Breast Cancer Awareness Month from the Perspective of a Breast Reconstruction Surgeon in Los Angeles

Dr. Stoker, a plastic surgeon performing breast reconstruction in Los Angeles, sees many breast cancer survivors after their diagnosis. During National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, he reflects on the illness and the survivors' strength.

MARINA DEL REY, CA, October 28, 2009 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. David Stoker has a unique perspective on breast cancer, performing breast reconstruction surgery at Marina Plastic Surgery Associates (www.marinaplasticsurgery.com). This means that he meets women at various stages of their illness and gives them the opportunity to look and feel better. This October, during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Dr. Stoker finds that he is particularly aware of the effect breast cancer has had on the lives of so many women.

"Breast cancer survivors have an incredible amount of inner strength," says Dr. Stoker. "I have heard several women say that they are much stronger, more determined, and more vibrant than they ever were before their diagnosis. By performing breast reconstruction in Los Angeles for cancer survivors, I am able to be a part of their journey. It can be one of the most rewarding procedures that I perform."

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a campaign organized by breast cancer charities to raise funds for cancer research, and to spread information about and awareness of the disease. It's a time when women are encouraged to get regular mammograms and more attention is paid to the search for a cure. Although Dr. Stoker usually sees women only after they have already been diagnosed, he definitely understands the importance of prevention.

"I have been able to form close relationships with the women that I see in my practice," says Dr. Stoker. "Many of them have been touched by breast cancer - whether they are survivors themselves, or whether their mothers, daughters, sisters or friends have had the disease. These women always deserve our love and support, but I think that National Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an excellent opportunity to reach out even more."

Women from areas such as Long Beach, Santa Monica, and Beverly Hills seek breast reconstruction from Dr. Stoker either at the same time as their mastectomy or after treatment. He can use several different surgical methods to recreate the breast mound, depending upon each patient's unique anatomy. The surgery should result in a reconstructed breast that looks and feels as natural as possible.

"I know that my cosmetic experience is of benefit when I perform this particular reconstructive procedure," Dr. Stoker explains. "I go into each breast reconstruction surgery aiming for beauty as much as functionality. If a reconstructed breast looks and feels natural, women can feel more like themselves more quickly."

Dr. David Stoker (www.marinaplasticsurgery.com) is a board-certified plastic surgeon practicing in Los Angeles at Marina Plastic Surgery Associates. He performs breast reconstruction in addition to many other types of plastic and cosmetic surgery. In 2005 he was chosen by The New York Times (New York Times Style Magazine) as one of the top cosmetic plastic surgeons in the nation. Dr. Stoker graduated with honors from Stanford University and studied medicine at the University of California at San Francisco before completing residencies in General and Plastic Surgery through New York University School of Medicine's prestigious Institute of Reconstructive Plastic Surgery.