New Breast Reconstruction Book

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Andrew Smith, MD, FACS, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

For a while now I have been working on a project that is very dear to my heart, and I’m happy to share that it’s just about finished. I’ve been working with a talented creative team to put together what is probably best described as an “art book,” filled with beautiful imagery and inspiring stories of women who have undergone breast reconstruction. It’s called Real Women on Breast Reconstruction.

These brave and beautiful women have all faced breast cancer in one way or another, and have undergone either a single or a double mastectomy. Some had cancer, and some tested positive for one of the BRCA gene mutations that increase a woman’s chances of getting breast cancer. All of them underwent breast reconstruction at my Orange County plastic surgery practice.

The book features the photography of Todd Tankersley, who spent time with each of the 13 subjects, shooting photos that capture their spirit and beauty. The photos are accompanied by the woman’s story, told in her own words. They are fascinating, touching, honest, and inspiring.

These women come from all walks of life, and each has her own unique experience and point of view. But something they all share is that they did not want to let breast cancer define them. For them, breast reconstruction was an important step in reclaiming their lives and making sure that they weren’t left with a constant reminder of their brush with this disease.

One of the things I love most about being a plastic surgeon is that I get to help people to feel better about themselves. There is nothing more gratifying than to help a woman recover her self-image after a mastectomy. The amazing results we are able to create with breast reconstruction today enable women to look and feel whole, normal, and beautiful after mastectomy, and, like the women in this book, go on to not just survive, but to thrive.

Our goal is to get this book in the hands of women who are facing a mastectomy, so that they can find encouragement and inspiration in these stories from “the other side.” If you would like to learn more about the book, contact my office online or at (949) 653-7000.