Post Lumpectomy

Bouncing Back from Breast Surgery… With a Little Help

Surgery, any surgery, can take a physical toll on anyone. Women who have to endure a mastectomy or lumpectomy on their breasts not only deal with the physical pain but with some possible emotional pain. Recovery after breast surgery can leave women with a lack of confidence due to potential body image issues. Since a mastectomy or lumpectomy bra inserts requires removal of breast tissue, there needs to be a discussion about helping these women to regain their confidence, if necessary.

Drain it out with Post Surgical Drain Pouches

Immediately after surgery, women may need a way to comfortably and covertly allow for drainage. The ABC Drain Pouch attaches to any bra using Velcro hooks to hold the postsurgical drain bulbs. It is part of the ABC Postsurgical Kit. For the mastectomy patient that has chest wall edema and/or radiation fibrosis over the anterior chest wall and the serratus anterior, the JoViPak Unilateral Post Mastectomy Pad has normal lymph drainage on the unaffected side. It is also available in a bilateral version. Collection of drainage material can be obtrusive. One way to comfortably hold postsurgical drains after surgery is the Wear Ease Postsurgical Drainage Tube Pouches. Attached by soft elastic band in Wear Ease camisoles, bras, and loungewear they can be laundered separately or attached to the garments. To immobilize the post surgery breast during the healing process, the Anita Care Postoperative Belt is secured in the back and closed in the front with Velcro fasteners. It’s perfect for breast augmentation surgery healing and secures implants from moving.

Breast Prosthetics or Not?

After breast surgery (mastectomy or lumpectomy) women have decisions to make; breast reconstruction surgery or the use of a breast form are two of them. Breast reconstruction surgery does come with some risks but is the answer for some women. This decision is incredibly personal and varies from woman to woman. For those that choose to use a breast form, simple everyday care can go a long way to extending the life of your form. The use of a cover can protect your form from body heat and excess perspiration, making them much more comfortable to wear. For instance, if you have a Prosthetic Breast Forms, the Nearly Me Modified Classic Comfort Covers are precut and correspond with Classic breast forms by size and side. If you happen to have an Anita Care Silicone Prosthesis Full Breast Form (Style 1076) you can use the Anita Care Silicone Prosthesis Full Breast Form Covers to extend their functionality and is available for both left and right side breast forms. Keeping your breast forms clean is also important. Using the Amoena Soft Cleanser for Breast Form on the adhesive surface removes any residual adhesive and can even be used on non-adhesive breast forms. You can even use the Amoena Soft Brush for Breast Forms, Natura Breast Form, used in conjunction with the cleanser!! Once you have cleaned your breast forms a great way to keep them in place is the Nearly Me Double-Sided Body Tape Discs For Enhancers or Garments. They are available in 2 inch discs as well as kidney shaped adhesive wafers made from medical grade adhesive and are safe for clothing, skin, and polyurethane skin on breast forms. A little preventive maintenance can go a long way.

Recovering from breast surgery is a trying time for any woman, so don’t do it alone and use everything at your disposal to make it as comfortable and easy as possible. Be sure to incorporate gentle stretching, range of motion, and even strengthening into your recovery. Try the RangeMaster Shoulder and Breast Kit to help you in your recovery. It is a safe way to eliminate or reduce upper limb impairments. Ask your doctor or nurse for advice in finding what might be right for you.

 

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