October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, so this edition of the SignatureForum Plastic Surgery Newsletter is looking at the ways in which women are using plastic surgery to regain their form after a battle with this awful disease.

Affecting more than 250,000 women each year, breast cancer is a strong opponent, but breast cancer survivors like Melissa Etheridge, Kylie Minogue, and Sheryl Crow have banded together to make a statement about the ability of women to fully recover. Early detection methods have helped women kick breast cancer with minor surgery in the early stages, but for those in a more advanced stage, or who anticipate breast cancer recurrence, full and partial mastectomies are common procedures. Surgeries and breast cancer treatments are very difficult to endure, both physically and emotionally, but developments in breast reconstructive surgery are helping women to feel complete again.

Recently, actress Christina Applegate's double mastectomy and her candid discussion of the experience has made her a poster girl for the war on breast cancer. Women experiencing fear or doubt about their own breast cancer trials have been uplifted by Applegate's bravery and her positivity about upcoming breast reconstruction. Ms. Applegate discussed her plans for breast reconstructive surgery on Good Morning America, humorously proclaiming that the procedure would give her “cute boobs” until she's 90. While she didn't outline her surgical plans further, it's possible Applegate will choose breast implants as her reconstruction method.

There are many methods of breast reconstruction, but breast implants and tissue flap procedures are the two most common choices for women. Since recent studies confirmed that implants won't hinder future detection of recurrences, more and more women are choosing breast implant reconstruction. Breast augmentation is one of the country's most common cosmetic procedures, and now it's helping breast cancer patients regain their confidence in the face of a devastating disease.

Breast cancer survivors like Christina Applegate are using breast reconstruction, breast implants, breast lifts, and breast augmentation to reclaim control of their bodies and their femininity. Experienced plastic surgeons can inform women about their options with breast implant reconstruction, including how it can effectively restore patients' body image and self-esteem.

To learn more or to schedule a consultation with a plastic surgeon offering breast reconstruction surgery, explore our resources at www.PlasticSurgeryPortal.com, or call us today at 866.471.8873.