Breast Cancer Awareness Month – Breast Reconstruction

Posted October 25, 2018 in Breast Surgeries

Breast Reconstruction

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is an annual campaign to increase awareness of the disease. Every year more than 200,00 women are diagnosed with this disease. While most people are aware of the signs of breast cancer, many forget to take the steps to have a plan to detect the disease in its early stages and encourage others to do the same. So lets get to talkin’ about those Tata’s, Every 2 minutes breast cancer is diagnosed in a woman in the U.S. Once diagnosed with breast cancer there is a lot going through the patients minds after diagnosis. Plastic Surgeons are a big help in closing the loop on invasive breast cancer. Dr. Vijay works with patients all over South Texas for their breast implants and breast reconstruction surgery.

One means of breast reconstruction after mastectomy includes a breast lift also known as a Mastopexy which removes excess skin, tightens tissue to raise and firm breasts. This procedure really allows you to attain a more youthful bust.

Some Tips for Breast lift Recovery Include:

SLEEPING ON YOUR BACK

Sleep propped up by pillows to reduce swelling of the breasts & make sure you sleep on your back.

PAIN RELIEF MEDICATIONS

Should you require pain relief. Avoid aspirin based medications to avoid bleeding.

AVOID SHOWERING

Keep your wound dry for 72 hours. A shallow, tepid bath is a good alternative to showering.

BREAST SWELLING

Swelling in the breast may take about 3-6 weeks to subside.

BREAST SENSITIVITY

The breasts maybe quite sensitive for a good 2-3 weeks post surgery.

SURGICAL BRAS

A surgical support bra should be worn for up to a month following your surgical procedure.

KEEP YOUR BANDAGES ON

You may have bandages over your breasts immediately after surgery. These should be kept in place and kept nice and dry until you have your first follow up.

SUTURES

Dissolvable sutures are frequently used. The stitch knots  may require trimming.

HOMEOPATHIC CARE

You may take some arnica tablets to minimize bruising or you may apply arnica topically a few days post procedure.

RETURNING TO WORK AFTER SURGERY

This will vary depending on your surgery & nature of your occupation. Generally we advise 1-2 weeks.

Eat your fruits and vegetables.

Avoid These Don’ts

Quit smoking.
Sorry, I know you don’t want to hear it. But there are great new helpful tools to make it easier to quit — and doing so will reduce your risk factors of not only breast cancer, but lung, colon, and throat cancer too.

Skip the supplemental soy.
Soy contains chemicals called isoflavones, which — when concentrated — act like estrogen in your body, so they can stimulate estrogen-sensitive types of breast cancer. But it’s soy supplements that are the concern; eating tofu or drinking soy milk is fine unless you’re at specific risk of estrogen-sensitive cancer. Overall, women who eat a diet high in soy have a lower risk of developing breast cancer.

Don’t take hormones, or limit how long you take them.

There’s still plenty of controversy, but most experts agree that long-term use of estrogen and progesterone combination hormone therapy boosts your breast cancer risk. If you or someone you care for is really desperate, ask your doctor to prescribe the lowest possible dose, and plan to use it as a six month respite, and then reevaluate. Five years is considered the maximum time a woman should be on hormones.

Experienced, Knowledgeable, Certified and Caring . . .

Ashley Wendt, Licensed Aesthetician-PLHT

Ashley is a licensed state certified Aesthetician in Texas, California, and Wisconsin since 2003. Her expertise includes an extensive knowledge and certifications in Facials, Microdermabrasion, Chemical Peels, IPL & Laser Treatments, Cosmetic Injections, Eyelash Extensions, and numerous pharmaceutical grade skin care products. She prides herself in her ability to provide the highest level of customer satisfaction while educating her clients so that they understand their skin and how they may achieve maximum efficacy through treatments & at home product use.

She is always more than happy to assist you with any questions or concerns regarding the types of breast reconstruction or treatments in the office. She continues to expand her knowledge of the latest advances in skincare technology and looks forward to bringing that to all of her clients here in the Coastal Bend.

“I absolutely love what I do and love working with my clients to make them feel more confident and beautiful”

Ashley enjoys spending quality time with her family and running after her two little ones, Yoga, and exploring her surroundings here in Texas with her husky pup.

Please email skin@corpuschristiplastics.com for more information.