Benefits of MLD after Reconstructive breast surgery
Reconstructive breast surgery is performed after a mastectomy or lumpectomy (designed to remove breast cancer) to restore the shape and look of the breast. Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD), this unique, full of benefits gentle massage technique, can significantly help recovery after such surgeries by reducing swelling, improving healing and general wellbeing. Let’s see how…
What is mastectomy?
Mastectomy is a surgery to treat breast cancer or lower the risk in people who are more prone to have the disease. It can remove the entire breast or part of it (include lymph nodes if needed). It will depend on the type of diagnosis, your breast size and shape, and your preferences (taking into account risks and what you agree with your surgeon and oncologist).
What is a lumpectomy?
On the other hand, lumpectomy removes the tumor (cancer cells) and the surrounding tissues including lymph nodes if needed.
What is reconstructive breast surgery?
Reconstructive breast surgery is a procedure to rebuild your breast after breast cancer treatment. In some cases, it can be done right at the time of mastectomy/lumpectomy or later.
How is it performed and types?
Some of the main common ways to rebuild your breast are:
- Implants. First, temporary tissue expanders are placed to stretch skin, then, silicone or saline implants are placed and your nipples and areola reconstructed or replaced.
- Autologous tissue flaps. Using tissue from a donor site of your body (abdomen, back, thigh, or buttocks) surgeons create a natural breast shape.
- Oncoplastic. It unifies cancer removal with aesthetic surgery techniques during lumpectomy to maintain breast appearance and symmetry.
To keep in mind: The type of reconstructive surgery depends on cancer treatment, body type, and preferences. It may also include surgery on the other breast for symmetry.
How Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) helps after reconstructive breast surgery?
Manual Lymphatic Massage (MLD) is a specialised, gentle, rhythmic massage technique. It helps to stimulate the movement and drainage of stocked fluid by gently pumping it back into the available lymph vessels, reducing swelling, fluid retention and pain after the surgery. Without Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) the inflammation can evolve into fibrosis (a permanent hardening of the tissue) or a seroma (pocket of serum). For these and many more reasons, many surgeons prescribe MLD as part of your post-op treatment.
Some of the main benefits of MLD after reconstructive breast surgery are:
- Reduced swelling and bruising
- Helps to speed up healing processes
- Clears waste products and fluid
- Supports tissue repair
- Eases pressure caused by swelling, so reduces pain
- Lowers discomfort levels
- Improves mobility
- Boosts blood circulation
- Prevents complication (side effects like fibrosis or seromas)
- Lowers risk of infection and formation of hard lumps
- Improves skin elasticity and appearance around scars
- Boost your immune function
- Helps to reduce stress and anxiety
- Stimulates kidney function
- It has a calming effect on the autonomic nervous system
- Lowers blood pressure
MLD sessions typically begin a few days to weeks after surgery (unless contraindicated) with a certified trained therapist, who treats you better, and are done under medical supervision.
A final word
In short, reconstructive breast surgery restores breast form after cancer surgery. It gives patients back the appearance of their breast or the most similar possible. In addition, Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is pivotal to reduce post-surgical swelling, enhance healing, boost your circulation and immune function, and improve comfort during recovery. Together, they help improve both physical outcomes and overall well-being for patients post-mastectomy or lumpectomy.
We hope this information is useful for you. If you need advice or have any questions about our treatments, please contact us. You can find us in Mill Hill Broadway and Islington. We are always happy to help. If you like this blog, please share!
References:
https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/lumpectomy
