Spotlight Still on Breast Cancer Reconstruction

    GREAT NECK, NY, December 02, 2009 /24-7PressRelease/ -- For many women and doctors, National Breast Cancer Awareness month kicked off a heightened demand for information on breast cancer prevention and treatment. Dr. Alex Keller (www.breastflap.com), a national leader in advanced breast cancer reconstruction procedures, says his practice continues to see strong interest from women seeking information on how to detect and recover from breast cancer, a trend he hopes will continue.

"Most women have been touched by breast cancer in some way, and I think many are realizing that it is not just a question of knowing that breast cancer is a risk; you have to protect yourself actively," he says. "For the women facing a breast cancer diagnosis, one important decision is often whether or not to have reconstruction following breast cancer surgery. These women are turning to resources like my practice to help them find out what they can do."

Dr. Keller, a board-certified plastic surgeon, focuses the majority of his efforts on helping women after cancer look and feel recovered through highly complex breast reconstruction procedures. However, he and his staff also involve themselves heavily in efforts to promote better awareness of cancer risks and help aid patients' recovery in ways that go beyond physical relief.

"We work closely with our breast reconstruction patients and we're so invested in their stories and their hopes," he says. "I host a monthly support group in my office for my patients to talk about their diagnosis, treatment, and reconstruction. For many women, their lives were saved through early detection, which is why the message of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month is so important to hear year-round."

Dr. Keller specializes in the DIEP flap technique, which can contribute dramatically to his patients' emotional recovery because it allows for faster healing than TRAM flap surgery, an advantage that he believes also promotes better emotional healing.

"Breast cancer is a life-changing event, and in a more positive way so is reconstruction," he says. "The support groups in my office contributed tremendously to patients' emotional healing."

Dr. Keller is also a frequent lecturer on topics related to breast cancer and reconstruction, and offers women all over the world helpful information on their choices after mastectomy through his breast reconstruction blog.

"Women are taking breast cancer more seriously than ever, but we all have to do what we can to promote accurate information, better self-exams, and a clearer understanding of treatment and reconstruction," he says. "We're on our way, but there's still a long way to go."

Dr. Alex Keller (www.breastflap.com) is a board-certified plastic surgeon who has performed more than 1,000 DIEP flap breast reconstructions with a success rate of better than 99.5%. The breast reconstruction surgery practice he founded is located just minutes from New York City and is conveniently accessible for women throughout the New York metro area. Dr. Keller received his MD from New York University Medical School and is an Assistant Clinical Professor at New York University Medical Center. He has been recognized as one of "America's Best Doctors" by his peers and is a frequent contributor to books and medical journals.

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