According to the American Cancer Society, about one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in their lifetime. Public awareness efforts have helped patients and physicians catch this disease earlier than ever, making treatment more effective than in years past. However, this is still an ordeal for anyone, and the scars left behind are both physical and psychological.

For women who have undergone a mastectomy – or breast removal – as a part of their treatment, their altered figure can stand as a constant reminder of the struggle they faced, even after the cancer has been removed. Breast reconstruction surgery provides a way for these individuals to restore their figures and regain control, yet the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) has noted that surprisingly few patients learn about this option during their treatment The ASPS even recognizes October as Breast Reconstruction Awareness Month (or BRA) to overcome the inexplicable taboo around this subject.

Now, finally, it seems that these efforts are paying off. New research from the University of Michigan has revealed that rates of breast reconstruction surgery are increasing across the country, though it is not consistent form one state to the next.

“These data suggest that while a hearteningly increasing proportion of women are receiving breast reconstruction, it’s not uniformly the case all across the country,” said lead author Dr. Reshma Jagsi in an interview with HealthDay.

There are many potential explanations for the discrepancies across state lines, one of which is a simple lack of access to plastic surgeons who specialize in breast reconstruction surgery. If you aren’t sure where to begin your search for plastic surgeons in Miami, consider calling the office of Dr. Christopher Craft today. Dr. Craft specializes in breast augmentation, breast lifts and breast reduction surgery. If we don’t offer the surgical procedures you require, we’ll help you find a board-certified plastic surgeon who does.