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Immediate vs. Delayed Breast Reconstruction

What is Immediate vs. Delayed Breast Reconstruction?

Every woman’s breast cancer journey is different, and so is the timing that feels right for reconstruction. Some patients choose to have immediate breast reconstruction, performed at the same time as their mastectomy, so that they can begin the healing process in one step.

Others prefer or need to wait and pursue delayed breast reconstruction at a later time. If additional cancer treatments like radiation are planned, for example, or if a patient simply wants more time to process her options before moving forward, then this approach is usually recommended.

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Understanding Your Options

Immediate reconstruction can be emotionally comforting, while delayed reconstruction provides time to process. Depending on the woman’s journey, either choice can be right. The key is to understand the options first. 

Immediate Breast Reconstruction

With immediate reconstruction, surgery is performed at the same time as the mastectomy, allowing patients to wake up with a breast shape already in place. At PRMA, immediate options include tissue-based reconstruction (like the DIEP flap and other natural tissue flaps) and implant-based reconstruction, depending on your anatomy, preferences, and treatment plan. This approach can often reduce the number of surgeries and help preserve more of your natural breast skin.
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Delayed Breast Reconstruction

Delayed reconstruction is performed weeks, months, or even years after a mastectomy, it’s never too late to restore what was lost. One of the benefits of delayed reconstruction is that it allows time to complete cancer treatments like chemotherapy or radiation first. PRMA offers the same full range of options for delayed reconstruction, including advanced natural tissue flaps and implant-based reconstruction, tailored to each patient’s needs and long-term goals.
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Real Patients. Real Stories

Behind every procedure is a woman with her own story, each one a powerful reflection of resilience and the life-changing impact of advanced reconstruction
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DIEP Flap Reconstruction
“Dr. Chrysopoulo answered any questions and offered suggestions. I always felt supported. I was never worried or concerned. The responses were almost always instant, so it was very helpful.”
Christina L., 38
San Antonio, TX
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DIEP Flap Reconstruction
"From my first appointment with Dr. Nastala to the ladies calling me over the phone, everyone was so amazing and so welcoming through the whole process."
Kelsey C.
New Braunfels, TX
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DIEP Flap Reconstruction
"I am so happy with my results. You don’t know what to expect going into this. PRMA has been so good to me and my doctor was so skilled. I have a few scars that are healing but they are my battle wounds!"
Wendy G.
San Antonio, TX

Why Choose PRMA

With over 16,000 successful breast reconstructions, including 12,500 natural tissue flap procedures, PRMA isn’t just a global leader in breast reconstruction; we’re the pioneers behind groundbreaking techniques that continue to elevate the standard of post-mastectomy care for patients nationwide.

 

What Sets PRMA Apart: 

  • TruSense® Sensation Restoration: a proprietary technique developed by PRMA to help women regain feeling in their breasts after reconstruction.
  • High Def DIEP®: An advanced microsurgical approach that delivers more natural-looking results with refined abdominal contouring.
  • Dual-Surgeon Advantage: Every flap procedure is performed by two microsurgeons, enhancing safety, precision, and outcomes, while decreasing overall surgery time.
  • Implant-to-Flap Expertise: Nationally recognized for successfully converting failed implant reconstructions to natural tissue solutions.
  • Comprehensive Patient Support: From a dedicated patient liaison and compassionate support group to the Breast Advocate® App, patients are guided at every step with compassion and clarity.
  • Advanced Lymphedema Surgery: Offers leading-edge treatments for lymphedema.
  • Post-Mastectomy Pain Relief: We offer relief from chronic pain after a mastectomy that has not responded to conservative medical treatment.
  • Texas-Based, International Reach: Patients from across the U.S. and worldwide choose PRMA for its affordability, in-network insurance options, and seamless travel support.
  • Trusted Experience: With 30+ years of innovation and over 30,000 women successfully treated, PRMA is one of the most experienced breast reconstruction centers in the world.
  • Empowerment Through Education: PRMA makes complex decisions easier by educating patients on all their options, including rarely-discussed sensation restoration.
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Refer a Patient – Nationwide

When your patients need advanced care, PRMA is the partner you can trust. Our team is a referral destination nationwide for advanced breast reconstruction, sensation restoration, lymphedema surgery, and more, offering seamless coordination, groundbreaking techniques, and outcomes that consistently elevate patient satisfaction.
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Your Journey, Your Choice
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