Cancer Outcomes. American Society of Clinical Oncology 2011 Annual Meeting, 2011. | |
| 6. | Lee J, Beahm EK, Crosby MA, Recce GP, Markey MK. Analysis of Breast Contour using Rotated Catenary. AMIA Annu Symp Proceedings:432-6, 11/2010. | |
| 7. | Crosby MA, Hanasono MM, Fen L, Butler CE. Outcomes of Partial Vaginal Reconstruction with Pedicled Flaps following Oncologic Resection. Plast Recons Surg 126(4S):36-37, 10/2010. | |
| 8. | Wagner J, Fearmonti R, Pantoja L, Beahm E, Crosby MA, Bedrosian I, Hunt K, Kuerer H, Meric-Bernstam F, Ross M, Feig B, Lucci A, Hwang R, Krishnamurthy S, Feng L, Hernandez M, Babiera G. Nipple-areola complex sparing mastectomy is technically feasible for risk reduction and for early-stage breast cancer, Poster Presentation, SSO Annual Cancer Symposium, St. Louis, MO, 3/2010. | |
| 9. | Crosby MA, Dong W, Kronowitz SJ. Impact of Intraoperative Saline-Fill Volume on Perioperative Outcomes in Tissue Expander Breast Reconstruction. Submitted for ASPS, Toronto,, 2010. | |
| 10. | Chike-Obi CJ, Crosby MA, Baumann DP, Sacks J, Villa M, Garvey P, Selber J, Feig B. Reconstructive Outcomes in Patients with Sarcoma of the Breast. Submitted for ASPS, Toronto,, 2010. | |
| 11. | Kawale MM, Reece GP, Crosby MA, Markey MK, Merchant FA. Automated Nipple Identification in Three-Dimensional Scans of Torso. Biomedical Engineering Society 2009 Annual Fall Scientific Meeting, 10/2009. | |
| 12. | Crosby MA, Martin JW, Robb GL, Chang DW. Pediatric Mandibular Reconstruction with the Vascularized Fibula Flap: A Long-term Evaluation of Outcomes. The American Society of Reconstructive Microsurgery, 1/2007. | |
Book Chapters | ||
| 1. | Crosby MA. Breast Anatomy. In: Essentials of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, Quality Medical Publishing. In Press. | |
| 2. | Crosby MA, Chang DW. Reconstruction of the Breast Following Tumor Recurrence. In: Surgery of the Breast: Principles and Art, 3rd. Ed(s) Spear SL. Wolters Kluwer: Philadelphia, 934-939, 2011. | |
| 3. | Crosby, MA. Scalp Reconstruction. In: Cutaneous Malignancy of the Head and Neck: A Multidisciplinary Approach. Plural Publishing, 2011. | |
| 4. | Crosby MA, Chang DW. Adjuvant Therapy and Breast Reconstruction. In: Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery of the Breast. Elsevier, 2010. | |
| 5. | Crosby MA. Benign/Malignant Masses of the Hand. In: Essentials in Plastic Surgery. Quality Medical Publishing: St. Louis, 2006. | |
| 6. | Crosby MA. Breast Anatomy and Embryology. In: Essentials in Plastic Surgery. Quality Medical Publishing: St. Louis, 2006. | |
| 7. | Crosby MA. Craniofacial Clefts. In: Essentials in Plastic Surgery. Quality Medical Publishing: St. Louis, 2006. | |
| 8. | Crosby MA. Genitourinary Reconstruction. In: Essentials in Plastic Surgery. Quality Medical Publishing: St. Louis, 2006. | |
| 9. | Crosby MA. Nasal Reconstruction. In: Essentials in Plastic Surgery. Quality Medical Publishing: St. Louis, 2006. | |
Grant & Contract Support
| Title: | Autologous Fat Grafting to the Breast and Risk of Breast Cancer Recurrence |
| Funding Source: | Plastic Surgery Education Foundations |
| Role: | Principal Investigator |
| Duration: | 11/2012 - 11/2014 |
Last updated: 2/7/2013
- Global Navigation
- About Us
- Locations
- Calendar
- Careers
- Publications
- How You Can Help
- Contact Us
- Newsroom
- Site Index
- Patient and Cancer Information
- myMDAnderson
- Cancer Information
- Patient Information
- Care Centers & Clinics
- Children's Cancer Hospital
- Services & Amenities
- Education and Research
- Departments, Programs and Labs
- PeopleFinder
- Research at MD Anderson
- Education & Training
- Resources for Professionals
- For Employees
- Employee Alert Information
- Employee Resources
- Doing Business
- Vendors & Suppliers
- Partners & Affiliates
- Legal and Policy
- Legal Statements
- Site Policies
- Reporting Fraud, Waste & Abuse

