Nearly everyone knows someone who has been affected by breast cancer. In 2021, breast cancer became the most diagnosed cancer globally, accounting for around 12% of all new cancer cases worldwide. Studies estimate that around 1 in 8 women in the United States will develop invasive breast cancer during their lifetime.
While there are several treatments that can be offered to people suffering from breast cancer, one of the most common is a mastectomy. A mastectomy refers to the surgical removal of the breast tissue to treat or prevent the risk of breast cancer. Mastectomy for prevention is often undertaken by women who have been genetically tested and identified at particularly high risk for breast cancer. Research suggests that more than 100,000 women in the United States undergo some form of mastectomy each year.
If you choose to have a mastectomy, you don’t have to live without breast tissue. You can choose to have your breasts reconstructed.
Immediate breast reconstruction, often referred to as direct-to-implant reconstruction, is a surgical procedure performed immediately after a mastectomy. This means that the reconstruction is done during the same operation as the mastectomy, which allows the patient to undergo a single surgical event rather than two separate procedures. This approach can be beneficial in terms of recovery time and overall emotional impact, as it addresses the loss of the breast tissue immediately.
Procedure and Techniques
During the immediate reconstruction, the surgeon works to create a breast shape that closely matches the patient’s natural breast. While the reconstructed breast might not feel exactly the same and can have a slightly different appearance, efforts are made to achieve as much symmetry as possible. For those undergoing a single mastectomy, the goal is to match the reconstructed breast to the remaining natural breast.
Several techniques are available for breast reconstruction:
Implant-Based Reconstruction: This is the least invasive option and involves placing an implant either under or over the chest muscle. Implants can be filled with saline or silicone, each having its own benefits and potential drawbacks. Silicone implants tend to feel more like natural breast tissue but require monitoring for potential ruptures.
Tissue Expander and Implant: In this method, a temporary tissue expander is placed under the skin and gradually filled with saline to stretch the skin. Once the skin has expanded sufficiently, a permanent implant is inserted.
Flap Reconstruction: This involves using tissue from another part of the patient’s body, such as the abdomen or back, to create the new breast. This method can provide a more natural feel and appearance but involves more complex surgery and longer recovery times.
There are several reasons why a patient may decide to have an immediate breast reconstruction.
Many women choose to have an immediate reconstruction as this helps them to feel happier and more confident in their appearance.
Before you can have breast reconstruction surgery, your candidacy will need to be assessed to ensure that the risks are minimal and that it is the best option for you.
Typically, people who are considered to be good candidates for immediate breast reconstruction:
Generally, women with early-stage breast cancer are thought to be the best candidates for immediate reconstruction. This is because they are less likely to need further treatments like chemotherapy or radiotherapy that could affect the potential outcome of their surgery.
For more information about breast reconstruction following a mastectomy, contact Aesthetic Surgical Associates in Metairie, Louisiana at 504-226-8200 today.
Ensuring that you have the correct sleeping position after your facelift relieves the pressure in the surgery sites. If you do not assume the right position, your sutures could open. This would increase swelling and cause bleeding. After your facelift procedure, you should lie on your back with your head elevated above your heart. If you are a side sleeper, this could be a big challenge. It would help if you started practicing sleeping on your back a few months before your surgery.
Dermatologists say that sleeping on your back is good for your skin, even if you do not get a facelift. Side sleeping is one of the leading causes of facial wrinkles and fine lines. Back sleeping also relieves back pain. It can provide you with restful and deep sleep as well. ‘
Sleeping sideways after your facelift causes swelling. It can also irritate the healing facial tissues and cause friction on your facial skin. Sleeping on your side also puts pressure and weight on your facial tissues. This results in swelling and disturbance of the suture lines. You should elevate your head at 30-45 degrees to control and even stop swelling
Generally, it is safe to resume sleeping on your side about 2 to 4 weeks after your facelift surgery. The exact timeline can vary depending on individual healing processes and the specifics of the surgery performed. During follow-up appointments, your surgeon will monitor your recovery and advise you when it’s safe to switch back to side-sleeping.
To help prevent rolling onto your side during sleep, you can use extra pillows or rolled-up towels placed around your body. This precaution can help you maintain the recommended sleeping position and promote a smoother recovery.
Always consult with your surgeon before making any changes to your post-operative care routine, as they can provide personalized advice based on your specific situation.
You can start by sleeping in a recliner. This type of chair forces you to stay on your back as you sleep. When you sleep on this chair, your risk of turning over is low. You are then less likely to irritate your surgical sites.
Choose a firm mattress if you want to try to sleep in your bed. This type of mattress can stabilize you enough to maintain your back sleeping position. A pillow with arms or a horseshoe-shaped travel pillow can help you stay on your back. You can also place pillows and rolled-up towels on your sides to keep you from rolling on your sides as you sleep. A 30-degree wedge-type pillow can also do the job.
Be sure to place the extra pillows behind your head down to the area between your scapula or shoulder blades. Doing so will help extend your chin. You should also place a pillow under your knees. This will support the natural curve of your body and increase your level of comfort.
It may take some effort to sleep on your back after your facelift, but the rewards will be significant. At Aesthetic Surgical Associates, we guide our patients even during post-surgery aftercare to ensure that they achieve their cosmetic goals. You can visit our clinic in Metairie, Louisiana, for an in-person consultation. Please call us at (504) 226-8200 to schedule an appointment or ask questions about our facelift packages.Â
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