Breast prosthesis after mastectomy. Basic models of breast prostheses The exoprosthesis is damaged, what to do?

Lyudmila.

Hello, tell me, can a skin allergy to an exoprosthesis (redness of the skin) occur after mastectimia?

Hello, Lyudmila! The classic definition of mastectomy is surgery to remove the breast.

Mastectomy is used in very extreme cases when it comes to saving a person’s life. For any woman, this is a very cruel operation, which subsequently requires a great concentration of vitality and stamina. However, modern medicine and scientific and technological progress make it possible to alleviate a woman’s moral suffering.

Plastic surgery can rid a woman of her inferiority complex through reconstructive mammoplasty. We are talking about breast reconstruction using silicone implants. This is a rather painstaking and expensive process of cosmetic restoration of the female breast.

An exoprosthesis allows you to restore female forms and hide these imperfections from others.

It is recommended to wear an exoprosthesis without fail, as it helps to redistribute the load on the muscles of the chest and shoulder joints, and also helps to get rid of possible curvature of the spinal column.

A properly selected silicone prosthesis ensures normal functioning and tissue healing in the postoperative period. Naturally, contact of a foreign body with the skin can cause a certain allergic reaction.

To avoid this, you should approach the issue of exoprosthetics more carefully.

Based on the individual characteristics of the female body, the attending physician should suggest the structural features of the exoprosthesis, as well as possible uncomfortable wearing conditions and their elimination.

• The most correct approach to selecting a silicone exoprosthesis can be determined by the following characteristics:
• To eliminate the imbalance, the weight of the exoprosthesis should be as identical as possible to the weight of the healthy breast.
• The exoprosthesis must correspond to the shape of a healthy mammary gland.

The silicone substitute should ideally compensate for the postmastectomy deficiency of tissue fibers.

Reading time: 3 min

For many women, breast exoprostheses are the only way out after cancer treatment by breast removal.

For many representatives of the fair half of humanity, suffering a terrible illness and losing a bust is already a big problem of a psychological nature.

Based on this, some women fall into deep depression, from which they are not always able to get out without the intervention of specialists.

To make life easier for a woman after a mastectomy, plastic surgeons can install a silicone implant.

This technique is quite popular, but not everyone can afford it due to its high cost.

Overlay prostheses after mastectomy are an alternative option for solving women's problems after cancer treatment.

Exoprosthesis: product characteristics

At the present stage, prosthetics of the mammary glands after removal is carried out using an exoprosthesis.

They are external pads that are attached to the problem area and imitate a real bust.

It should be understood that mastectomy provokes the appearance of not only a cosmetic defect. When the gland is removed along with the tumor, nearby tissues are additionally affected.

In the future, the woman has problems with muscle activity, bone structure, and circulatory systems.

A properly selected breast prosthesis ensures an even load on the shoulder girdle, which minimizes the consequences of a mastectomy.

This allows you to avoid complications such as frequent back pain, overexertion and even curvature of the spinal column.

Types of prostheses

Modernly produced breast exoprostheses are made for women taking into account the method of surgical intervention that was performed during cancer treatment.

The patient’s age, her design features and the development of muscle tissue are taken into account.

Domestic breast prosthesis, as a rule, costs less than imported ones. Although, as consumer reviews indicate, imported models look more organic.

Most products are made from silicone. They come in different sizes and colors, which allows you to choose a breast prosthesis that matches your skin.

This makes it possible to completely or partially replace a surgically removed organ unnoticed by others, for example, to use it under a bathing suit.

During use, silicone breast prostheses change their shape when a woman turns, walks or bends, just like real breasts.

Some models feel practically no different from . To ensure that the prosthesis fully imitates the breast, it can be ordered with a nipple.

Wearing breast implants allows a woman to hide a defect, at minimal cost compared to endoprosthetics.

Breast prostheses can be of the following types:

1. Symmetrical. Manufactured so that a woman can use the prosthesis on both the right and left sides.
2. Asymmetrical. The model is designed specifically for one of the glands, that is, it is worn on one side only.
3. The shape of breast prostheses can be: hemispherical, teardrop-shaped, triangular and heart-shaped. There are also models for partial dentures. They are used by women after a sector resection. If during the surgical intervention not only the breast was affected, women are recommended to have prostheses that have an extension from the main implant. It is placed in the armpit. The prosthesis can be made of any shape.
4. Raw materials. Most often, preference is given to silicone material. Also, false breasts can be made of natural material and have synthetic fluff as a filler. Regardless of the material used, all models have fastenings that connect comfortably and safely to the woman’s body, making them almost invisible to wear. Adhesive models are among the best for fastening.
5. Weight category. Women with large breasts are recommended to give preference to lightweight models. For patients with lymphostasis, it is also recommended to choose prostheses that are light in weight.

Some companies offer to order more advanced models. The exclusivity of such products has many advantages.

In addition to the ideally selected shape, you can order a prosthesis that is capable of changing its temperature relative to that on the surface of the woman’s chest.

If you make false breasts without the top polyurethane film, the wearing process will be much more comfortable.

This product is pleasant to the touch, and the process of sweating does not occur as intensely under it.

False silicone breasts can be designed to be worn in a special case. Initially, the prosthesis is inserted into it and only then placed in the bra.

The cover is made of natural simple fabric, which makes it possible to abandon models with thermoregulation, since sweat is absorbed into the fibers.

Special exoprostheses

Once the bra is put on, the prosthesis will not be visible under clothing. Regular models are suitable for everyday life, but there are models that are designed for special occasions.

For example, if a woman goes to the pool or plays some kind of sport, then it is recommended to have an appropriate exoprosthesis for such a case.

For example, there are special types of silicone that have increased resistance to high temperatures, high humidity or injury.

In summer or in hot climates, false breasts will create unnecessary stress on the shoulder girdle.

The situation can be corrected if you purchase a silicone exoprosthesis with a special lightweight filler.

Imitation of full breasts in the postoperative period is especially important for women, since psychological trauma is at its peak.

It should be as comfortable as possible and not interfere with tissue healing.

For such purposes, special types of breast prostheses have been developed.

They should be worn only during the rehabilitation period, and then they can be replaced with a more advanced breast model that is closer to natural.

To get the desired one, which will be convenient during use and not differ from the natural one, you should contact a specialist who will help you choose the right size.

Bras for women who have undergone a mastectomy can be purchased at a specialty store or immediately ordered together with a prosthesis.

After purchasing, you should immediately consult how to properly care for the exoprosthesis. This will extend the life of the product.

Help for the disabled

It is possible to make a breast exoprosthesis with your own hands, but the final product will differ significantly from the industrial model, which is manufactured using special equipment.

A prosthesis made with one's own hands can additionally harm a woman. For example, if it is too heavy, the load on the spine will increase.

Another unpleasant moment that a woman may encounter is the method of attachment. Constant contact with the skin can lead to injury, and this threatens the penetration of pathogenic microflora and the development of an inflammatory process.

There are many other factors that tempt you to abandon the idea of ​​making your own exoprosthesis.

If a woman does not have the opportunity to buy false breasts, she can receive a prosthesis free of charge through the state program for assistance to the disabled. As a rule, bras are also included with the exoprosthesis.

A breast replacement is almost always the only option for women who have had a mastectomy. Installing an implant can restore the patient's self-confidence and help cope with psychological problems after surgery. The main purpose of dentures is to correct a cosmetic defect. If life took an unpleasant turn and a woman had to undergo surgery to remove her breasts, then the most important thing is not to despair. The attractiveness of the silhouette can always be restored thanks to prosthetics.

Types of breast prostheses

There are two main types of breast prostheses: endo- and exoprostheses.

Endoprostheses

Endoprostheses are used for breast reconstruction immediately after mastectomy or after a certain period of time. For the manufacture of these prostheses, materials are used that very rarely cause rejection, that is, biocompatible with body tissues. Basically, silicone is used, and saline solution or silicone gel is used as a filler.

There is not much difference between prostheses that are used to increase breast size and those that remove a cosmetic defect after surgery. But the complications are of a different nature. If this is an ordinary plastic surgery, then the usual postoperative complications or rupture of the prosthesis may occur.

If endoprostheses are used as a replacement for a removed mammary gland, then the consequences can be much more serious.

Since resection of the gland is carried out in most cases due to oncological pathology, the installation of a prosthesis may risk the possibility of missing the development of a relapse of the disease in the future. Not in all cases after cancer there is complete confidence that cancer cells will not begin to develop again. Endoprosthetics creates difficulties during preventive examination, when there is a risk of missing the development of cancerous lesions. Sometimes the situation gets worse if a fibrous capsule forms around the prosthesis.

Ecoprosthetics

Unlike endoprostheses, exoprostheses are absolutely safe and quite easy to use. They can be used whenever necessary as they are removable. They perfectly eliminate cosmetic defects and have no contraindications for use. For the manufacture of exoprostheses, special bags made of thin material filled with silicone gel are used.

Exoprostheses meet all the necessary characteristics, have a natural color, shape, and practically do not differ from the real breast to the touch. Due to the fact that the surface of the prosthesis is quite smooth and soft, this ensures minimal friction with tissues, does not cause irritation and does not injure the postoperative scar.

Modern prosthetics can satisfy the needs of any woman. They can be made to order or purchased ready-made products in a specialized store at a prosthetic factory. A sales consultant will always help you choose an exoprosthesis that is ideal in color, shape and size. In addition to prosthetics, you will also need to purchase a special bra. Regular underwear will not work in this case.

What can replace a breast prosthesis?

There are cases when, due to financial problems, a woman is not able to use any type of prosthetics. But a way out can always be found. You can make something like an exoprosthesis with your own hands. Of course, it is difficult to achieve naturalness from a homemade prosthesis, but it masks a cosmetic defect well. There are several simple ways to hide an aesthetic flaw:

1. Fill a balloon with flour or starch. To be safe, you can place it in a cloth bag and secure it in your bra with a few stitches.
2. Sew a cover from natural fabric (preferably linen) of the required size and fill it with any small grain.
3. Hem a layer of foam rubber into the bra cup, which will keep its shape well under clothing.

On women's forums you can find many different reviews regarding breast prosthetics, which can be both positive and negative. Eg.

Women's breasts are unique and differ not only in the volume of the cup, but also in its shape. To achieve perfect selection and fit, most manufacturers offer three different shapes of the exoprosthesis cup – for mature, medium and full breasts.

Each of the three forms are in most cases displayed on the packaging of the breast prosthesis. For your convenience, the description of the goods presented in our online store must indicate the completeness of the exoform.

Once you have selected the adequate size of the breast prosthesis, you can begin to determine the shape of the cup. Then compare the picture ( indicated next to the name)on the packaging sticker with the profile of the preserved breast of a woman wearing a bra, and find the greatest similarity. A tight top can serve as proof of a perfect fit , which allows you to determine the symmetry of the silhouette and the conformity of the shape.

Women with small underbust volume tend to have full breasts, while women with large underbust volume tend to have mature breasts.

How to choose the right exoprosthesis size

First measure your bust size and determine the appropriate cup.

Then, determine the appropriate breast prosthesis size by moving down the column from the intersection of the measurement values.

The size chart is a guide to help you in the selection process. In any case, you must rely on your feelings.

Outdated orthopedic views about the need to eliminate weight imbalance after mastectomy by primitively selecting an exoprosthesis with the same weight are now recognized as one of the reasons for the development of postmastectomy syndrome due to increased load on the vessels of the shoulder.

In the early 90s, the first publications appeared on the therapeutic effects of silicone gel plates. These studies show that silicone coating alone (without pressure dressings) reduces excess scarring and is completely non-toxic and non-irritating to the tissue.

In the early 2000s, the latest technology was developed, including the use of adhesive silicone on the surface of the exoprosthesis, ensuring reliable fixation of the exoprosthesis directly to the body, the so-called “adhesive exoform”.

Adhesive exoprostheses

The adhesive exoform is fixed directly on the skin and perfectly imitates the breast in color, shape and movement. It has invaluable benefits of rapid breast recovery.

A correctly selected adhesive exoform is not only a cosmetic product, but is also used as a therapeutic and prophylactic agent that prevents the processes of fibrosis and the formation of keloid scars.

The results of clinical trials of adhesive exoforms indicate not only the absence of any allergic manifestations, but also a significant acceleration of epithelization, a decrease in pain (43%), and a decrease in the incidence of lymphedema (60%).

It has been demonstrated that the silicone coating of the exoprosthesis reduces the processes of dermal atrophy and excessive scar formation. In 80% of patients, the adhesive exoform is felt as part of their own body.

In European countries, for women who have undergone a mastectomy, adhesive exoprosthetics are used as an alternative to plastic surgery or in cases where it is not possible for medical reasons.

The main requirement for the use of an adhesive exoform is to maintain the cleanliness of the adhesive surface and the area of ​​skin on which it is applied. Wearing an exoform is indicated 6 months after surgery. The optimal period of wearing the exoform is 12 hours a day.

Exoprostheses without polyurethane film

The new invention of the Irish company is the unique impressions exoprosthesis, the only one at the moment, created without the use of polyurethane film. Ideal for all types of surgery. The main advantage of the exoprosthesis is the absence of a film that contributes to heating of the body surface in contact with the exoprosthesis. The prosthesis consists entirely of 100% medical silicone, which does not cause allergies or skin irritation, and also promotes scar healing and smoothing. The exoprosthesis perfectly follows the contours of the body, filling in irregularities and missing tissue. Due to natural adhesion, this prosthesis adheres directly to the skin. It is very durable and if it is damaged, the silicone does not leak, and the prosthesis itself does not lose its properties.

During movement, the prosthesis is always formed in a new way; in the quiet phase, it retains stable shape. The soft, elastic material remains constantly pleasant to the body – without putting pressure on the sensitive scar area.

Exoprostheses with thermoregulation

The latest development of exoprosthesis manufacturers - thermoregulating technology - reduces sweating and equalizes the temperature between the body and the prosthesis.

The latest development of technology with thermoregulation. The thermoregulation system of the prosthesis is based on the integration of a special gel layer from the inner surface of the prosthesis, which allows it to absorb heat, thereby creating a temperature balance between the prosthesis and the operated surface, as well as maximum comfort when wearing it. It is used in both early and late postoperative periods.

Indispensable for women during menopause and during the summer.

Modern breast exoprostheses, used every day, have a number of properties similar to those of real breasts. They have a soft and delicate structure, quickly adapt to body temperature, are reliable and durable.

With an accurately selected size and correct use of the exoprosthesis, side effects are usually not observed, however, you should not wear the exoprosthesis for more than 12 hours a day.

How Patented Thermoregulation Technology Works

Breast implants with thermoregulatory technology maintain an even and comfortable temperature, allowing a woman to stay fresh and feel protected throughout the day.

The initial temperature environment for both prostheses is 20 o C;

As the environment warms up, exoprostheses with thermoregulation technology remain noticeably cooler and therefore more comfortable for the woman;

Exoprostheses with thermoregulation maintain a much more uniform and comfortable temperature;

After the heating period is complete, both dentures finally reach the same temperature;

When the natural cooling process begins, the thermoregulatory exoprosthesis promotes a more gradual decrease in temperature;

Once the environment has cooled, a breast prosthesis with thermoregulatory technology retains heat longer, providing a smoother transition so that the woman does not feel the presence of the prosthesis.

Without thermoregulation With thermoregulation

The technique of removing pathological tissue from the female breast with minimal injury to healthy muscle and fat tissue is called mastectomy. Scientists around the world are striving to create an optimal treatment method that will reduce the degree of damage to this organ with the least damage to its tissues and the final deformation of the shape of the breast. After all, an operation to remove the mammary gland, which was previously performed with maximum tissue damage, caused severe psychological shock in a woman, significantly lowering her self-esteem.

What is a mastectomy

Surgical removal of pathological breast tissue with the least trauma to the breast when diagnosing this organ, while there is no impact on the subscapular and sternal muscle tissue, and undamaged subcutaneous fatty tissue is not removed, which makes it possible to keep a woman’s breasts practically unchanged. The surgeon also does not affect the lymph nodes in this area, which allows you to maintain health and not change the functioning of the breast.

Preserving the nipple halo and breast muscle tissue is an important step in the procedure for removing pathological breast tissue, because 10 years ago this operation was performed with complete removal of the organ, leaving the chest completely flat. This became a serious obstacle to the woman’s psychological comfort, and there were no methods for breast reconstruction. Thanks to the mastectomy operation, it has become possible to most effectively rid a woman’s body of actively proliferating pathological cells and preserve the shape and appearance of the breast.

Prophylactic mastectomy at risk of developing breast cancer is the topic of this video:

Its types

Today, modern surgery offers several of the most effective methods for removing cancer cells from breast tissue, which makes it possible to stop the growth of a tumor even at an early stage, preventing the active growth of pathology, preventing the emergence of danger to the health and life of the patient.

The following types of mastectomy are used today to remove cancer cells when diagnosing the development of breast cancer:

• simple mactectomy, or Maden's method. This method consists of complete removal of the mammary gland without the surgeon influencing the adjacent muscle and fatty tissues, as well as the sternal and subscapular lymph nodes. The Maden method is recommended for identifying pathology at an early stage, as well as as a preventive measure in the presence of a genetic predisposition to oncology;
• Patey method, or for the removal of pathological breast tissue when diagnosing early and advanced stages of cancer of this organ. The Peyti method consists of removing the infected mammary gland along with the cartilage tissue at its ends, which makes it possible to completely remove pathological cells from the body, preventing their spread to adjacent tissues. Parts of the sternum with subscapular lymph nodes can also be removed - this is recommended if spread of metastases to the lymph nodes is suspected;
• Halstead method, which is used to detect cancer pathology at the most advanced stage, when other methods are not effective and pathological cells have spread deep into adjacent tissues. The Holsten method is considered radical, since it involves complete excision of the mammary gland itself and the adjacent fat and muscle tissue. To correct the breast and preserve its volume and shape as much as possible, modified types of this operation can be used.

Also, women who are diagnosed with breast cancer are offered reconstructive surgery in parallel with mastectomy. This can be done using one’s own fat tissue, as well as with the help of silicone implants, which reconstruct the shape of the breast and give the woman hope for a normal future life with minimal psychological losses. This type of surgery for the treatment of breast cancer is chosen by about 75% of women with late-stage cancer.

Lightweight silicone prosthesis ACTIVE 1054X after mastectomy (photo)

Indications for testing

An operation to remove breast tissue affected by cancer cells by mastectomy is indicated when both advanced and initial stages of cancer of this organ are detected, as well as in the presence of a hereditary predisposition to cancerous lesions of the body.

Typically, this method is considered most suitable for women with this disease who have small breasts. This is due to the fact that when an oncological tumor is detected, especially a large one, the surgeon may propose an iron-sparing operation, which allows preserving most of the breast tissue. In this case, after removing the pathological parts of the organ, a course of radiation should be performed, which often causes deformation of the breast. In each specific case, the surgeon recommends a certain type of operation.

Indications also include it if they are not amenable to conservative treatment.

Exoprostheses after mastectomy are discussed in this video:

Contraindications

However, there are a number of contraindications that should be taken into account by the doctor when choosing a method of exposure when diagnosing breast cancer. The most important situations and conditions in which any type of mastectomy is not recommended include the following:

• early childhood, when breast tissue is not yet fully formed;
• inflammatory processes in the area of ​​influence - they should be completely cured before performing a mastectomy;
• infected wounds on the surface of the skin of the chest;
• severe forms, and.

Recovery after surgery

The process of rehabilitation and recovery after mastectomy of any type may vary in duration in different cases. For example, with parallel breast modeling using your own tissues and silicone prostheses, it will take a little more time for the complete restoration of breast tissue, since the body needs to adapt to foreign bodies, while the doctor monitors the entire process of the patient’s rehabilitation.

After the mastectomy, the patient is in the clinic room, she is being recovered from anesthesia, which is used for this type of surgical intervention. With the complete restoration of indicators such as pulse, the woman no longer needs the constant attention of a doctor. In the absence of significant deterioration in general health, she may be sent home to continue recovery at home, however, even there the woman must fully comply with all the requirements of the attending physician.

These include:

• lack of significant physical and psychological stress in the period after mastectomy;
• bed rest is a prerequisite for the recovery period;
• getting out of bed is allowed only for 3-5 days, depending on the woman’s well-being;
• A complete return to normal lifestyle is acceptable on the 20th day after the operation.

Since mastectomy surgery is serious for the entire body, you should avoid exertion for six months from the date of its implementation, and perform a light massage of the armpits if the lymph nodes are preserved. During the recovery process, when working in the garden, use rubber gloves, avoid even minor abrasions and cuts on your hands, working on the hand on the side of the body where the mastectomy was performed.

The duration of healing may vary depending on the general condition of the patient, the use of silicone prostheses, the use of which slows down the recovery process. The doctor may give additional recommendations to speed up the recovery process.

Prostheses

In the case of a significant volume of removed parts of the mammary gland in an advanced form of the disease, and the inability to use one’s own tissues to correct the shape and volume of the breast, the doctor may recommend the use of silicone prostheses, which help avoid psychological problems in the operated woman. Their shape is determined before surgery, for which women wear such prostheses for some time before mastectomy, determining how comfortable their particular shape and size is for her.

After removing the pathological tissue, the doctor installs the selected prosthesis, which is evenly distributed in the chest and then left there. The healing process when it is installed is somewhat lengthened, since the body needs to adapt to its presence and not cause rejection.

To prevent the occurrence of stagnation, the doctor may recommend special physical exercises that will stimulate blood circulation in the operated area and will not create areas of lymph stagnation. It usually takes about 4-5 weeks for full recovery after a mastectomy, but it may take longer with breast implants. During the recovery period, constant medical supervision is recommended, especially when installing prostheses and performing surgical breast correction.

How to perform a mastectomy, watch this video: