Pink Christmas Dreams

Pink Christmas Dreams—What could that term mean?  Here at Altiora Plastic Surgery, it is our own term for some of the wishes of some very special breast cancer victims.

It seems like every holiday season we hear softly expressed wishes. These are the wishes of many women who had breast cancer surgery without solid knowledge about their options for breast reconstruction surgery.

This blogger knows one such lady well. Each year she wittily sings “All I Want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth,” with a careful mispronunciation of the “th” on the word “teeth.”  (Use your imagination.)

A Friend’s Story of Two Special Pink Christmas Dreams

She had her breast cancer surgery ten years ago, plus chemo and a round of radiation therapy too.  But she has been a great survivor. Now, when her prosthesis gets hot in the humid summer, and when the scars get irritated, she shrugs and says she has felt worse. We know her Pink Christmas Dreams.

• “Pink” for the breast cancer she has beaten.
• “Dreams” because she feels trapped by age and economics.

For whatever reasons, she feels unable to take the surgical steps to upgrade her self-confidence with reconstructive surgery.

And, we thought perhaps you might have a friend out there with Pink Christmas Dreams.  So our December holiday blog is hereby dedicated to women “out there,” with their Pink Christmas Dreams of reconstructive surgery and the self-confidence that comes with it.

A Few Facts Behind the Pink Christmas Dreams

Studies have revealed some important details regarding communication between cancer patients and doctors, about breast reconstruction.

1. Did you know that 89 percent of women want to see information on breast reconstruction surgery results before undergoing cancer treatment?
2. Less than a quarter (23 percent) of women know the wide range of breast reconstruction options available. Some ladies believe their only option is breast implants. They are completely unaware of the beautiful options now available due to techniques in breast lifts and analogous tissue.
3. Only 22 percent of women are familiar with the quality of outcomes that can be expected.
4. We also regret to report that only 19 percent of women understand that the timing of their breast cancer treatment and the timing of their decision to undergo reconstruction greatly impacts their options and results. That’s why our year-round Christmas gift to our clients is good communication.

Likewise, it is also why the statistics above do not pertain to Dr. Cicilioni or Altiora Plastic Surgery and Medspa.  Cancer survivors and their Pink Christmas Dreams, are very special to his heart.  He delights in helping all his patients view, not only their disease, and their surgery, but the brightening news of their reconstructive surgery.

Together he and each patient discuss options.  They create a vision of future self-confidence and quality of life, which is unique to every woman, every figure, and every sensitivity.

Our Keys to Reconstruction:  Engage…Educate…Empower

The entire staff at Altiora joins Dr. Glasberg’s ASPS mission to help women make “informed decisions about their healthcare following breast cancer diagnosis and mastectomy.”

He added, “Our hope is that these efforts will continue to increase awareness of breast reconstruction options for women due to breast cancer treatment.”

Whether a woman opts for immediate or delayed reconstruction, Dr. Cicilioni will gently explain breast reconstruction procedures in delicate detail before a patient makes a commitment.

For some preliminary information see our special page dedicated to breast reconstruction. Whatever choices are made, our conscientious staff as well as Dr. Cicilioni makes every effort to guide you to the restoration of your breast to near normal shape, appearance, and size.

Pink Christmas Dreams:  Breast Reconstruction Renews Cancer Survivors’ Lives

The Backstory of Breast reconstruction was not pretty.  You see, in the old days, doctors could offer reconstruction surgery to only a wealthy few patients. The Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1997 changed that forever.

In 1998, the legislature declared breast reconstruction following mastectomy to be a right in the United States. Since those early times, breast reconstruction following treatment for cancer has become a field of continually improving technological and artistic accomplishments for dedicated surgeons.

Breast Reconstruction:  A Brief History of Empowerment

In celebration of breast cancer awareness, we focus our attention in this article on breast reconstruction surgery.
Today, nearly 40% of women undergo breast reconstruction after enduring a mastectomy. Recently, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons estimates that more than 106 000 reconstructive breast procedures occurred in 2017.

Statistics have shown that women who have breast reconstruction after devastating cancer breast greatly improve “psycho-social” and physical sense of well-being. We are so encouraged to work with a doctor who understands this sentiment and cherishes it.

Pink Dreams and Life Quality after Cancer

At Altiora, breast reconstruction patients can expect to gain a sense of the return to the fullness of life.  Some women return to us shortly after their mastectomy surgeries.  Others wait a number of years before they are ready to embrace the reconstruction phase of their dark journey into cancer.

Among the most pleasantly surprised of our breast reconstruction patients are those who had small cancers removed, usually with radiation therapy. This is termed “lumpectomy.” Additionally, we also include those with partial mastectomies in this group.

• The resulting deformity from tissue loss and fibrosis can be a daily reminder that cancer has touched a woman’s life.
• Can you imagine how the deformity can be seriously distracting and damaging to a woman’s sense of well-being?
• And the Pink Christmas Dreams of plastic surgery can help her complete her recovery with a better sense of self-identity.

So we do not have to look very far to see how this surgery improves the psychological and physical well-being of a patient. New strides in technique and technology since the turn of the 21^st century have boosted:”

• satisfaction with breast appearance
• and sexual well-being.
• And we are pleased to add that today, there are very few contraindications to breast-reconstruction surgery other than the toleration of general anesthesia.

Breast Cancer Awareness Extends to Breast Reconstruction Awareness

American Society of Plastic Surgery president, Dr. Scot Glasberg stated, “It’s encouraging to see a significant rise in breast reconstruction rates because studies show that reconstruction can greatly improve a patient’s quality of life and self-image.”

There can be no better time than now, the holiday season to thank our friends, supporters, patients, families, staff, colleagues, and associates.  As we close a challenging year and look forward to 2021 and a new lease on life, we send you our personal prayers and good wishes.

A Season of Joy

Just as in years gone by, we know this time of year can be commercial. We know it is full of marketing and financial stress. But we still love it.

We love the innocence and charm, charity, and joy represented by the holidays.

So, we would be remiss if we did not say, “Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah, Happy New Year, and a Blessed Kwanza,” to all our friends and clients. It’s a perfect moment for some of our clients as they look to a better future through the accomplishment of their personal pink Christmas Dreams.

So whether you celebrate, Christmas, Hanukkah, or Kwanza, we embrace good wishes and happy greetings for you. From our Family here in Sarasota to yours.

 

There is no greater place than home for the holidays

and no greater holiday gift than looking into the eyes of our loved ones

and saying, “I love you.”