Mastectomies are back in vogue: Blame it on celebrities such as E! talk show host Giuliana Rancic and comedian Wanda Sykes, who appeared to bounce back easily after their recent double mastectomies and reconstruction for early-stage cancer found in one breast. Or blame it on the overwhelming need to have some peace of mind after receiving a frightening breast cancer diagnosis: practically every woman knows someone who has died from the disease -- often in the prime of her life.

Regardless of the reason, breast surgeons have seen a surge in requests from breast cancer patients who opt to have both their breasts removed (including the one that’s cancer-free) rather than removing just the malignant lump in one.