Editor’s Note: In this Q&A, meet PRMA Plastic Surgery, the experts in breast reconstruction and the newest members of the Haute Beauty Network.

Photo Credit: PRMA Plastic Surgery

What is PRMA Plastic Surgery’s greatest achievement?

PRMA Plastic Surgery recently celebrated its 25^th anniversary. Since opening the practice doors in 1994 with co-founders Dr. Ledoux and Dr. Pisano, the PRMA team has grown to include seven surgeons, four office locations and has performed over 8,500 flap-based breast reconstruction procedures–making PRMA one of the busiest breast centers in the world.

What is the future of breast reconstruction?

Breast Reconstruction procedures have vastly improved over the years. Implants are now no longer the only option for reconstruction following a mastectomy. Advanced reconstruction methods using the patient’s own tissue represent today’s ‘gold-standard’ for reconstruction.

PRMA surgeons are also able to help patients restore breast sensation following a mastectomy through sensory nerve reconstruction performed at the same time as flap-based breast reconstruction surgery.

Additionally, surgical treatment options for lymphedema are continuing to improve. PRMA is proud to offer our patients state-of-the-art lymphedema surgery techniques to help treat upper extremity lymphedema following breast cancer.

What is the biggest misconception about your field?

When you think of plastic surgery, you may imagine someone getting a breast augmentation, or maybe even think about celebrities who’ve gone under the knife in attempts to defy the aging process. Tummy tuck, face lift, nose job – the list goes on. But plastic surgery isn’t all about celebrities and “boob jobs”. Health issues such as breast cancer or carrying the breast cancer gene (BRCA 1, BRCA 2) are some of the most common health-related reasons for seeing a plastic surgeon.

What is your most requested procedure?

Although we perform ALL breast reconstruction procedures (including mastectomy scar revision surgery for patients electing for no reconstruction and oncoplastic surgery), our most commonly performed surgery is DIEP flap reconstruction. The DIEP flap is the most advanced form of breast reconstruction available today and is the preferred reconstructive technique at PRMA. It 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 preserves all the abdominal muscles. Only abdominal skin and fat are removed similar to a “tummy tuck”. 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.

What is PRMA Plastic Surgery best known for?

PRMA Plastic Surgery is best known for providing patients natural, implant-alternative breast reconstruction procedures, restoring the patient’s breast sensation following breast cancer surgery and lymphedema surgery.

What has been a memorable patient reaction?

Every interaction with our patients is memorable. Many of our patients come to us during one of the scariest moments of their life (being diagnosed with breast cancer). There are many times we hear from our patients that they never thought their results would be possible. Hearing from our patients that they have feeling in their breasts again or how happy they are with the way they look in a swimsuit on vacation never gets old! It’s an honor to walk alongside each patient and their families during their breast reconstruction journeys. We are truly blessed!

What sets PRMA apart?

PRMA Plastic Surgery is dedicated to rebuilding lives after breast cancer. Our passion and our focus is advanced breast reconstruction.

What do the surgeons at PRMA love most about their profession?

All of the surgeons at PRMA are proud to be able to recreate something that breast cancer tried to steal away and restore confidence back to our patients.

For more on PRMA Plastic Surgery, visit their Haute Beauty profile.