October 2026

Empowering Your Journey

Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day 2026

Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day, also known as ‘BRA Day,’ is celebrated every year on the third Wednesday of October. This year, BRA Day is October 21st and is dedicated to raising awareness about breast reconstruction and the importance of educating our patients on reconstructive options. We are honored to be a part of our breast cancer patients' story, and we cherish the relationships we can build with our patients and their family members along the way.

October is a time to focus on early detection, but it is also a time to talk about what happens after a diagnosis. At Aspirus Breast Care Specialists and Aspirus Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics we want every patient to know their full range of choices.

Closing the Loop on Breast Care

• Know your rights: You have the legal right to be informed about breast reconstruction options at the time of your diagnosis.

• Insurance coverage: Federal law ensures that insurance covers post-mastectomy breast reconstruction.

• Personalized choices: Reconstruction is not one-size-fits-all. Options range from implant-based procedures to advanced autologous (using your own tissue) techniques.

Deciding whether to reconstruct breasts after a mastectomy is a personal decision. For some, the decision is a difficult one. It is important that patients are provided with all the information and tools to make the best decision for them. Remember, they’ve lived with their bodies and breasts all their lives. For many women, they’ve shaped the clothes they’ve worn, fed their children, and been a part of their more intimate life. Each woman should be provided with all their options.

Join Us for Our Bra Day Lunch & Learn

For details about this presentation, see the Special Events section below.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month isn’t just about wearing pink, it’s about knowing your risk and what you can do about it. For some women, having an early conversation with a breast specialist could be life-changing.

So, what does “high risk” really mean? According to the American Cancer Society and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, women are generally considered higher risk if they have:

• A personal or family history of cancer 



• Dense breast tissue (which shows up on a routine mammogram) 

• Certain gene mutations, such as BRCA1 or BRCA2

• A history of chest radiation

• Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry

• Precancerous breast changes like atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH), atypical lobular hyperplasia (ALH), or lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS). 

If you may be at increased risk, Aspirus Breast Care Specialists can provide important services and support. “Some women are at higher risk of developing breast cancer, so we create personalized, risk-adapted screening plans to help manage their health in the best way possible,” explains Dr. Cecilia Stroede, Breast Surgeon for Aspirus Health, who cares for patients at Aspirus Breast Care Specialists. A personalized, risk-adapted screening plan may include additional screenings such as a breast MRI.

A personalized plan may also incorporate genetic testing, as well as prevention strategies aimed at lowering risk through interventions such as a tailored diet or prescriptions in some cases.

Together, these proactive steps can help detect breast cancer earlier, when it’s most treatable, or even reduce the chances of it developing in the first place.

For more information, call Aspirus Breast Care Specialists at 715.870.2162 or visit aspirus.org/breast. 

Learn more about breast cancer awareness and the importance of understanding your risk in this informative video featuring Dr. Stroede.

Laser Season is Right Around the Corner

With our warm summer months and days of sun exposure coming to a close, we look to turn to our Sciton laser technology to help eliminate pesky hyperpigmentation and signs of aging. Laser treatments can make the skin more sensitive, and sun exposure immediately after the procedure can lead to complications like hyperpigmentation or uneven skin tone. In the fall and winter months, the sun's intensity decreases, making it a safer time to undergo laser treatments without the same level of risk.

HALO vs BroadBand Light (BBL)

With the addition of our Sciton laser, you can restore a healthy glow and youthfulness to your skin with HALO–Sciton’s first and most popular hybrid fractional laser for all skin types. Before HALO, patients had to choose between an ablative or non-ablative treatment. While ablative treatments are more invasive and typically require a longer downtime, non-ablative treatments may not be as effective as some patients would like. HALO combines ablative and non-ablative wavelengths to offer remarkable results with minimal downtime–including a dramatic reduction in the appearance of sunspots, fine lines, wrinkles, skin dullness, and more.

HALO At a Glance:

Pain level: Tolerable, topical numbing medication is applied prior to the procedure

Treatment time: 15–45 minutes depending on area

Downtime: 5–7 days

Number of treatments needed: 1–2 per year



Results: Less than 1 week

BroadBand Light (BBL)

Light energy delivered by the BBL stimulates your skin cells to regenerate and restore your skin. BBL is best known for treating pigment and vascular conditions, acne, hair removal, and the visible changes associated with aging skin.

BBL At a Glance:

Pain level: No anesthetic required

Treatment time: 2–60 minutes depending on treatment area

Downtime: Little to none

Number of treatments needed: 1–3 per



Results: 14–21 days

Questioning if laser is the right treatment for you? Call and schedule a consultation with one of our providers at Aspirus Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics. They will help answer your questions and determine a plan specific to your skin needs and goals. Plus, get 20% off laser packages during the month of October!

Sunday, October 4, 2026

Forever & Always Bridal Expo 
11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Central Wisconsin Convention & Expo Center

10101 Market Street, Rothschild, WI

Wednesday, October 21, 2026

Lunch & Learn – Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day (BRA Day)

12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Aspirus Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics

1901 Westwood Center Blvd, 2nd Floor, Wausau, WI

Saturday, November 21, 2026

Widow's Weekend Open House

10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Aspirus Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics

1901 Westwood Center Blvd, 2nd Floor, Wausau, WI

"I went in for a consultation and she made me feel very comfortable. She has a great personality and answered all my questions. I can tell she knows what she is doing and I feel confident to have her as my surgeon." (Dr. Renaker-Jansen)

"I love dealing with Dr. Renaker-Jansen and Katrina Mattek." (Dr. Renaker-Jansen and Katrina Mattek)

"Dr. Renaker-Jansen was amazing!!! She was so easy to talk to and made me feel so relaxed. I have already recommended her to someone and will recommend her to anyone that needs a plastic surgeon. I had her one other time and I requested to have her do my procedure this time. I will definitely ask for her again if I ever need a plastic surgeon again. She is an amazing doctor and we are lucky to have her in Wausau!!" (Dr. Renaker-Jansen)

"Always very friendly." (Dr. Howard)

"I always look forward to seeing Nicole Larkin. She is such a professional, but has such a great bedside manner and she is just really good at what she does." (Nikki Larkin)

"Each person I encountered was kind and professional. This is an exceptional team. I was very impressed with Mackenzie." (Mackenzie)

Elizabeth Renaker-Jansen, DO, FACOS

Also offering appointments and services 
in Plover.

Thomas C. Howard, MD, FACS

Also offering appointments and services in Rhinelander and Stevens Point.