Postoperative period after mastectomy

Mastectomy is an operation to remove the breast, lymph nodes and subcutaneous fat, and in some cases also the pectoral muscles. One of the urgent problems in recent years is the rehabilitation of women who underwent surgery to remove malignant breast tumors. Full recovery of the female body after such an operation requires certain physical and psychological efforts. Rehabilitation after mastectomy allows not only to prevent post-mastectomy syndrome, but also to eliminate it in a timely manner. Breast restoration after such a surgical intervention is carried out in various ways, which are selected by the attending physician.

Postmastectomy syndrome

In order for a woman to return to a full life as soon as possible after the surgical removal of breast cancer, a course of rehabilitation is necessary. Much attention at this time is paid to the prevention of the development of post-mastectomy syndrome, because most often in patients after surgery, some complications are detected:

• severe lymphedema;
• problems with posture and deformation of the spinal column;
• severe pain syndrome;
• scar formation;
• failures in the functioning of the shoulder joint;
• depressive syndrome;
• severe pain in the neck.

The process of restoring the female body after a mastectomy is started immediately after the operation has been performed. The specialist necessarily recommends the patient the observance of a special daily regimen and prescribes physiotherapy, taking into account her condition. In fact, early rehabilitation after surgery is considered one of the conditions for the timely restoration of mobility of the upper limbs, and helps to avoid problems with posture and the appearance of stoop.

It is not uncommon for women who have undergone breast removal surgery to experience anxiety and depression. When indicated, the patient is provided with psychological assistance, thanks to which it is possible to maintain her emotional health.

With lymphedema, photodynamic therapy is performed, in which the edematous zone is affected by incoherent monochromatic radiation. Such treatment gives positive results in eliminating erysipelas, rashes and minor bleeding, which usually occur with complicated stages of lymphostasis. Carrying out photodynamic therapy has a stimulating effect on local tissue immunity, reduces swelling and improves blood outflow in the veins.

Metabolic treatment involves the use of antioxidant drugs of natural origin. It is possible to achieve a decrease in lymphatic edema with the help of venotonics, diuretics and agents that have a stimulating effect on the outflow of lymph. An effective tool in the fight against lymphatic edema is massage, which can be done by an experienced specialist or by the woman herself. During the massage, blood and lymph circulation noticeably improves, and it is also possible to restore normal blood flow in the affected limb.

It is also possible to reduce edema with the help of a salt-free diet after a mastectomy, in which there is a large amount of vitamins and fiber. In addition, during the rehabilitation period after a mastectomy, it is necessary to observe the drinking regimen and consume as much liquid as possible.

Therapeutic exercises after mastectomy

Gymnastics is considered an obligatory element of the rehabilitation period after breast removal. Performing special physical exercises allows you to restore the mobility of the upper limbs, prevent the appearance of stoop and curvature of the spinal column. In addition, therapeutic exercises after a mastectomy can reduce pain and relax the muscles of the shoulder and neck, which are in a state of overstrain. Carrying out daily exercises helps to prevent the development of depression in a woman and reduce the negative perception of life.

It is necessary to start performing medical and physical culture even in stationary conditions under the supervision of a doctor. It is important to remember that before starting such exercises, it is necessary to warm up the muscles. This allows you to tone them up, avoid injury and improve the effectiveness of gymnastics.

You should do the therapeutic exercises prescribed by the doctor after a mastectomy every day, setting aside special time for this type of rehabilitation during the day. Initially, a small load should be placed on the female body, and over time, the intensity of the exercises can be gradually increased. When exercising, it is important to breathe correctly and in no case hold your breath. This helps to activate the muscles, as well as improve their nutrition and oxygen supply. In addition, therapeutic physical culture helps to increase the body's defenses.

Recovery of the body after a mastectomy includes swimming, which can be practiced after the stitches have healed. With its help, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of such complications as stoop, curvature of the spinal column and immobility of the shoulder joint. When the body is in the water, all the muscles of the shoulder girdle gradually relax, and it is possible to relieve tension in the muscles of the neck. Swimming helps to strengthen the whole body and prevent posture problems.

Posture disorder

In the postoperative period after mastectomy, one of the consequences may be the redistribution of the load on the spine and its curvature. In such a situation, it is necessary to choose the right breast exoprosthesis, which should be of the same weight as a healthy breast. In addition, the correct exoprosthesis must necessarily fit snugly against the mammary gland.

Recently, exoprostheses with an adhesive fixation system have been produced, which are attached directly to the chest. This characteristic allows them to achieve an effective distribution of weight between the sternum and bra, as well as painlessly correct the absence of a breast in the patient.

In the recovery period after the operation, a woman will have to purchase several prostheses at once. Immediately after surgery, the patient will need temporary postoperative prostheses that do not injure the skin, do not cause problems with breathing through the epidermis and do not interfere with wound healing.

A few months after the mastectomy, the patient can begin to wear a permanent prosthesis, thanks to which it is possible to achieve the correct distribution of the load on the spine and get rid of the cosmetic defect. It must be remembered that a woman can wear such a prosthesis for no more than 12 hours a day.

In summer, patients with large breasts should wear a lightweight prosthesis. In addition, it is allowed to be used by those patients who lead an active lifestyle.

Elimination of a cosmetic defect

Successful rehabilitation after surgical removal of the mammary gland is the key to the patient's future quality of life. Breast reconstruction after mastectomy is performed using various techniques and at different times after surgery. The choice of one or another type and method of breast reconstruction is determined by the size of the removed malignant neoplasm, the presence of concomitant pathologies and the wishes of the woman herself.

Breast reconstruction can be carried out using the following technologies:

• the use of endoprostheses;
• autotransplantation.

Restoration of the mammary gland after the operation is carried out in several stages and is determined by the type of technique chosen. One or another way to eliminate a cosmetic defect is selected for a woman individually, taking into account the characteristics of her body. Thanks to plastic surgery, the patient manages to get rid of a difficult psychological state due to the loss of her female attractiveness. In addition, breast restoration helps to improve the intimate and social life of a woman.

Proper rehabilitation after breast removal plays an important role in subsequent successful breast reconstruction. Carrying out physiotherapy, massage and physiotherapy exercises allows you to return the patient to a full life after surgery. Proper application of methods of psychophysical correction allows avoiding various problems after surgery and preventing the development of relapse.

Features of rehabilitation after mastectomy - video