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Manhattan Plastic Surgeon Advocates Breast Reconstruction Awareness

Andrew | October 14, 2014 | Posted in Breast Augmentation

breast implantsThe third annual nationwide Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day, or BRA Day USA, will take place on Wednesday, October 15th, 2014. This enlightening and inspiring day right in the middle of Breast Cancer Awareness Month is designed to raise the recognition of breast cancer survivors about the range of viable post-mastectomy breast reconstruction options available to them.

BRA Day celebrates a collaboration across the nation between the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, The Plastic Surgery Foundation, and a host of health practitioners and advocates. These groups are just one segment of an ongoing campaign to provide women with the physical, mental, and emotional support needed in their fight against cancer.

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Joining them are the breast cancer patients themselves along with breast cancer support groups, families, and friends of survivors who sponsor gala fundraisers, Q&A sessions, lectures, marketing campaigns, and community events in the name of providing education and access to knowledge about breast reconstruction.

Most women are unaware of their breast reconstruction options

Studies have found that women who are eligible for breast reconstruction after cancer surgery are simply not aware of their options. Only 23% of women are even aware that there is a wide range of breast reconstruction options available to them. Only 22% have any knowledge of the good outcomes that can be expected.

Significantly, only 19% understand that the earlier they make the decision to undergo breast reconstruction in relation to breast cancer treatments, the greater their options and the quality of their results.

Three types of breast reconstruction

New York City plastic surgeon Dr. Thomas Loeb has educated many breast cancer survivors on a wide range of breast reconstruction options.

There are three basic types of breast reconstruction that Dr. Loeb employs:

  1. Reconstruction with implants — a natural looking breast mound is recreated with an implant filled with silicone gel or saline water
  2. Autologous reconstruction — a natural appearing breast mound is constructed using tissue from an inconspicuous part of your body
  3. Autologous Tissue with implant — “‘borrowed” tissue from another part of your body creates a base for an implant of silicone gel or saline water.

Timing of breast reconstruction

Another variable is the decision made by a patient as to when to have reconstruction surgery. The decision to have immediate reconstruction simultaneous with the mastectomy or to delay it to a later time is made jointly by the patient and Dr. Loeb, and depends on the stage and particular characteristics of the breast cancer.

Immediate reconstruction has the advantage of negating the damaging effects on self-esteem and body image for the breast cancer survivor. It is a safe procedure for most reconstruction candidates.

Breast reconstruction can also be delayed for months or years. In that case, a minimum wait of six to nine months after radiation therapy is recommended. This way, the skin has an opportunity to heal completely before the breast reconstruction procedure.

The message of BRA Day USA is awareness

If you’re reading this, you may have questions or be simply unaware of what your breast reconstruction options are. The truth is that many women are looking for the same options and answers. Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day is a coming together of patients, resources, and practitioners like Dr. Loeb to help women restore their self-esteem and self-image.

For information on breast reconstruction or other options for plastic surgery in NYC, please call the Fifth Avenue offices of Dr. Loeb at 212.327.3700 to schedule a private breast surgery consultation. During your one-on-one evaluation, Dr. Loeb will answer your many questions and help restore your confidence that there are reconstruction procedures that are suitable for you.

+ Resources
- Resources
  1. Willow, Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day http://www.bra-day.com/
  2. Breastcancer.org., Breast Reconstruction http://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/surgery/reconstruction
  3. American Cancer Society, Breast Reconstruction After Mastectomy http://www.cancer.org/cancer/breastcancer/moreinformation/breastreconstructionaftermastectomy/breast-reconstruction-after-mastectomy-toc
  4. Susan J. Komen, Breast Reconstruction, http://ww5.komen.org/BreastCancer/BreastReconstruction.html

 

 

 

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