After undergoing breast reconstruction following a mastectomy, women can experience a high rate of complications, with one in three women developing postoperative issues and one in five requiring additional surgery. In 5 percent of cases, the reconstruction totally fails. These numbers really drive home the point that making decisions about re constructive breast surgery is no walk in the park and definitely comes with its fair share of risks.

Charleston Wound Care is passionate about helping patients mitigate the risks associated with healing from breast cancer-related surgeries.

Proper wound care is crucial for the recovery process following post-cancer treatment breast reconstruction. Following your surgeon’s guidelines on wound care can significantly reduce the risk of complications and promote optimal healing, but it’s a task that can be overwhelming. Managing drainage tubes and monitoring fluid output during the initial recovery phase, which typically lasts the first few weeks, is essential. This period often involves discomfort, tightness and limited mobility, making diligent wound care even more important.

“Cancer patients will often have several complicating factors that contribute to poor wound healing,” said Dr. Christopher Michaelis of Charleston Wound Care. “These issues can include anything from possible chemotherapy, radiation, poor nutrition and tissue loss. Once these wounds occur, it can be very challenging to heal.”

Patients are often inundated with information and choices to make after they’ve received a cancer diagnosis. Charleston Wound Care has support systems in place to assist patients through the very important process of healing by providing the specialized care needed to heal these challenging wounds, sometimes even starting before the surgery occurs.

“One of the best ways to ensure success in healing is to prepare your overall nutrition and skin health prior to cancer treatment,” Dr. Michaelis said. “This can prevent breakdown of the skin and also promote healing if a wound does occur.”

Charleston Wound Care will create a customized treatment plan that includes nutritional advice and skin preparation prior to surgery or radiation and then walk you through the healing process.

Effective wound care helps prevent infections, which can be a serious concern after surgery. Vital steps include keeping the surgical site clean and dry, changing dressings as instructed and watching for signs of infection. Massaging the scars with body oil or moisturizer once the wounds have healed can help prevent the scars from adhering to underlying tissues and improve their appearance.

However, patients, sometimes overwhelmed with diagnoses and treatments, might not always provide themselves with the most effective wound care. Having a specialist as a touchstone can help patients heal not only physically but emotionally as well.

“We are focused on the care and healing of our patients’ post-surgical wounds,” said Dr. Michaelis. “It’s our sole purpose to provide the care, guidance and support patients need.”

After such significant surgeries, actively participating in your healing journey with the guidance of Charleston Wound Care can foster a sense of control and empowerment, aiding overall healing. By following their recommended wound care procedures, patients can enhance their recovery experience, reduce the risk of complications and support the long-term success of their breast reconstruction.

Charleston Wound Care understands that wound healing complications from these surgeries can occur in both immediate and long-term spans of time. They are committed to preventing those issues and are armed and ready to help patients heal when they do occur.

“As always,” said Dr. Michaelis, “Our goal is to heal patients quickly to prevent complications and get them back to their normal lives. We utilize a multidisciplinary approach to caring for our patients that not only heals the wound but also prevents future wounds from occurring.”

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