Breast Reconstruction Surgeons Spread the Word for Cancer Awareness Month

    FLORHAM PARK, NJ, October 05, 2014 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The Peer Group for Plastic Surgery (www.peergroupnj.com) is using Breast Cancer Awareness Month to educate women about the advanced breast reconstruction options available from plastic surgeons in their New Jersey practice as well as all around the country.

"A study published this summer in JAMA Surgery showed that less than half of the women who have a mastectomy choose to get breast reconstruction," Dr. Francisco G. Colon says. "Nearly 1 out of 5 mastectomy patients isn't even aware that reconstruction is an option. Education and awareness are major concerns."

One of the most common reasons women in the study didn't choose to get reconstructive surgery was over concerns about having breast implants, Dr. Colon says. About a third of respondents cited that reason.

Dr. Colin L. Failey, another Peer Group surgeon, says what a lot of his patients don't realize is that breast reconstruction at their New Jersey practice doesn't always require implants.

"We have 3 board-certified plastic surgeons, including myself, who specialize in performing DIEP flap advanced breast reconstruction, that uses a patient's own abdominal skin and fat, to create a contoured breast that looks and feels natural," Dr. Failey says. "There are other flap techniques that use tissue from other areas of the body, but we specialize in this option, which we prefer, because it uses skin and fat from the abdomen without compromising the abdominal muscles."

The surgeons say their goal is to educate women about all the options available to them. In addition to the DIEP flap technique, they also offer reconstruction using breast implants at their New Jersey practice.

"Many patients are good candidates for the DIEP flap method," says Dr. Isaac Starker, another surgeon at the practice. "But some women want reconstruction using breast implants because they'd like a little more volume. The decision is a highly personal one, of course, and our goal as plastic surgeons is to ensure patients have all the information they need to make a confident choice."

Along with the education campaign, The Peer Group is marking Breast Cancer Awareness Month with some special events. The practice has pledged to donate $1 to the American Cancer Society for every person who "likes" its Facebook page throughout October.

And to celebrate the month, The Peer Group is inviting breast cancer patients and survivors to enjoy a complimentary exfoliating skin care treatment every Wednesday and Thursday throughout the month. Appointments are necessary.

The Peer Group for Plastic Surgery (www.peergroupnj.com) includes 4 board-certified plastic surgeons with a record of excellence that has made it one of the most respected practices in the region for cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, in addition to non-invasive aesthetic procedures. Our surgeons specialize in a range of procedures, including body contouring surgery, breast enhancement and reconstruction, and facial rejuvenation. Dr. David J. Lange, Dr. Isaac Starker, Dr. Francisco G. Colon, and Dr. Colin L. Failey have been honored with numerous awards and been named Top Doctors by noteworthy publications. The Peer Group is also home to The Peer Foundation, which supports both patients and plastic surgeons. Established in New Jersey, this organization has been actively funding and advancing research and plastic surgery treatment related to cleft lip and palate reconstruction since 1995.

# # #