First App Of Its Kind Launched For Breast Cancer Reconstruction Patients

NEW ORLEANS, Oct. 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --The Center for Restorative Breast Surgery in New Orleans has announced the launch of a groundbreaking new iPhone app during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The first and only app of its kind is designed for women newly diagnosed with breast cancer and those looking for more information on the newest and most sophisticated reconstruction techniques available following mastectomy. It can be downloaded for free in the iTunes store.

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Developed by the renowned surgeons at The Center for Restorative Breast Surgery and the St. Charles Surgical Hospital—the only hospital in the world dedicated to state-of-the-art breast reconstruction surgery—the app will allow users to explore all reconstructive options, get detailed information about each procedure and see "before and after" photos. "We are passionate about the information that this app is capable of delivering to all women facing a breast cancer diagnosis," states Dr. Frank DellaCroce, one of the app's creators. "It will empower women in search of answers, and assist them in making better reconstructive decisions for themselves."

Already established as pioneers in the field of breast reconstruction, the surgeons at the Center for Restorative Breast Surgery are breaking new ground with the revolutionary Procedure Wizard^sm, a section within the app that uses a supercomputer to determine reconstructive options best suited for each patient. The user anonymously answers a series of questions about their individual situation and the Procedure Wizard^sm provides a personalized analysis. "We encourage women to explore this part of the app as a first step in learning about their options," states DellaCroce. "They can then schedule an appointment with us, directly from their iPhone, to further discuss those options."

This app will also assist patients in asking the right questions when visiting with potential surgeons prior to surgery. The "What to Ask" section provides questions to pose, and "best practice" answers, to assist in the selection of the best surgeon for each individual case. In addition, it is equipped with convenient, easy to use features that provide assistance in scheduling and keeping track of all appointments during treatment, taking notes, and recording messages or reminders while on the go. Finally, users can contact the Center for Restorative Breast Surgery directly from the app for additional information, to send an email or information prior to a visit. "By creating this app we hope to help women feel more in control throughout their diagnosis and treatment," states DellaCroce. "A sense of knowledge and organization can go a long way towards the overall healing and recovery for a woman with breast cancer."

The Center for Restorative Breast Surgery was established to serve as a dedicated resource for women seeking the most advanced methods of breast reconstruction utilizing the body's own tissue. Frank DellaCroce, M.D., FACS, Scott Sullivan, M.D., FACS, Chris Trahan, M.D., and Michael Cohen, M.D. specialize exclusively in state-of-the-art breast surgery techniques that allow for microsurgical fat transplantation to rebuild the breast without sacrifice of important functional muscles. They are international leaders in breast cancer surgery options, pioneering groundbreaking procedures including Nipple Sparing Mastectomy, the Stacked DIEP, the Gluteal Hip Flap, and the revolutionary BODY LIFT Flap^SM.  They have performed over 4000 breast reconstruction procedures for women facing breast cancer from around the world.

SOURCE Center for Restorative Breast Surgery