Wow! This was one unforgettable event. Just in case this is your first time hearing about RESTORED, you’re in for a major treat!

Restored is a book and art exhibit created by top plastic surgeons and breast reconstruction experts Dr. Ron Israeli and Dr. Jonathan Bank of New York Breast Reconstruction and Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Images were captured by photographer Erez Sabag, art directed by David Warren of Form Collaborative and the project was sponsored by @allerganaesthetics.

This unique initiative was developed in an effort to shift the narrative surrounding breast reconstruction. It tells the stories of twelve breast reconstruction patients from different walks of life. The project includes images, life casts, and words from each woman that convey the physical and emotional restoration that breast reconstruction can provide. The book may be purchased here and 100% of the proceeds will be donated to the AiRS Foundation  (The Alliance in Reconstructive Surgery Foundation), a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping individuals facing breast reconstruction.

⁠The RESTORED 2-day exhibit took place on November 15th at NYC’s Lavan 541. This celebration highlighted the busts of twelve courageous patients, previvors, and survivors as they shared a part of them not often seen in the public eye. I’m sharing just a few of those photos with you here, but I encourage you to purchase the book so you can see this profound and powerful project in its entirety.

Previvor Allyn Rose and her daughter Yve traveled all of the way from Germany to attend the event…
Allyn was casted during her pregnancy, which is totally amazing! 

Thriver, Chelsey Pickthorn, with her surgeon, Dr. Israeli in front of her casting

So proud of my friend and boudoir photographer, Jen Rozenbaum, for 
participating in the RESTORED project! 

Also so proud of my friend and post-mastectomy bra trailblazer and breast cancer advocate,
Dana Donofree founder of AnaOno Intimates. I mean, how cute is she here with Dr. Israeli?!

In addition to meeting the amazing women who were featured in the Restored book and NYC exhibit, I also had the unique opportunity to meet and interview all of the collaborators behind the project including Dr. Israeli, Dr. Bank, David Warren and Erez Sabag.

The RESTORED creators, from left to right: David Warren, Erez Sabag, Dr. Jonathan Bank, Dr Ron Israeli; photo credit James Diaz

What an honor to interview Dr. Bank and Dr. Israeli!; photo credit James Diaz

Patricia Roca and The Coral Group team flew all the way from California to
make sure every detail of the Restored exhibit was perfect….and it was!

Kourtney Cavallio, Head of Portfolio Marketing for Allergan Aesthetics with
Patricia Roca of the Coral Group couldn’t wait to see the entire project come to life!

Breast reconstruction is, at its core, an act of restoration. A reconstructed breast cannot truly replace the tissue that was once in its place, but it can restore contour, confidence, and a patient’s sense of self.

Many newly diagnosed breast cancer patients look for images of reconstructed breasts and find only clinical before and after shots. While those can be extremely helpful, they often fail to capture any emotional context. Patients see reconstructed breasts, complete with scars, and don’t know how the women attached to those bodies are feeling. Thank you to all who contributed to this incredible initiative, and for shedding such an empowering light on breast reconstruction!

Oh one last thing….just in case you missed it, here’s the, “Dear Cancer, I’m Beautiful” podcast interview that I conducted with Dr. Israeli and Dr. Bank. Check it out! It’s such a great way to learn all about them and how Restored came about in the first place. Thank you to Allergan Aesthetics for making this podcast episode possible!