Minas Chrysopoulo MD, PRMA Plastic Surgery

04/22/2026

When surgeons get better, patients benefit. That’s the whole point of events like the ARSA Summit 2026, hosted by our parent organization last week in Weehawken, NJ. Dr Merceron and I made the trip to proudly represent PRMA.

Physicians traveled from across the United States and from other countries to attend.

Two days of hands-on training, real case presentations, and deep clinical discussion across some of the most complex areas in reconstructive surgery: breast reconstruction after mastectomy, post-mastectomy pain, lymphedema, nerve repair, and robotic surgical techniques.

One thing from the cadaver lab is worth highlighting. Many of the procedures being taught and demonstrated were not developed elsewhere and imported into the training. They were created by ARSA surgeons. That means patients treated within our network have access to techniques that exist, in some cases, nowhere else.

We also celebrated our inaugural ARSA Awards, recognizing physicians who are building beyond their own practices. Dr. Sean Boutros for 16 years of sustained innovation in microsurgical breast reconstruction. Dr. Joseph Dayan for building a specialty program now reaching patients across multiple states. Dr. Ajul Shah for the remarkable way he invests in developing the next generation of surgeons.

These awards matter because they signal what we value as an organization: not just individual excellence, but the kind of work that raises the standard for everyone.

None of this happens without the support of our industry sponsors, who make the summit possible year after year. Their partnership allows us to bring this community together, invest in education, and keep pushing the standard of care forward. We are genuinely grateful.

For patients navigating complex reconstructive decisions, a physician-led network that trains together, innovates together, and holds each other to a higher standard is a difference that shows up in your care.

PRMA Plastic Surgery - Center for Advanced Breast Reconstruction Advanced Reconstructive Surgery Alliance -ARSA

04/15/2026

Every woman in this article says the same thing. Nobody told them post-mastectomy pain syndrome was a realistic possibility. They signed forms. They technically consented. But they weren't prepared.

The numbers tell a different story than what some patients are hearing from their doctors. As one woman in the piece puts it, her doctors acted like it was so rare, like they were baffled. In reality, this is statistically predictable.

Between 25% and 40% of women who undergo mastectomy develop some degree of PMPS. For women under 50, cumulative prevalence reaches 65%. This is likely because younger women receive more aggressive treatment, have more sensitive nervous systems, and carry a higher psychosocial burden through recovery. On top of that, 10% of opioid-naive patients are still using opioids 90 days after mastectomy because the underlying pain was never properly addressed. These are often younger, higher-functioning women ending up on chronic opioids because nobody told them a surgical solution exists.

If you or someone you love is dealing with pain after mastectomy, please know: you are not imagining it, it is not rare, and there are options. Learn more here: https://prma-enhance.com/post-mastectomy-care/post-mastectomy-pain-syndrome

PRMA Plastic Surgery - Center for Advanced Breast Reconstruction Advanced Reconstructive Surgery Alliance -ARSA

Post-mastectomy pain syndrome, or PMPS, is estimated to afflict tens of thousands of U.S. women each year. It is not well understood.

04/08/2026

Where you live shouldn’t determine the care you receive. Unfortunately, as many of you know, it often does.

It’s exciting to see new technology making it possible for patients to connect with the right surgeon, no matter where they live. The greatest promise isn’t the technology itself, but what it could mean for access: getting the right care, at the right time, without geography being a barrier.

At PRMA, we see this every day. Patients travel to us from across the U.S. and around the world because some advanced reconstructive options simply aren’t available where they live. That’s not easy for patients or families, and it highlights an important opportunity: to bring that level of care closer to home.

At the same time, surgery is about much more than the operation itself. It involves careful planning, a skilled team, anesthesia support, and having the right systems in place to keep patients safe, especially if something unexpected happens.

That’s where outcomes truly matter.

The path forward is thoughtful and step-by-step. Start with the right cases, build strong, well-trained teams working together, and ensure safety and consistency every time. If done well, this kind of innovation could help many patients avoid long travel and get the care they need sooner, not just in breast reconstruction, but across many areas of medicine.

The opportunity is real, and very exciting. What matters most is that outcomes continue to match.

PRMA Plastic Surgery - Center for Advanced Breast Reconstruction

The milestone procedure went well, with patient Paul Buxton saying he felt "fantastic".

04/01/2026

AI is being used more and more in healthcare but many patients don’t know when or how it’s part of their care.

A recent article highlights a real concern: most people don’t fully trust how AI is being used, and there aren’t clear rules about when patients should be informed.

It’s important to understand that not all AI is the same. Some tools help doctors review information and make better decisions. Others may influence decisions behind the scenes, like whether certain codes are accepted or “down-coded” by insurance plans.

That difference isn’t usually explained.

What matters most is that patients feel informed and confident in their care. That means:
- Knowing when AI is involved
- Understanding how it is being used
- Knowing who is responsible for ultimate decisions, especially those that can impact your care

AI has the potential to improve care and patient experience but only if it makes things clearer and easier to navigate.

If you’re unsure how AI is being used in your care, or how decisions about your care are being made, please remember it’s always OK to ask.

https://www.statnews.com/2026/03/23/ai-use-distrust-american-medicine/

PRMA Plastic Surgery - Center for Advanced Breast Reconstruction

Health care’s adoption of AI should move at the speed of trust, not investment, writes Oni Blackstock.

03/25/2026

I spent a couple of days in Washington, DC last week meeting with members of Congress alongside physician leaders from across the country.

The focus was independent medicine, and why it’s getting harder to sustain.

Here’s what that really means for patients:

• When physician payments don’t keep up with rising costs, fewer practices can stay independent, and some stop accepting Medicare altogether

• Care is increasingly being pushed into hospital settings instead of offices or surgery centers, which often means higher costs and less convenience for patients

• Programs designed to help vulnerable patients don’t always reach them the way they were intended

We also discussed the No Surprises Act, which protects patients from unexpected medical bills. That part is working. The challenge now is making sure the system behind it actually functions, so care isn’t delayed or disrupted.

These issues aren’t abstract. They show up in longer wait times, fewer choices, and more difficulty accessing care.

Policy decisions in Washington shape what patients experience every day. Those policies need to better reflect what’s actually happening on the ground.

PRMA Plastic Surgery - Center for Advanced Breast Reconstruction Advanced Reconstructive Surgery Alliance -ARSA

07/25/2025

One of our favorite events of the year is coming up!

BRA Day is such a special time to come together and raise awareness. We hope you can join us!

🎀 Save the Date for BRA Day! 🎀

📅 Thursday, October 16th
🕕 6:00–9:00 PM
📍 Magnolia Halle: 10319 Huebner Rd, San Antonio, TX 78240

Join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day — where education, empowerment, and community come together. 💗

✨ Live Q&A with our incredible nursing team
✨ Surgeon presentations
✨ Local vendors + resources
✨ Door prizes and more!
✨Light bites and drinks provided

Whether you’re a patient, survivor, supporter, or just looking to learn more—this event is for YOU.

🤩 RSVP now at the 🔗 below — we hope to see you there!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/prmas-annual-bra-day-2025-tickets-1527270891349

06/13/2025

An inspiring week hosting our colleagues from Poland. Grateful for the opportunity to share, learn, and collaborate!

09/24/2024

Going to ? Join us this coming Friday night to hear several perspectives and tips on how to successfully perform reconstructive in academic, private practice, and “privademic” settings.

American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) Advanced Reconstructive Surgery Alliance -ARSA PRMA Plastic Surgery - Center for Advanced Breast Reconstruction

05/16/2024

Very proud to announce some exciting developments at PRMA Plastic Surgery… Dr Fries recently performed our first free omentum flap to help a patient with chronic arm swelling ( ) that resulted from treatment. This microsurgical procedure transplants “spare” lymph nodes from inside the abdomen to the arm to improve lymphatic drainage. Phenomenal work Dr Fries!

🔬✨ A surgical procedure where lymph nodes are transferred with the omentum flap to treat lymphedema. This approach offers new hope for patients suffering from chronic lymphatic issues due to Breast Cancer. 🏥 🔗 https://bit.ly/3aOittp

05/14/2024

Thank you Terri for your tireless ! Of course, competent solo microsurgeons can successfully perform reconstruction, but having 2 microsurgeons perform your surgery (“co-surgeon model) doubles the expertise on your team, shortens anesthesia time (especially for more complex cases), and prioritizes patient safety. Following the decision by CMS to preserve the S code (at least for now), some insurance companies have responded by now denying reimbursement for a second surgeon. We understand the financial pressures this can create for practices across the country, but at PRMA we remain committed to continuing the co-surgeon model for all patients choosing to have a microsurgical reconstruction. The patient advocacy movement was instrumental in preventing sunsetting of the S code. I encourage all patients to again use their voices to preserve their right to a co-surgeon!

Breast Advocate DiepCJourney ~ Breast Reconstruction after Mastectomy PRMA Plastic Surgery - Center for Advanced Breast Reconstruction

At the Foundation we will undertake topics that are not necessarily easy to discuss but valid and necessary to discuss. I honor my guest today for his compassionate care of patients and willingness to be a guest on the latest episode of the Minas Chrysopoulo MD, PRMA Plastic Surgery and our Founder, Terri Coutee discuss the value of the co-surgeon model in microvascular surgery and as it pertains to and concerns regarding insurance coverage here: https://diepcjourney.libsyn.com/episode-53-the-value-of-the-co-surgeon-model-in-breast-reconstruction-and-insurance-coverage-concerns
supporting

02/12/2024

Thank you for sharing!

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02/09/2024

Choosing the right breast reconstruction surgeon is a crucial decision on your journey towards recovery and healing. Here are five essential questions to ask during your consultation:

1️⃣ How many breast reconstruction procedures have you performed?
📊 Experience matters! Inquire about their track record and expertise in breast reconstruction to ensure you're in capable hands.

2️⃣ Do you offer TruSense?
🌟 Learn about the advanced technologies and techniques available for your reconstruction journey. TruSense can provide feeling to your reconstructed breasts!

3️⃣ What's your success rate?
📈 Understanding their success rate can give you confidence in their abilities. It's essential to have realistic expectations and trust your surgeon's skills.

4️⃣ How many microsurgeons will perform the procedure?
🤝 Complex breast reconstruction often involves a team of specialists. Knowing who will be involved ensures you have the right expertise at each stage.

5️⃣ May I see your before and after photos?
📸 Visual evidence is powerful. Reviewing before and after photos can help you visualize potential outcomes and ensure they align with your goals.

Remember, this is your journey, and you deserve the best care possible. Don't hesitate to ask these questions and any others that may arise during your consultation. Your peace of mind and confidence are paramount. 🌷 after BreastCancer