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Rebecca W Knackstedt

Assistant Professor of Surgery
Surgery, Plastic, Maxillofacial, and Oral Surgery
Baker House 103, DUMC 3974, Durham, NC 27710

Overview


I am a plastic and reconstructive surgeon specializing in microsurgery, as well as a certified functional medicine provider. My main research interest is in surgical prehabiiltation with nutrition, supplementation and exercise.  I am also interested in studying the microbiomes of the body, how they respond to surgery and how they influence surgical and oncologic outcomes.

Current Appointments & Affiliations


Assistant Professor of Surgery · 2022 - Present Surgery, Plastic, Maxillofacial, and Oral Surgery, Surgery
Member of the Duke Cancer Institute · 2022 - Present Duke Cancer Institute, Institutes and Centers

Recent Publications


Antibiotics and Surgical Site Infection in Expander-Based Breast Reconstruction Trial (ASSERT).

Journal Article Ann Surg Oncol · October 14, 2025 BACKGROUND: The use of prophylactic antibiotics following postmastectomy tissue expander breast reconstruction (TE-BR) varies widely. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a single preoperative antibiotic dose for clean and clean- ... Full text Link to item Cite

Leveraging Online Patient Forums to Understand Breast Reduction Concerns: A Machine-Learning Analysis of 3078 Patient Questions Over 15 Years.

Journal Article Aesthet Surg J · August 18, 2025 BACKGROUND: Patients are increasingly using social media and online forums to learn about plastic surgery, which can influence their expectations. Understanding patient concerns on these platforms will facilitate productive clinic discussion and ensure pat ... Full text Link to item Cite

Liposomal Bupivacaine Analgesia in Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator Flap Breast Reconstruction: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Journal Article Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open · June 7, 2024 Background: Liposomal bupivacaine (LB) can be used for postsurgical analgesia after breast reconstruction. We examined real-world clinical and economic benefits of LB versus bupivacaine after deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap breast reconstru ... Full text Cite
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Education, Training & Certifications


Medical University of South Carolina · 2015 M.D.
Medical University of South Carolina · 2015 Ph.D.
Denison University · 2008 B.S.