Setting a new milestone today, we have completed our 8,500th microsurgical breast reconstruction procedure. This achievement distinguishes PRMA as one of the leading breast reconstruction centers in the world.

“It’s such an honor to be a part of the team that helps women through this battle,” shares PRMA co-founder Dr. Peter Ledoux.

“We are extremely thankful for the passion our team members bring daily to help our patients,” continues PRMA President Dr. Minas Chrysopoulo. “Most of all, we are humbled by our patients’ journeys and the trust they have in PRMA, especially during such a difficult time in their lives.”

“When doing my research, I heard only good things about PRMA,” shares PRMA’s 8,500th DIEP flap patient Katy. “From my breast surgeon to a personal friend, all had nothing but good experiences to share about this practice which is why I chose PRMA to perform my reconstructive surgery.”

PRMA offers patients the complete range of reconstructive options available today including implants and flat closure options, however, PRMA specializes in very complex, procedures known as “perforator” flap breast reconstruction. These procedures use skin and fat from various parts of the body to recreate a warm, soft, “natural” breast, but unlike other “flap” techniques, completely preserve the patient’s underlying muscles. Since no muscle is sacrificed, recovery is much easier and muscle strength and function are preserved long-term. The downside to these procedures is that they are technically much more demanding than other breast reconstruction techniques and require microsurgical expertise. For this reason, they are not offered by many plastic surgeons and unfortunately many patients must be prepared to travel when choosing these procedures.

The most popular perforator flap surgery performed at PRMA is the DIEP flap. This uses the patient’s own abdominal skin and fat to restore a natural, warm, soft breast after mastectomy. Unlike the more commonly known TRAM flap, the DIEP flap preserves all the abdominal muscles. Saving the abdominal muscles means patients have less pain, enjoy a faster recovery, maintain their core strength long-term, and have a lower risk of abdominal complications.

Most patients are also candidates for sensory nerve reconstruction. This procedure reconstructs the nerves that supply feeling to the breast that are cut by the mastectomy. By reconstructing the nerves, patients can enjoy improved return of sensation to the reconstructed breast. Unfortunately, very few centers in the world offer this additional technique. PRMA has been successfully performing sensory nerve reconstruction to restore feeling after a mastectomy for over 15 years.

“I chose the DIEP flap because I wanted to use my own tissue,” explains Katy. “I have seen and talked to many women who had experienced complications with their implants, and I didn’t want to go through that or have to have further surgery down the road.”

Although implant reconstruction continues to be the most commonly performed method of reconstruction performed in the US, it may not always be the best option for patients. In fact, studies show that about 1 in every 3 implant reconstructions will fail following radiation therapy. Breast implants and their link to cancer have also been making news headlines recently. According to the FDA, Breast Implant Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) is a rare and treatable cancer of the immune system (not a true breast cancer) directly associated with textured breast implants. Other complications that can lead to implant removal include infection, capsular contracture (breast hardening), implant displacement, and implant rupture.

Ultimately though, there is no “best” breast reconstruction procedure for everyone. It is important to discuss ALL options and the risks associated with each with a board-certified plastic surgeon before undergoing any type of surgery to ensure you are making a fully educated decision.

“I have complete confidence in my choice and in my surgical team,” says Katy. “I have appreciated all of the continued support and I hope that by sharing my experience I can encourage others.”

Author: Dr. Minas Chrysopoulo and Courtney Floyd