Research Overview

Dr. Labow's research interests focus on the genetics, pathophysiology, and clinical impact of overgrowth disorders, congenital hand anomalies, as well as the impact and causes of adolescent breast disorders.

Dr. Labow is currently conducting a number of clinical research studies on benign breast disorders in adolescents. The broad goal of this project is to measure the impact and treatment outcomes in adolescent patients with breast disorders such as macromastia, gynecomastia, tuberous breast deformity, and breast asymmetry. Dr. Labow will prospectively study long-term functional and psychosocial outcomes following treatment of male and female adolescents affected by benign breast conditions through the administration of validated questionnaires.

In conjunction with the Orthopedic Research Center, Dr. Labow is currently conducting a prospective translational research study exploring the genetic basis of limb overgrowth disorders, specifically macrodactyly. He has uncovered genetic mutations that lead to overgrowth of limbs in humans, mice, and fish. Clinically, he uses microsurgical and reconstructive techniques to address hand, limb, and breast overgrowth conditions in pediatric patients.  He receives referrals nationally and internationally for patients with a variety of rare overgrowth disorders, including macrodactyly. Over the past 4 years, he has established a tissue repository and database of surgical specimens from these patients that will be a critical tool in the exploration of genotype/phenotype correlations.  

With his experience creating databases at Boston Children’s Hospital and leading several studies examining the impact and outcome of surgical therapies, he hopes to extend his scientific career at the translational interface, providing better understanding—and one day, treatments—to patients with limb overgrowth.  

Research Background

Dr. Labow received his BA and MA in Biochemistry at Brandeis University and his MD in 1993 from Harvard Medical School. He completed his post-graduate training with the Harvard Plastic Surgery Training Program, at Mass General Hospital and Brigham and Women’s Hospital. In addition to completing residencies in both general and plastic surgery, he completed a fellowship in Adult Reconstructive and Microsurgery and Pediatric Hand and Microsurgery at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center before joining the Department of Plastic and Oral Surgery at Boston Children’s Hospital in 2004.

Selected Publications

  1. Webb ML, Rosen H, Taghinia A, McCarty ER, Cerrato F, Upton J, Labow BI. Incidence of Fanconi anemia in children with congenital thumb anomalies referred for diepoxybutane testing.   J Hand Surg Am. 2011 Jun;36(6):1052-7.
  2. Lau FH, Xia F, Kaplan A, Cerrato F, Greene AK, Taghinia A, Cowan CA, Labow BI. Expression analysis of macrodactyly identifies pleiotrophin upregulation. PLoS One.2012;7(7):e40423.
  3. Cerrato F, Webb ML, Rosen H, Nuzzi L, McCarty ER, DiVasta AD, Greene AK, Labow BI. The impact of macromastia on adolescents: A cross-sectional study. Pediatrics. 2012 Aug;130(2):e339-46.
  4. Cerrato F, Eberlin KR, Waters P, Upton J, Taghinia A, Labow BI. Presentation and treatment of macrodactyly in children. J Hand Surg Am. 2013 Nov;38(11):2112-23.

Education

Medical School

Harvard Medical School
1993 Boston MA

Residency

Surgery Massachusetts General Hospital
2000 Boston MA

Residency

Plastic Surgery Brigham & Women's Hospital
2003 Boston MA

Fellowship

Surgery Research Massachusetts General Hospital
1998 Boston MA

Fellowship

Hand & Microsurgery Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
2004 Boston MA

Media

Caregiver Profile

Meet Dr. Brian Labow

Apert Syndrome Q&A

Watch Dr. Labow and his colleagues answer frequently asked questions relative to Apert syndrome.

Publications

  1. Impact of Insurance Type on Access to Pediatric Surgical Care. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2024 May; 12(5):e5831. View Abstract
  2. Understanding Hematoma Risk: Study of Patient and Perioperative Factors in a Large Cohort of Young Women Undergoing Reduction Mammaplasty. J Am Coll Surg. 2024 May 01; 238(5):900-910. View Abstract
  3. The Impact of Tuberous Breast on Adolescents: A Cross-sectional Study. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2024 Jan; 12(1):e5530. View Abstract
  4. Infantile Hemangioma of the Breast: Long-Term Assessment of Outcomes. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2024 Jan; 12(1):e5506. View Abstract
  5. Reduction Mammaplasty in Younger Patients: An Evidence-Based Approach to Treatment. Plast Aesthet Nurs (Phila). 2023 Oct-Dec 01; 43(4):203-209. View Abstract
  6. Papillary Hemangioma Harbors Somatic GNA11 and GNAQ Mutations. Am J Surg Pathol. 2024 Jan 01; 48(1):106-111. View Abstract
  7. The Utility of the Schnur Sliding Scale in Adolescent Patients. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2024 09 01; 154(3):421e-429e. View Abstract
  8. Validation of the Short-Form 36 for Adolescents Undergoing Reduction Mammaplasty. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2023 Jun; 11(6):e5075. View Abstract
  9. A multi-disciplinary team approach to pediatric malignant mandibular tumors. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 2023 May; 168:111547. View Abstract
  10. Mental Health Conditions and Health-related Quality of Life Changes after Reduction Mammaplasty in Younger Patients. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2023 Apr; 11(4):e4902. View Abstract
  11. Body Mass Index (BMI) Impact on Anesthetic Safety among Adolescents Undergoing Bilateral Reduction Mammaplasty. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2022 Nov; 10(11):e4641. View Abstract
  12. Risk Factors Associated with Severe Macromastia among Adolescents and Young Women. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2022 12 01; 150(6):1212-1218. View Abstract
  13. Trends in Pediatric Head and Facial Trauma During the COVID-19 Pandemic. J Craniofac Surg. 2023 Jan-Feb 01; 34(1):e1-e6. View Abstract
  14. The Impact of Combined Oral Contraceptives on Adolescents with Macromastia. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2022 10 01; 150(4):731-738. View Abstract
  15. Effectiveness of Preoperative Symptom Screening in Identifying Pediatric SARS-CoV-2 Infections: A Retrospective Cohort Analysis. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2022 Jun; 10(6):e4402. View Abstract
  16. Normative Values for Adolescent Quality of Life in Plastic Surgery: A Longitudinal, Cohort Study. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2022 May; 10(5):e4311. View Abstract
  17. Distraction Lengthening of the Apert Thumb. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2022 Apr 01; 149(4):691e-699e. View Abstract
  18. Complications and Quality of Life following Gynecomastia Correction in Adolescents and Young Men. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2022 06 01; 149(6):1062e-1070e. View Abstract
  19. Incidental Pathologic Findings in Young Men with Gynecomastia. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2022 Mar 01; 149(3):608-613. View Abstract
  20. American Society of Plastic Surgeons Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline Revision: Reduction Mammaplasty. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2022 Mar 01; 149(3):392e-409e. View Abstract
  21. Verrucous Venous Malformation-Subcutaneous Variant. Am J Dermatopathol. 2021 Dec 01; 43(12):e181-e184. View Abstract
  22. Perioperative Safety of Combined Augmentation-Mastopexy: An Evaluation of National Database. Ann Plast Surg. 2021 11 01; 87(5):493-500. View Abstract
  23. Discrepancies between Conference Abstracts and Published Manuscripts in Plastic Surgery Studies: A Retrospective Review. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2021 Sep; 9(9):e3828. View Abstract
  24. Overcoming Microsurgical Anastomotic Challenges in Supercharged Pedicled Jejunal Interposition for Pediatric Esophageal Reconstruction. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2021 Aug; 9(8):e3780. View Abstract
  25. Presentation and Referral Patterns in Pediatric Closed Hand Fractures. Hand (N Y). 2023 03; 18(2):288-293. View Abstract
  26. Evolution, lessons learned, and contemporary outcomes of esophageal replacement with jejunum for children. Surgery. 2021 07; 170(1):114-125. View Abstract
  27. Incidental Pathologic Findings in Young Adult Reduction Mammaplasty. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2021 03 01; 147(3):391-400. View Abstract
  28. Digital Transfer for Hand Reconstruction in Cleft Hand and Foot Differences. J Reconstr Microsurg. 2021 Sep; 37(7):589-596. View Abstract
  29. Legislation, Market Size, and Access to Gender-affirming Genital Surgery in the United States. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2021 Feb; 9(2):e3422. View Abstract
  30. The Impact of Progestin-only Contraception on Adolescents with Macromastia. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2021 Feb; 9(2):e3421. View Abstract
  31. Hidden Costs in Resident Training: Financial Cohort Analysis of First Assistants in Reduction Mammaplasty. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2021 Jan; 9(1):e3333. View Abstract
  32. Index Finger Pollicization for Hypoplastic Thumb: Surgical Technique. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2021 01 01; 147(1):127-129. View Abstract
  33. Management of Residual Spitz Nevus in Surgical Specimens following Biopsy and Excision. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2020 Dec; 8(12):e3244. View Abstract
  34. Optimal Timing for Reduction Mammaplasty in Adolescents. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2020 12; 146(6):1213-1220. View Abstract
  35. Outcomes following Microvascular Mandibular Reconstruction in Pediatric Patients and Young Adults. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2020 Nov; 8(11):e3243. View Abstract
  36. The Effect of Surgical Treatment on the Quality of Life of Young Women with Breast Asymmetry: A Longitudinal, Cohort Study. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2020 10; 146(4):400e-408e. View Abstract
  37. Investigation of the adolescent female breast transcriptome and the impact of obesity. Breast Cancer Res. 2020 05 11; 22(1):44. View Abstract
  38. Complications and Quality of Life following Reduction Mammaplasty in Adolescents and Young Women. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2019 09; 144(3):572-581. View Abstract
  39. Insurance Policy Trends for Breast Surgery in Cisgender Women, Cisgender Men, and Transgender Men. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2019 08; 144(2):334e-336e. View Abstract
  40. Supercharged Jejunal Interposition: A Reliable Esophageal Replacement in Pediatric Patients. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2019 06; 143(6):1266e-1276e. View Abstract
  41. Insurance Policy Trends for Breast Surgery in Cisgender Women, Cisgender Men, and Transgender Men. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2019 May 15. View Abstract
  42. Long-Term Functional Upper-Extremity Outcomes in Adults with Apert Syndrome. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2019 Apr; 143(4):1136-1145. View Abstract
  43. Mesenchymal stromal cells from infants with simple polydactyly modulate immune responses more efficiently than adult mesenchymal stromal cells. Cytotherapy. 2019 02; 21(2):148-161. View Abstract
  44. Intermediate and long-term outcomes of fibroadenoma excision in adolescent and young adult patients. Breast J. 2019 01; 25(1):91-95. View Abstract
  45. Double Supercharged Jejunal Interposition for Late Salvage of Long-gap Esophageal Atresia. Ann Plast Surg. 2018 11; 81(5):553-559. View Abstract
  46. Perioperative Ketorolac Use and Postoperative Hematoma Formation in Reduction Mammaplasty: A Single-Surgeon Experience of 500 Consecutive Cases. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2018 11; 142(5):632e-638e. View Abstract
  47. The Effect of Surgical Treatment for Gynecomastia on Quality of Life in Adolescents. J Adolesc Health. 2018 12; 63(6):759-765. View Abstract
  48. Central Coalition Osteotomy of Phalangeal Synostoses in the Management of the Type III Apert Hand. J Hand Surg Am. 2018 Nov; 43(11):1042.e1-1042.e8. View Abstract
  49. Temporomandibular Joint Ankylosis After Ramus Construction With Free Fibula Flaps in Children With Hemifacial Microsomia. J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2018 09; 76(9):2001.e1-2001.e15. View Abstract
  50. Factors Associated With Late Surgical Cancellations in Pediatric Plastic and Oral Surgery. Ann Plast Surg. 2018 Apr; 80(4):412-415. View Abstract
  51. Long-term Outcomes After Flap Reconstruction in Pediatric Pressure Ulcers. Ann Plast Surg. 2018 Feb; 80(2):159-163. View Abstract
  52. Pediatric Orbital Floor Fractures: Clinical and Radiological Predictors of Tissue Entrapment and the Effect of Operative Timing on Ocular Outcomes. J Craniofac Surg. 2017 Nov; 28(8):1966-1971. View Abstract
  53. The Effect of Reduction Mammaplasty on Quality of Life in Adolescents With Macromastia. Pediatrics. 2017 Nov; 140(5). View Abstract
  54. Physician Courtesy and Patient Satisfaction in a Pediatric Plastic and Oral Surgery Department. J Healthc Manag. 2017 May/Jun; 62(3):211-219. View Abstract
  55. A Nonsurgical Approach to Adolescent Breast Asymmetry Using External Prostheses. J Adolesc Health. 2017 Aug; 61(2):240-245. View Abstract
  56. Fingertip Injuries in Children: Epidemiology, Financial Burden, and Implications for Prevention. Hand (N Y). 2017 07; 12(4):342-347. View Abstract
  57. A patient with Charlie M Syndrome: Differential diagnosis of Oromandibular Limb Hypogenesis Syndromes. Biomed Pap Med Fac Univ Palacky Olomouc Czech Repub. 2016 Jun; 160(2):310-5. View Abstract
  58. Is There Bias against Simulation in Microsurgery Training? J Reconstr Microsurg. 2016 Sep; 32(7):540-5. View Abstract
  59. Overgrowth of the Hand and Upper Extremity and Associated Syndromes. J Hand Surg Am. 2016 Mar; 41(3):473-82; quiz 482. View Abstract
  60. Jejunal Interposition after Failed Esophageal Atresia Repair. J Am Coll Surg. 2016 06; 222(6):1001-8. View Abstract
  61. What Is the Cost of Meaningful Use? J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2016 Feb; 74(2):227-9. View Abstract
  62. Weight Changes After Reduction Mammaplasty in Adolescents. J Adolesc Health. 2015 Sep; 57(3):277-81. View Abstract
  63. Reply: Psychological Impact of Breast Asymmetry on Adolescents: A Prospective Cohort. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2015 Jul; 136(1):109e-110e. View Abstract
  64. Intermediate and Long-term Outcomes of Giant Fibroadenoma Excision in Adolescent and Young Adult Patients. Breast J. 2015 May-Jun; 21(3):254-9. View Abstract
  65. Composite grafting for pediatric fingertip injuries. Hand (N Y). 2015 Mar; 10(1):28-33. View Abstract
  66. Surgical Site Infection After Skin Excisions in Children: Is Field Sterility Sufficient? Pediatr Dermatol. 2016 Mar-Apr; 33(2):136-41. View Abstract
  67. Preoperative electrocardiograms for nonsyndromic children with hand syndactyly. J Hand Surg Am. 2015 Mar; 40(3):452-5. View Abstract
  68. Psychological impact of breast asymmetry on adolescents: a prospective cohort study. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2014 Dec; 134(6):1116-1123. View Abstract
  69. Discrepancies between meeting abstracts and subsequent full text publications in hand surgery. J Hand Surg Am. 2014 Aug; 39(8):1585-90.e3. View Abstract
  70. Upper extremity anomalies in Pfeiffer syndrome and mutational correlations. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2014 May; 133(5):654e-661e. View Abstract
  71. Presentation and treatment of macrodactyly in children. J Hand Surg Am. 2013 Nov; 38(11):2112-23. View Abstract
  72. The presentation and management of mandibular tumors in the pediatric population. Laryngoscope. 2013 Aug; 123(8):2035-42. View Abstract
  73. Psychosocial impact of adolescent gynecomastia: a prospective case-control study. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2013 Apr; 131(4):890-896. View Abstract
  74. Mutations in KCTD1 cause scalp-ear-nipple syndrome. Am J Hum Genet. 2013 Apr 04; 92(4):621-6. View Abstract
  75. Diagnosis and management of fibroadenomas in the adolescent breast. Semin Plast Surg. 2013 Feb; 27(1):23-5. View Abstract
  76. Extremity fasciotomy wound closure: comparison of skin grafting to staged linear closure. J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg. 2013 Mar; 66(3):e90-1. View Abstract
  77. Expression analysis of macrodactyly identifies pleiotrophin upregulation. PLoS One. 2012; 7(7):e40423. View Abstract
  78. The impact of macromastia on adolescents: a cross-sectional study. Pediatrics. 2012 Aug; 130(2):e339-46. View Abstract
  79. High-impact articles in hand surgery. Hand (N Y). 2012 Jun; 7(2):157-62. View Abstract
  80. The effect of obesity on early outcomes in adolescents undergoing reduction mammaplasty. Ann Plast Surg. 2012 Mar; 68(3):257-60. View Abstract
  81. Outcomes in pediatric atypical spitz tumors treated without sentinel lymph node biopsy. Pediatr Dermatol. 2012 Jul-Aug; 29(4):448-53. View Abstract
  82. Parameters of care for craniosynostosis. Cleft Palate Craniofac J. 2012 Jan; 49 Suppl:1S-24S. View Abstract
  83. Incidence of Fanconi anemia in children with congenital thumb anomalies referred for diepoxybutane testing. J Hand Surg Am. 2011 Jun; 36(6):1052-7. View Abstract
  84. Adolescent gynecomastia: not only an obesity issue. Ann Plast Surg. 2010 May; 64(5):688-90. View Abstract
  85. Pediatric free-tissue transfer. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2009 Dec; 124(6 Suppl):e313-e326. View Abstract
  86. Nipple adenoma in infancy. J Pediatr Surg. 2009 Nov; 44(11):2219-22. View Abstract
  87. Management of nevus sebaceous and the risk of Basal cell carcinoma: an 18-year review. Pediatr Dermatol. 2009 Nov-Dec; 26(6):676-81. View Abstract
  88. Microsurgical reconstruction: a more conservative method of managing large scalp defects? J Reconstr Microsurg. 2009 Nov; 25(8):465-74. View Abstract
  89. Diffuse lipofibromatosis of the lower extremity masquerading as a vascular anomaly. Ann Plast Surg. 2009 Jun; 62(6):703-6. View Abstract
  90. Salvage reconstruction of congenital pseudarthrosis of the clavicle with vascularized fibular graft after failed operative treatment: a case report. J Pediatr Orthop. 2009 Jun; 29(4):411-5. View Abstract
  91. Pediatric Microsurgery. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (in press). 2008. View Abstract
  92. Soft Tissue Sarcomas of the Hand: Functional Reconstruction and Outcome Analysis. HAND. 2008; 3(3):229-36. View Abstract
  93. Soft tissue sarcomas of the hand: functional reconstruction and outcome analysis. Hand (N Y). 2008 Sep; 3(3):229-36. View Abstract
  94. Salvage Reconstruction of Congenital Pseudarthrosis of the Clavicle With Vascularized Fibular Graft After Failed Operative Treatment. Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. 2008; (In press). View Abstract
  95. Diffuse Lipofibromatosis of the Lower Extremity Masquerading as a Vascular Anomaly . Annals of Plastic Surgery (in press). 2007. View Abstract
  96. Skin banking closure technique in immediate autologous breast reconstruction. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2007 Oct; 120(5):1133-1136. View Abstract
  97. Homocystinuria: an unrecognized cause of microvascular failure. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2007 Jul; 120(1):6e-12e. View Abstract
  98. Homocystinuria: An Unrecognized Cause of Microvascular Failure. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery . 2007; 120(1):6e-12e. View Abstract
  99. Department of Plastic Surgery Service Guidelines for Rotating Residents and Fellows at Children's Hospital Boston. 2007. View Abstract
  100. Diaphyseal non-union in the distal phalanx of a child. J Hand Surg Eur Vol. 2007 Feb; 32(1):85-7. View Abstract
  101. Congenital Anomalies of the Upper Extremity. Current Therapy in Plastic Surgery. 2006; 625-639. View Abstract
  102. Microvascular Reconstruction of Large Scalp Defects. Journal of Reconstructive Microsurgery. 2004. View Abstract
  103. Mechanisms governing the expression of the enzymes of glutamine metabolism--glutaminase and glutamine synthetase. J Nutr. 2001 09; 131(9 Suppl):2467S-74S; discussion 2486S-7S. View Abstract
  104. Glutamine. World J Surg. 2000 Dec; 24(12):1503-13. View Abstract
  105. Glutamine synthetase expression in muscle is regulated by transcriptional and posttranscriptional mechanisms. Am J Physiol. 1999 06; 276(6):E1136-45. View Abstract
  106. Glutamine Synthetase Expression in Muscle is Regulated by Transcriptional and Post-transcriptional Mechanisms. American Journal of Physiology. 1999; 276:E1136-E1145. View Abstract
  107. Nurtition. Manual of Clinical Oncology. 1999; 7E. View Abstract
  108. Glutamine synthetase expression in rat lung is regulated by protein stability. Am J Physiol. 1998 11; 275(5):L877-86. View Abstract
  109. Sepsis increases lung glutamine synthetase expression in the tumor-bearing host. J Surg Res. 1998 Jul 15; 78(1):18-22. View Abstract
  110. Glutamine synthetase gene expression in the lungs of endotoxin-treated and adrenalectomized rats. Am J Physiol. 1997 12; 273(6):L1182-90. View Abstract
  111. Nutritional Modulation of Glutamine Synethase Expression in Stressed Rats. Surgical Forum. 1997. View Abstract
  112. Is the Lung an Organ of Nutrition and Metabolism?. Nutrition. 1997; 13(5):492-495. View Abstract
  113. Prognostic factors predictive of survival and local recurrence for extremity soft tissue sarcoma. Ann Surg. 1994 Feb; 219(2):165-73. View Abstract
  114. Catalysis of the hydrolysis of phosphorylated pyridines by alkaline phosphatase has little or no dependence on the pKa of the leaving group. Biochemistry. 1993 Aug 31; 32(34):8737-41. View Abstract
  115. Mechanisms of Catalysis of Phosphoryl-group Transfer Reactions. 1989. View Abstract
  116. Measurement of Thromboembolism: Applications to Patients with A Jarvik Total Artifical Heart. Journal of the Material Research Society. 1989; 110:85-90. View Abstract

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