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Doctor Behind Jolie's Double Mastectomy Speaks Out

MIAMI (CBSMiami) – The doctor behind Angelina Jolie's breast reconstructive surgery spoke out publicly for the first time about his famous patient at a Breast Reconstruction Awareness (BRA) event in Miami Wednesday night.

Five months ago, Jolie announced she had tested positive for the BRCA-1 gene and that she had a double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery.

The surgery was done by a South Florida native, Dr. Jay Orringer. Dr. Orringer went to Nova high school, University of Miami for undergrad and UM Medical. He is now a plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills.

"Angelina Jolie is a very courageous and altruistic individual, who truly cares about helping others and the fact that she has been so graciously willing to share her story has already saved many lives," Dr. Orringer told CBS4. "People that I've actually spoken with, attribute the saving of their lives to her."

Dr. Orringer, along with Brooke Burke and The Real Housewives of Miami cast member Alexia Echevarria, joined hundreds for the annual BRA Day at the Acqualina Resort and Spa in Sunny Aisles.

Wednesday night's event, which was one of 50 total, was put on to raise awareness and funds for people who otherwise could not afford reconstructive surgery.

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