Breast Care

No matter how you sugar coat it, having a mastectomy is a difficult and draining journey. For most patients it is an unexpected shock. I am here to support you and your family, give you advice and make the journey more bearable. Take one day at a time, follow a healthy lifestyle and look forward to a cancer-free future. And remember, most of the battle is won with a positive attitude.

What you should know about breast cancer

Malignant breast tumours are the most frequent form of cancer among woman. From the age of 40, the risk of cancer gradually increases. Breast cancer occurs when some breast cells begin to grow abnormally. Cells may spread (metastasize) through the breast to the lymph nodes or to other parts of the body. Breast cancer most often begins with cells in the milk-producing ducts. They can vary greatly from painful, hard, and immobile to soft, painless, and easily moveable. According to BreastCancer.org, lumps are most likely to be cancerous if they do not cause pain, are hard, unevenly shaped, and immobile. But this is not a given fact so please see you doctor as soon as you suspect that something is not right.

The following can be signs of breast cancer:

Breast or chest pain. ...
Itchy breasts. ...
Upper back, shoulder and neck pain. ...
Changes in breast shape, size or appearance. ...
A change in nipple appearance or sensitivity. ...
Swelling or lump in your armpit. ...
Red, swollen breasts.

Products to make your life a little easier after Breast surgery

Breast pillow for full mastectomy

This pillow is fantastic to give support when in bed, in front of the television and also in the car to avoid friction from the safety belt on the wound.

Breast pillow for Lumpectomy/auxiliary clearance

A lovely little pillow to put under the arm for comfort and support after surgery.

Drain bag

Drain bags are great to use when you need to keep your drain(s) in for a few days post-surgery. It free your hands when moving around and also avoid the drain pipe hooking onto any surroundlling objects.

Breast surgery

What to do before surgery:

Make sure you eat healthy and nutritious food - your body will need it for post-surgery recovery.
Book yourself an underarm wax, as you will not be able to shave for a few weeks after surgery.
Make sure you have some meals in the freezer and have a support system on standby, especially if you have small children and a busy household.
Get yourself a drain bag and breast pillow (some surgeons prescribe these and I then supply them in hospital) to make sure you are comfortable in hospital and at home after surgery.

In hospital:

Eat your food, remember your body needs the fuel.
The day after surgery a physiotherapist will show you an exercise routine you can follow to prevent arm and shoulder stiffness on the side where you had the mastectomy and to help prevent the formation of significant scar tissue. Some exercises should be avoided until drains are removed.
Rest as much as possible, but it is also important to move around and get going as soon as possible.
Listen to your doctor. Doctors give orders for a reason!
Be positive.

Post-surgery:

Eat healthy – I cannot stress this enough.
Do your exercises. The exercises will help to get the arm mobile while healing.
Keep an eye on swelling – there will be a fair amount of swelling, but if you are at all concerned please contact your surgeon. Also keep an eye on swelling of the arm, especially if lymph nodes were removed.
If you did not have reconstruction, you can make an appointment for measurements for an external prosthesis and bra’s 6-8 weeks post-surgery.
By this time most swelling should be gone and your wound should be healed with no more pain. You are welcome to pop in earlier to complete your patient file. When doing this we can start contacting your medical aid for authorisation.

Post-surgery exercises

Regardless of what exercise you enjoy doing - swimming, hiking or whatever the case may be – you do not have to give up sports or activities after breast surgery. Exercises can actually encourage the healing process and help to eventually restore the freedom of movement that may have been compromised by the operation. But remember to take it slowly and first consult with your surgeon or physiotherapist before starting an exercise program.

On the road to recovery

So you have just undergone breast surgery and a thousand thoughts are racing around inside your head. What next? What is my life going to be like form now on? Will my clothes fit properly again? Will I feel and look feminine? The top-quality Silima Breast forms aim to restore a very natural appearance to help you regain your confidence.

Make an appointment for measuring and fitting 6 – 8 weeks post-surgery. Correct measuring is crucial to identify which breast form is best for your individual needs. In order to ensure the best possible result, it is very important to wear a well-fitting bra. Bring along your favourite top so you can judge the fit of the breast form and bra better.

Silima breast forms

Silima breast forms are a silky and skin friendly breast form of high quality. We have a wide variety of breast forms available, from partial to full breast forms and even silicone nipples.

How to care for your breast form:

Perspiration can impair the positive material properties of Silima breast forms. It is there for important to make sure your breast form is clean to ensure lasting elasticity and strength.
You should wash your breast form with a mild soap and lukewarm water and dry it with a soft towel. Please don’t use any solvents under any circumstances. Please do not dry your breast form with a hair dryer.
Always store your breast form in its original box when not wearing it.
Keep it away from any sharp objects – damaged breast forms cannot be repaired!

Silima mastectomy lingerie

Silima mastectomy lingerie is made from skin friendly materials which feature stylish colours and designs. They are fashionable and very feminine. The extensive range of bras offers just the right choice for every customer and every situation.

How to care for your bra

Always hand wash your bra and press it dry in a towel.
Do not wring or peg your bra and keep away from direct sunlight. This is an expensive item that you will be wearing every day. Handle it with care!

Reconstructive Breast Surgery

It is a common recommendation to wear a compression bra after reconstructive breast surgery. A medical-grade compression bra holds the breasts in place while healing and can help with proper drainage. Your surgeon will recommend a compression bra after breast surgery, along with instructions on how long you must wear it. Most patients wear their medical compression garment day and night for one to two weeks, after which they can start wearing a supportive sports bra.

Lymp O Fit

Seamlessly shaped cups made of soft, stretch burled fabric.
Balanced compression with side breast support which exerts additional pressure on the breasts
Front hook-and-eye fastener on the outside prevents skin irritation
The straps have a 3-position hook-and-eye fastener
The high back with wide side connection provides sufficient support in the event of lymphedema in the armpit and at the back
The burled structure has a massaging and draining effect on the subcutaneous tissue and minor lymph vessels. This activates and improves lymph drainage and has a positive effect on scar healing
Available in colours black, white and nude

Breast Care

Breast Care

Products to make your life a little easier after Breast surgery

Breast surgery

On the road to recovery

Silima mastectomy lingerie

Silima Mastectomy Swimwear

Reconstructive Breast Surgery