PATIENT ADVOCACY: BREAST RECONSTRUCTION AWARENESS DAY
This October, Help Us Celebrate Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day
Over the past two decades there’s been much needed attention given to breast cancer. Ongoing research has yielded advancements in the treatment of the disease, while public awareness campaigns have promoted prevention and early detection. What we hear less about is the sense of loss some women feel if the course of their treatment includes a mastectomy or lumpectomy. At Northeastern Plastic Surgery, we’re breast reconstruction experts and strongly support the seventh annual Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day that will take place on October 17, 2018.
WHAT IS BREAST RECONSTRUCTION AWARENESS DAY?
Many women who have undergone a mastectomy or lumpectomy are unaware of the breast reconstruction options available to them. Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day is an awareness campaign designed to promote public education, patient care, and research.
Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day was first launched in 2011 and now occurs annually in October. This initiative is a collaborative effort between the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, The Plastic Surgery Foundation, plastic surgeons specializing in breast surgery, corporate partners, and breast cancer support groups. On the day itself and days leading up to it, these organizations, along with breast cancer patients, survivors, and family members coordinate and participate in a variety of fun and educational events including community outreach, fundraising parties, Q&A sessions, lectures from guest speakers, flash mobs, a 5k race, and more.
HOW CAN I GET INVOLVED IN BREAST RECONSTRUCTION AWARENESS DAY?
Learn how to get involved, hear patient stories, become a corporate sponsor, and more at www.breastreconusa.org. There is no fee to participate in any event and there is a free Event Starter Guide to help you plan your own Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day activities in your area. To find a Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day event in your state, visit http://www.breastreconusa.org/events/.
If you happen to live in Northeastern Plastic Surgery’s home state of New Jersey, you can attend a fashion show featuring women who are breast cancer survivors and have undergone breast reconstruction. It’s a true celebration of these brave women and their journeys.
- Date: Wednesday, October 17, 2018
- Time: 6:00 PM
- Location: SMG Cafe, Lawrence Pavilion, One Diamond Hill Road, Berkeley Heights, NJ
IF I’M CONSIDERING RECONSTRUCTION SURGERY, WHERE DO I START?
If you’re considering undergoing breast reconstruction surgery, it’s very important to have a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Fodero before making any decisions. Your surgeon will review your medical history and overall health and will explain which reconstructive options might be best for you based on your age, health, body type, lifestyle, smoking habits, appearance expectations, and other factors. Talk with your surgeon openly about your preferences. Be sure to voice any concerns you may have and ask lots of questions.
Some questions you may want to ask include:
- Should I undergo reconstruction surgery at the same time as my mastectomy, or after I’ve recovered from my mastectomy?
- What type of post-mastectomy breast reconstruction surgery do you think would be best for me? Why?
- Will my insurance cover any of the costs?
- How long will it take me to recover?
- What results can I expect?
- Can I see before and after pictures of previous patients?
- How are the nipples reconstructed?
- Will I have any feeling in my reconstructed breast(s)?
- How extensive will the scarring be?
This is by no means a complete list of questions, but it’s a good list to help you start a conversation with your surgeon. Any reputable plastic surgeon will gladly take the time to answer all of your questions and ensure that you are completely informed.
Breast reconstruction surgery is a personal choice. It may be the right choice for some women and not for others, but all women deserve to know the options that are available to them to make them look and feel their best. Give yourself plenty of time to find the facts so you know you’re making the best decision for you.
Northeastern Plastic Surgery understands your desire for a beautiful, youthful looking body and facial appearance. We use the latest plastic surgery techniques to perform a variety of surgical procedures. Dr. Fodero and the staff are very friendly, helpful, and available to answer any questions you may have. Please contact us today to learn more about the services we offer.