For many women, breast reconstruction is about more than restoring physical form—it’s about reclaiming a sense of identity and closure after breast cancer. While flap-based reconstruction can beautifully restore the shape and feel of the breast, the absence of a nipple can leave the journey feeling incomplete. That’s where 3D nipple tattooing comes in. Often […]
When researching breast reconstruction options—especially those involving the abdomen—it’s easy to stumble upon terms like “DIEP flap” and “tummy tuck” and wonder: aren’t they kind of the same thing? It’s a common question, and a completely understandable one. After all, both procedures involve removing skin and fat from the lower belly. But while they may […]
Facing a breast cancer diagnosis is overwhelming enough—wondering whether breast reconstruction is covered by insurance shouldn’t add to the burden. This question arises early in the journey for many women, often layered with confusion, fear, and financial concern. The good news? You have rights—and they’re protected by federal law. Whether you’re choosing immediate reconstruction or […]
After a mastectomy, a person may choose not to undergo immediate breast reconstruction for several reasons. From personal choice or lack of access to a plastic surgeon, to limited knowledge or the presence of other medical conditions, for some, immediate breast reconstruction just isn’t an option. Fortunately, breast reconstruction doesn’t have to be performed […]
For many women navigating a breast cancer diagnosis, the path to healing includes deeply personal decisions—especially when it comes to breast reconstruction. One increasingly important step in that journey is genetic testing. Genetic testing doesn’t just inform your cancer risk—it can also guide conversations around timing, surgical technique, and whether a DIEP flap reconstruction is […]
If you’re experiencing a firm lump or area of discomfort in your reconstructed breast, you’re not alone—and it’s okay to feel anxious. Fat necrosis, though understandably concerning, is a relatively common occurrence after natural tissue breast reconstruction, like the DIEP or PAP flap procedures. It happens when transplanted fat areas begin forming benign, scar-like tissue. […]
Learn if DIEP flap breast reconstruction impacts cancer recurrence detection. Explore risks, monitoring, and PRMA’s approach to ongoing breast cancer care.
After going through a DIEP flap breast reconstruction, noticing a sense of tightness across your abdomen can be unexpected—and, for many women, understandably concerning. The DIEP flap procedure uses your own lower abdominal skin and fat (not muscle) to create a natural-looking breast after mastectomy. If you’re experiencing abdominal tightness after a DIEP flap surgery, […]
Learn about microsurgical breast reconstruction using perforator flaps like DIEP, SIEA, and GAP—natural, muscle-sparing options offered at PRMA.
After a mastectomy, many women choose to undergo breast reconstruction surgery. In fact, older studies show that about half of women who have received a mastectomy opt for reconstruction afterwards. Of course, not all methods of breast reconstruction are equal. Breast reconstruction methods can range from traditional implants to using the patient’s own tissue (referred […]
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