Pink October - Raleigh Plastic Surgery Center

As a die-hard football fan, I always look forward to October, the heart of the season. It has always heralded the beginning of fall and the best weather to watch a game. But lately, with the NFL and the NCAA embracing Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October), the newest phenomenon October brings is watching the pink accents incorporated on Pro and College team’s uniforms. Even the ref’s throw pink flags.

October 15th is Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons, our parent professional organization, began this special day to highlight the vital role breast reconstruction plays in cancer patient’s care. This day has special meaning to Dr. High and me since we have long been heavily involved in breast reconstruction. The two of us treat an average of well over 100 new breast cancer patients yearly, working closely with breast surgeons to start the reconstruction process simultaneously with the mastectomy. We have a very well balanced practice of both cosmetic surgery and reconstructive surgery; but, the majority of our efforts in reconstructive surgery involve breast cancer patients.

The plastic surgeon actually spends more time in the first few months with the breast cancer patient than their breast surgeon. We follow them for years after diagnosis and thus truly are a large part of their recovery. Over the years, we have come to cherish the relationships that we establish with these women. Breast reconstruction is a very essential aspect of recovery for a woman with breast cancer. The majority of women are candidates for reconstruction. We urge patients to ask their surgeons to at least consider referral to a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon for evaluation for breast reconstruction.