In Hollywood, we don’t usually see too many celebrities admitting to having work done. Most stars attribute their good lucks to sheer luck, good genes or a healthy diet and exercise regime, but rarely does the public ever hear about how plastic surgery has changed their lives in significant ways – up until now. One world-famous actress has decided to bravely come forward and share her personal plastic surgery experience to help women around the world gain courage to take a more proactive approach to preserve their health.
Actress Angelina Jolie is known for a great many things, including her talent, creativity, activism, and family-oriented lifestyle, but now, she is also known for being a role model to women around the world. Jolie admitted to testing positive for the BRCA1 genetic mutation, which is known to increase the risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer, and in a self-written Op-Ed article in the New York Times, the actress candidly spoke about her family’s history of breast cancer and her difficult decision to undergo preventative mastectomy and breast reconstruction surgeries to reduce her risk of developing the illness.
Although she didn’t open up about her procedure until mid-May, Jolie actually began the series of surgeries back in February. While she did not test positive for breast cancer, she felt as though her decision to undergo the preventative surgeries would greatly reduce her risk of developing the disease – and it did. Before the surgeries, Jolie was at a staggering 87 percent risk of developing breast cancer, and afterward, the risk level dropped down to under 5 percent.
Her decision has been lauded by women around the globe, but it is important for potential mastectomy and breast reconstruction surgery patients to understand that the treatments are not quick, nor easy. The procedures are carried out as a series of surgeries that can take at least four months for patients to recover from. It’s not an over-night fix, but it can save the lives of those who have a family history of the illness, like Jolie, as well as patients who have already been diagnosed with the cancer.
With her personal recount of her plastic surgery experiences, Jolie hopes to empower women around the world to be strong and seek testing and medical attention if they believe to be at risk for breast cancer.
Here in New York, plastic surgeon Dr. Leonard Grossman also believes that taking early action is imperative to the success of a mastectomy and subsequent breast reconstruction surgery. He believes prospective patients should always be well-informed prior to undergoing their procedures and have a full understanding of what to expect, not only with breast reconstruction, but with all plastic surgery procedures. Having a Minimal Scar Mastectomy (areola scar only) with immediate reconstruction is the optimal approach whenever possible.
Each patient’s anatomy is unique, which means that some may recover from a mastectomy and breast reconstruction faster than others, but it’s important to know that like all plastic surgery procedures, breast reconstruction is considered a major surgery and should not be a decision made overnight.
Patients may opt for traditional breast implants or may also elect fat transfer surgery for their reconstruction treatment option. Dr. Grossman will perform a full medical evaluation to help you choose the best treatment for your body and aesthetic goals. If you reside in New York and have considered undergoing preventative mastectomy or post-mastectomy breast reconstruction surgery, contact Dr. Grossman today to determine which options are ideal for you and which will provide the most natural results.
