Breast augmentation surgery is a relatively popular plastic procedure. Even though they are common, there are numerous scenarios in which individuals may choose or need implant removal. The procedure is known as breast explant surgery. Furthermore, people frequently choose removal surgery because the scar tissues surrounding the breast stiffen, resulting in capsular contracture. Or, in some cases, they no longer want breast implants.
Furthermore, breast explant (breast implant removal) surgery involves removing or replacing the current implants.
Why Is Breast Implant Removal Required?
It is critical to emphasize that breast implants do not last a lifetime. And as per aficionados, people with breast implants need to get them removed or replaced every 10 to 15 years. However, it is not a rule of thumb, and you may not be recommended to get them removed if you haven't had any complications with them.
Many people also go for breast implant removal if they notice a change in the shape of their breasts after reaping the benefits of the breast augmentation procedure. However, the appearance of breasts may change:
Who Needs to Have Breast Implants Removed?
Due to medical requirements, getting the breast implant removed becomes an urgent need in a few cases. The fundamental reason for this is the hardening of the scar tissue (breast explant surgery scars) around the implants, which is known as capsular contracture. As a result, the situation may lead to annoyance or discomfort.
Have a look at some of the other reasons why it becomes indispensable to get rid of these implants:
Under any one of the above conditions, your plastic surgeon will be in an ideal position to guide you to the next course of action.
What Are the Advantages of Having Breast Implants Removed?
There are several benefits associated with breast implant removal:
Breast implant removal can almost immediately reduce discomfort if you have capsular contracture. Additionally, with large implant removal, you may get instant relief from neck and back discomfort.
When silicone or saline implants are present, it may be difficult to get a clear view of breast tissue in an X-ray. Mammography results can be better without implants.
Another reason for breast reduction surgery is the fear of implant rupture. There can be numerous reasons for implant rupture, including heavy physical pressure, aged implants, and defective implants. Without implants, you need not worry about implant ruptures.
Initial Recovery after Breast Explant Surgery
After the breast explant surgery, you will be advised to take some medications. Make sure that you don't stop using them to avoid pain or any other kind of discomfort. Additionally, you can do basic things like walk to the kitchen or restroom. However, at the same time, you must overlook doing any kind of strenuous jobs like driving or heavy lifting and also taking baths, swimming, or using a hot tub for two weeks following surgery.
Long-Term Recovery after Breast Implant Removal
It generally takes anywhere from 6 to 8 weeks to recover from this surgery. During this time, it's normal to experience:
Therefore, it becomes vital to embrace the guidelines as suggested by your plastic surgeon. You must also avoid the following activities at least for six weeks before you recover:
Wearing Compression Garments Is Advisable
Apart from the above considerations, wearing compression garments is paramount as you recover. Designed for breasts, they promote circulation, decrease swelling around the breast tissue, and significantly reduce the inflammatory process, resulting in less pain.
And to procure compression garments of the highest quality, Brobe has you covered. The range of our products helps you feel calm, secure, and in control, as you recover.
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What Is Breast Reduction Surgery?
Breast reduction is the procedure to get rid of extra fat, tissue, and skin from your breasts. This modality emerges as a savior for a person with large breasts that are out of proportion to the body and engender neck pain, back pain, or other symptoms.
Delving a bit deeper; the downside of having large breasts is that they can make exercising along with other activities quite difficult. What's more, they may also lead to negative psychological effects, with some individuals becoming conscious of their large breast size, especially when visiting the public.
All thanks to cosmetic procedures like breast reduction, which help to improve such people's physical and psychological well-being. Seeing the virtues of this impressive methodology, which are highly extolled, more and more people are thinking of reaping its benefits.
And if you also intend the same, you need to get in touch with a breast reduction surgeon. The professional will first examine you meticulously to determine whether you are the right candidate for this procedure or not. The evaluation may include the following things:
How Do I Prepare for the Procedure?
If you are taking any over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications, you imperatively need to discontinue their use after consulting with the surgeon.
Plus, doctors also encourage their patients to quit smoking several weeks before the procedure, as this habit of inhaling nicotine increases the risk of nipple damage, tissue necrosis, and other complications.
What Can I Expect After Surgery?
While the occurrence of scars is a dime a dozen, they are likely to fade over time. But the complete disappearance is something that you cannot expect. Additionally, their prominence might worsen to a greater extent if you lift heavy objects post the surgery.
Other minor complications that people can experience include:
You will be given medications that will help control any pain you endure. Furthermore, the surgeon will advise wearing compression bras immediately following surgery to reduce pain and improve overall outcomes.
Recovery from Breast Reduction Surgery
Since it is an outpatient procedure, you will be allowed to go back home the very same day. However, if the doctor believes it is necessary, you may be required to stay overnight.
The complete procedure, will take around 2 to 5 hours, and sometimes even more. And, in any of the above cases, whether you stay back or go home the same day, the technique will take place under general anesthesia.
Make sure to take a complete week off from your regular schedule for complete bed rest. Some people need to extend this period as each situation varies.
Recovery is a timeframe when you should also try to limit your movements. Ignoring this direction can lead to stretching of the chest muscles or tearing of the sutures.
You might also have a problem lifting your arms, especially during the first two weeks following the surgery. So, it's always a better option to have someone around to assist.
To Wrap Up
It is indispensable to implement the guidelines set up by your surgeon without overlooking them. This will ensure you recover well within the time frame and also set the stage for better outcomes.
And when shopping for compression bras and other garments that significantly aid in speeding up the recovery procedure, it is highly advisable to procure them from elite providers. To make your search simpler and easier, give a shot at Brobe products for a delightful experience and to make your recovery journey more comfortable.
So, What Is Liposuction?
Liposuction is a cosmetic fat removal procedure that you intend to get removed deposited in specific parts of the body including the abdomen, hips, back, face, buttocks, thighs, or upper arms. The modality emerges as a savior for individuals whose bodies do not respond to diet and exercise. And fundamentally, the liposuction procedure aims at enhancing your appearance by providing you with a more aesthetically appealing physique to give your self-esteem an additional boost.
A Few Considerations
Before going for a liposuction procedure, you should take the consultation of a board-certified plastic surgeon. This discussion will give you a concrete idea of what you can expect out of this technique.
Additionally, you should be well clear with this that the recovery process depends upon several parameters such as age, overall health, and prior medical history. It is paramount that you allow your body to heal at its own pace by implementing the guidelines suggested by your surgeon.
Who Is a Candidate for Liposuction?
Anyone pondering about reaping the perks of liposuction must fulfill certain requirements to ensure that the procedure is effective and safe. Some of them are:
These are some of the common qualifications that healthcare providers meticulously go through before suggesting this treatment. In fact, your surgeon will be in the ideal position to tell you whether or not you are the right candidate for liposuction.
Can Men Go for Liposuction?
Yes, people of any sex are privileged to take the many benefits the procedure furnishes. Many men embrace this technique for getting their gynecomastia or enlarged male breast tissue issues fixed.
Lipo Recovery Stages or Liposuction Recovery Time
Liposuction is an outpatient procedure, which means you will be going home the very same day. In other cases, if you get a substantial amount of fat removed, you might be asked to stay overnight in the hospital for observation. And the abdominal liposuction recovery timeline is as follows:
The First Three Days
Your surgeon will recommend a compression garment or elastic bandages that need to be imperatively worn around the treatment areas after the liposuction surgery. Make sure you do that without fail as they help to dwindle swelling and contour your body to its new shape.
You will also have drains fixed at the surgical sites that prevent fluid garnering around the incisions. Additionally, the cleaning process of these drains will be communicated to you by your immediate doctor.
During the initial three days, expecting some kind of pain is common and can be controlled with the aid of medications. You should also limit your movements during this period.
Weeks 1-2
After you have rested for a few days, the previously encompassed pain is likely to reduce significantly. Many people are known to continue with their work schedules post a gap of two weeks. However, it is not a rule of thumb and you are empowered to extend this resting period.
But you will still be required to wear your compression garments during this time as well.
Weeks 3-5
The pain will completely vanquish after a month. But swelling is still likely to be there that can take months to completely subside. At this point, you will be able to realize the conspicuous results of the procedure.
You can embark on resuming light exercises by now. But at the same time try ditching the strenuous ones.
Week 6 and Beyond
By now, the majority of bruising and swelling must have gone, but lingering swelling is likely to exist. You can stop using compression garments at this point unless advised by your doctor.
Final Words
So, you would have understood the importance of wearing compression garments as you recover. And as per aficionados, you should procure them of the highest quality.
A label that you can rely on for such needs is none other than Brobe. Ensuring quality, our products will help you manage the drains and reduce your pain effectively.
Add them to the cart right away! And all orders above are shipped without any additional charge.
And just in case your mind is encompassed by some kind of confusion related to the procedure, you must continue reading this article to vanquish them. It unveils everything about the modality in detail that you should know. So, keep reading!
But First, What Is a Brazilian Butt Lift?
A Brazilian Butt Lift is a procedure wherein the doctor takes out the excess fat from the hips, abdomen, lower back, or thighs with liposuction, followed by strategically injecting some portion of this fat into the buttocks. The ultimate motive of this surgery is to attain a fuller, rounder buttock contour resulting in a more hourglass-shaped figure.
BBL is performed by a skilled cosmetic surgeon to enhance the proportions of the entire lower body. It also helps to get rid of excess fat from problem areas like the waist, thighs, abdomen and so on. The wonderful side is that the impeccable results achieved after the BBL surgery are likely to last for several years.
Why Go for a Brazilian Butt Lift?
Many people tend to remain discontent with their flat buttocks that lack shape. While a good diet and exercise can do wonders for toning the muscles as well as helping to achieve healthy body weight, they may still not get those desired outcomes. This is when the role of BBL plastic surgery comes into action that adds volume to and enhances the shape of the butts.
You might consider a Brazilian butt to:
Who Is a Candidate for a Bbl?
BBL is in trend contemporarily and more and more women are interested to know more about the procedure to gain its enthralling perks. You can be a good candidate for a BBL if you:
Choosing a Cosmetic Surgeon
Brazilian butt lift surgery is indeed a convoluted procedure that requires the skill set of a professional possessing extensive training and experience in fat transfer techniques. It is imperative to highlight here that not every doctor in the field of cosmetic surgery receives this training. Hence, it is paramount that you have religiously done your homework before relying on the services of a surgeon.
You may ask for their experience in the field along with meticulously going through their previous work. Be sure to have a glance at before and after photos of the previous patients which will give you an idea about their aesthetic style.
What Is the Recovery Period After Your Surgery?
After the surgery, you will not be allowed to sit and sleep directly on your buttocks for almost 2 weeks. While instances of enduring pain are highly unlikely, even if they do happen can be readily controlled with the aid of medications!
And in the recovery period, you will essentially have to sleep on your stomach or side. Additionally, you must avoid sitting on your butt for 6 weeks or the period instructed by your doctor. Normal activities are likely to resume post 6 weeks.
What to Expect After Brazilian Butt Lift?
As stated above, it takes close to 6 weeks to recover from BBL surgery. During this period, you are likely to experience:
How to Make Your Surgery Recovery Journey More Comfortable?
Apart from avoiding sitting and slumbering directly on your buttocks, you need to pay special heed to the set of instructions laid down by your immediate doctor. If you overlook this, you won't achieve the results you want from the surgery.
What's more, you will also be recommended to wear a compression garment over the areas you had liposuction. Make sure you do that! This helps in speeding the healing process and also prevents pressure on the newly inserted fat cells.
And at the same time, consider procuring these products only from an authentic brand. This will set the seal that you relish ineffable experience when employing them.
Which Brand to Trust for All Your Compression Garments Requirements?
To make your search easy by connecting you with a reliable label, Brobe gets you covered. Ensuring quality, all the products are available for grabs at a price to suit your pocket.
At Brobe, we aim to help you manage the drains and reduce your pain, helping you feel calm and secure. In other words: the intent is to make your surgery recovery journey more comfortable.
This modality to recreate breasts can happen right after breast cancer surgery or can be performed months or years later. The complete procedure may take place through multiple surgeries over several stages.
What to Expect After Breast Reconstruction Surgery?
It's pivotal that you have an idea of what to expect after the reconstruction surgery to rebuild your breasts, entailing the possible risks and side effects. You will also be curious to know about the recovery time. Well, we shall cover these topics in detail through this article. So, stay tuned along with us!
Possible Risks During and After Reconstruction Surgery?
Any type of surgery involves some kind of risk and the modality of "reconstruction" is no exception. After the surgery, you are likely to experience:
Risks of Developing an Infection
Once again, the risk of developing an infection is always there as is the case with any type of surgery. It usually takes place in the first couple of weeks after the operation.
If you have an implant, the professional might remove it until the infection vanquishes. In such cases, a new implant can be considered to be put in at a later stage. And if you have a tissue flap, the immediate need of the hour is surgery to clean the wound.
Alongside this, it is paramount to embrace the set of guidelines advised by your breast reconstruction surgeon. Overlooking them certainly increases the risk of developing an infection after surgery.
Additional Risks for Women Who Are Habitual Smokers
For women who smoke, they must pay heed to this vital info: tobacco is notorious for narrowing blood vessels and significantly diminishing the supply of blood, nutrients and oxygen to tissues. Smoking plays a deterrent in normal healing and is linked to increasing the chances of wound complications.
As a result, this might cause possible conspicuous scars along with a longer recovery time. Sometimes, the problem may aggravate to an extent that an additional operation may be required. Hence, you will be asked to quit smoking a few weeks or months before the breast reconstruction surgery.
Recovering After Reconstruction Surgery
Recovery from surgery typically depends on the type of reconstruction you have. If you had an implant procedure, you are likely to feel tired or sore for a week or two.
On the other hand, if you underwent flap surgery, the recovery period might take longer. Accordingly, you will be able to go back home from the hospital within a few days.
It is also important to highlight here that you might be discharged with a drain or drains in place, which is essentially a small tube put in the wound serving the purpose of garnering extra fluid from the surgery site while it heals. And before leaving the hospital, you will be guided on how to effectively clean these drains.
You will be called back to the hospital to get these drains removed, which will be decided by your doctor based on how much fluid is getting collected each day. It is vital that you strictly adhere to the instructions on the wound and drain care.
Additionally, you also need to wear special garments that help in speeding up the recovery process. You will be enlightened about them by the hospital authorities and staff. Any kind of confusion shall be cleared there and then.
Getting Back to Normal
Most women are likely to begin their normal routine within a period of 6 to 8 weeks. This duration can further curtail if implants are used without flaps. Plus, you need to keep the following things in mind:
How Can Brobe Products Help in the Path of Your Recovery?
As already discussed above, you are likely to experience fluid drainage, swelling, bruising, and localized pain at incisions after the surgery. To help you in this critical time, our range of products gets you covered. They will aid in reducing your pain, helping you feel calm, secure, and in control as you recover.
If you are thinking of reaping the many perks offered by tummy tuck procedures or have just embarked on the recovery process, this article is meant for you. Through this post, we will provide a week-by-week look at the tummy tuck recovery process so you are aware of what to expect.
After the surgery is accomplished, you are allowed to go back home and take proper rest. You are advised not to drive, so it will be better if someone can drop you.
During this period, you can expect the following:
Following are some of the tips that may emerge as your savior
For the dressing, lifting, and other small tasks, you will need round-the-clock assistance. Hence, it is pivotal that someone is available with you.
Due to the recent surgery, you must restrict your movements so that the wound doesn't get impacted in any of the ways. Working out after a tummy tuck must be essentially ditched.
Avoid taking a shower. Instead using body wipes to sponge your body will be the safest bet.
The first couple of days after the surgery are considered to be the toughest time. But paying close attention to the doctor's advice can certainly help in speeding the recovery process.
In the second-week post-surgery, you are expected to realise conspicuous changes.
After the two weeks are over, you will feel:
At three weeks post-op, many patients have already embarked on following their normal schedule. But it should be done only after bringing the situation into the limelight of your treating doctor.
By this time, you will begin to feel confident about yourself. During this period:
When you proactively consider the above tips, rest assured the recovery path becomes quite easy. And to further help you in making things easier for you, our range of products can emerge as your savior. They can play a vital role to help manage the drains and dwindle your pain, helping you feel calm, secure, and in control as you recover.
]]>So, if you intend to have an ineffable experience by taking the services of the right surgeon, the following tips can indisputably benefit you. Keep reading to get yourself acquainted with them!
You will be flabbergasted to know that many doctors with general surgery experience or other medical training join the cosmetic surgery bandwagon to earn lucrative profits. They do not have the relevant experience in the field and taking their services can eventually turn out to be a nightmare in the shape of achieving poor overall results.
If you wish to ditch the emergence of such an advent, it makes sense to invest in a cosmetic surgeon who is essentially Board Certified by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery. This will save you from the headache of additional costs and time while setting the seal on achieving quality results.
It is worth asking the professional about their experience in the specific procedure you want to avail benefits of. This will give you the confidence that you are certainly in the right hands.
You may confirm with the surgeon the following things:
While the above were only a few examples that can be put before a surgeon. However, if you have any other queries, they can be clarified well beforehand to avoid any sort of confusion later on.
Merely taking someone's recommendation won't serve the purpose when it comes to choosing a cosmetic surgeon. The things that attract others might not necessarily impress you. Therefore, diligently exploring the other parameters will ensure an informed decision.
You can make out a list of some of the surgeons that really influenced you. Then you can compare their work and pick out the one based on the research done.
Additionally, going through the reviews of previous patients will also help you substantially. You may also connect with them virtually by asking about their experience. Not everyone may reply, but you can certainly expect the answer from some.
Always take the services of a cosmetic surgeon with whom you are 100% comfortable. Trusting them entirely will make sure that you can ask any question about the procedure with them without any hiccups. What's more, it also empowers you to divulge your previous medical history to the aficionado.
Remember, a healthy discussion with the professional will ultimately go in your favor by attaining desired outcomes. Courteous and cooperative behavior is just not anticipated from the surgeon's side but also from their support team too.
Indisputably, surgery is a big deal and thus you cannot simply compromise by overlooking essential things. And one of them is enquiring thoroughly about the anesthetist's qualifications. They are known to play a vital role in the overall surgery by administering anesthesia.
Essentially, taking the services of a Board Certified Anesthesiologist will be the safest bet.
Final Words
Irrespective of the cosmetic surgery procedure you go for, it is indispensable to embrace the facilities of a specialist. And the above tips that come right from the armory of the team of our maestros will assist you in the path.
Additionally, any form of surgery is a big task and the recovery time further sucks. In order to make your recovery path easier, our eclectic range of products gets you covered. Rest assured, you will have a wonderful time after investing in them.
Why wait? For orders above $100, not only will you get the desired product delivered at the doorsteps but that too with free shipping. So, give us a chance to serve you!
However, plastic surgery is contemplated as voluntary surgery. Since health insurance doesn’t cover elective surgery, patients need to shell out money from their pocket or can pay via plastic surgery financing.
So, let's delve deeper to unveil the answers about financing plastic surgery!
As aforementioned, cosmetic surgery is categorised as elective surgery! So, even after having health insurance, the companies don’t cover such procedures. You may not be able to pay for your plastic surgery with insurance.
With that said; there are myriad plastic surgery financing options available for those who cannot afford the procedure. These plastic surgery options help to pay for the procedure.
Before opting for a plastic procedure personal loan, you may look into the following best alternative for plastic procedure financing options:
It is imperative to look for a good plastic surgeon before undergoing any aesthetic surgery. There will be a plethora of alternatives to choose from, it's vital to find experienced, skilled, and well-reviewed surgeons.
Hence, after you have found a good surgeon, ask the provider if they offer any payment plan for the procedure. In this way, you need not pay for the complete surgery at once instead you can pay in monthly instalments without paying interest.
One of the most popular ways of financing cosmetic surgery is medical credit cards. If your provider doesn't offer any payment plan that breaks up the procedure cost, you may choose the medical credit card option.
Additionally, many surgeons offer financing via a medical credit card. After the introductory period of a few months or a few years, patients are permitted to pay for the plastic surgery in smaller monthly instalments with zero to lower APR.
Another astounding option to finance plastic surgery is opting for a fixed-rate personal loan also known as a loan for plastic surgery. These loans are dispersed quickly, ranging from $1000 to $50000 with fixed monthly payments and APR.
As compared to other cosmetic surgery financing options, a plastic surgery loan option is cheaper. Plus, individuals with strong credit history may get lower APR. But individuals with bad credit history may get higher APR even if they qualify for a personal loan.
Not to mention, you will have to pay personal loan interest also, which means paying more for the procedure. So, it makes sense to always go for the best cosmetic surgery loans.
If you want to avail of the 0% APR benefit, you should choose a credit card that has offered an introductory 0% APR. The 0% APR credit card is available for those with strong credit history and who pay their debt.
Moreover, this offer is usually accessible for up to 21 months. With this, individuals can break up the plastic surgery cost into smaller instalments. And one pays the entire procedure cost in the introductory period timeline; need not pay the interest.
If you are considering a loan for cosmetic surgery, it’s ideal to compare the fees and features of the provider and choose the one best suited for you. No matter! You have undergone a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL), Mommy Makeover, Tummy Tuck, Breast Reduction, or Organ transplant – get the highest-quality post-surgery recovery products from the house of Brobe.
We are a leading post-surgery recovery product provider with a wide range of recovery products designed to make your recovery better!
Delving a bit deeper to comprehend the functioning; the professional performing the procedure will essentially cut through the breastbone and disseminate the ribs. This approach to reaching the heart is also sometimes termed "cracking the chest".
Perform open-heart surgery, in the following, are two ways:
A specially designed bypass machine is employed that connects to the heart and temporarily performs the functioning of the heart and lungs. It is then the surgeon performs on the heart that currently isn't beating and doesn't have blood flow. Meanwhile, blood circulation continues to take place in the other parts of the body.
After performing the surgery, the machine that was initially connected is removed. Now, the heart begins to pump or work again normally as it used to do previously.
Off-pump bypass surgery is performed on the heart that functions even during the procedure. This approach is recommended for coronary artery bypass grafting or bypass surgery. You may also hear the surgeon terming it as a beating-heart surgery.
If you are prescribed an open heart surgery or coronary artery bypass surgery it becomes imperative to implement the guidelines stated by the healthcare provider. Here are a few recommendations:
There are some blood thinners infamous for increasing bleeding risks. These indispensably need to be stopped by the individual taking it at least a week or two before the surgery.
Anesthesia is known to perform better on an empty stomach. Therefore, you will need to skip devouring foodstuffs before the surgery.
Quitting alcohol and smoking is the need of the hour if you are enduring heart issues. Not only they can complicate post-surgical healing but can substantially increase the risk of complications.
After the surgery, you may need to stay in the hospital for several days. The healthcare providers will guide you on the best ways to care for your incision.
And as far as the open heart surgery recovery time, it may typically depend on the surgery type, complications, and your overall health.
Having said that, it may take around 6 to 12 weeks (and sometimes longer) to completely recover!
Additionally, your surgeon will be in the ideal position to tell when you can return to normal activities. But driving and lifting anything heavy should necessarily be avoided.
During the healing process, you are likely to experience the following:
Open heart surgery is indisputably a life-saving procedure but at the same time falls under the category of major surgery just like heart valve replacement. Recovering completely may take time, so you need to be patient.
Apart from taking enough rest breaks, it makes sense to employ products that better help you manage the drains and reduce any existing pain.
And to make your search easy, we introduce you to the leader dealing in such reliable products-Brobe.
Be it the Drain Management Bundle, the Surgery Recovery Robe, or the Pocketed Pillow & Gel Pack, we got you covered.
Embracing these products will empower you to oversee the drains easily, diminish your pain, helping you feel calm, secure, and in control as you recover.
So, why wait? Connect with us right away! Along with delivering quality, we provide free shipping for orders surpassing $100.
If you want to undergo this surgery as well, just search best mommy makeover surgeon near me and talk to the doctor. However, for every woman planning to get a mommy makeover after childbirth, it is common to get anxious about the mommy makeover recovery process.
Yes, they have to be careful about a few things, which might feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t need to be. You just have to be aware of some of the most crucial tips that will help you through your mommy makeover recovery journey. The standard recovery time is around 2 to 3 weeks.
The first and most valuable tip is to get help. You cannot return to your normal daily routine after surgery. You are required to stay in bed and take complete rest for at least 2 weeks. So, make sure you have someone to do everything around the house. It could be your husband or a family member, or you could hire someone.
From running the errands to taking care of the baby and more, that person will be in charge of everything that you do. Therefore, hand over the responsibility to someone you trust and who doesn’t need your supervision so that you can focus on your recovery.
Never forget to take the medication on time after the surgery as prescribed by your surgeon. These will help you deal with post-surgery discomfort and pain. If you fail to take your medications within the given interval, it will only slow down the recovery process.
On the other hand, taking your antibiotics and other medications as prescribed will make things a lot easier for you. The recovery will not only get faster but also less painful. Make a list of all the medications you need to take and when. You can keep this list close to you at all times so that you don’t forget to take them.
You can ask your surgeon what supplies you will need for the recovery. List them down and shop for them before the surgery. This way, you save yourself or the person taking care of the house additional trips to the market. Preparing your recovery kit beforehand also lets you have an idea of the overall mommy makeover cost, including the recovery expenses.
Look for a reliable mommy makeover recovery kit store online. When you find one, shop for your compression garments and other essential recovery products. A compression garment is the first thing you need to buy because you will have to wear it right after the surgery for a few weeks. So, shop for it as soon as possible.
Some women mistake the two weeks of bed rest for not moving at all. Don’t be one of them. For an effective and faster recovery, you should walk around the house regularly. Once in a while, get out of bed and slowly and carefully take a walk. Just don’t engage in any household chores at all.
This is important as it gets the blood moving inside your body, preventing blood clots and even helping reduce swelling. However, keep in mind that you cannot afford to overextend yourself. Take short walks only till it feels comfortable. If you start to feel pain anywhere in your body, stop right away and take a rest.
For a woman who loves to keep herself busy with one thing or another, it could be hard to not do anything. But if you want to fall back into your routine quickly, patience is the key. Even if you feel better physically after 7 or 8 days, don’t risk your health by working in the house. Follow the instructions given by your doctor precisely.
If you try to do too much before completely recovering, it could have some serious effects on your body. Not just this, it will extend your healing time taking much longer than it should. So, take the time after the surgery as a well-deserved break and let the recovery journey take care of itself.
When you prepare yourself for before and after mommy makeover recovery, you can reap the maximum benefit of this treatment. Check out the five tips given here that might help you take on the recovery process like a pro. And for your compression garments and other products, reach out to The Brobe. Get anything and everything you need here for your mommy makeover recovery.
The cosmetic modality of tummy tuck has been largely looked upon by congregating individuals presently to shape and tone their abdomen. However, there are also some encompassed with this misconception that this procedure is an alternative to losing substantial amounts of weight. Contrary to their popular belief, this technique emerges to be a savior for individuals perturbed by their protruding abdomen that is not taking the name of vanquishing.
After getting this cosmetic surgery performed, the concerned individual will imperatively need the assistance of someone to take them home from the hospital. As doctors, they don't advise driving immediately after the surgery.
Additionally, there will be drainage tubes that need to be emptied after they brim to the top. Plus, the individual would also be required to monitor the volume of fluid from their wound every day.
At home, the person will be requiring the aid of someone for accomplishing the basic chores during the first few days after the surgery. Experiencing soreness or tightness around the tummy is common. They may also endure issues while standing or performing general movements.
The complete tummy tuck recovery time is close to 6 weeks and the visibility of any scars will slowly fade. However, a person can return to normal activities such as driving within 1 to 2 weeks of surgery. Meanwhile, one should essentially refrain from doing any sort of strenuous exercise.
Interestingly, many people consider both these treatments similar and therefore are often seen conflating and giving a term-liposuction tummy tuck. But the reality is both these treatments are different surgical procedures.
Liposuction is a minimally invasive procedure and emerges to be a perfect solution for removing small fat deposits from areas like hips, thighs, buttocks or stomach.
On the other hand, a tummy tuck apart from just removing the excess fat from the abdomen also helps to get rid of excess skin. So, these procedures cannot be used interchangeably.
The procedure of a tummy tuck is conducted under the guidance of a trained plastic surgeon. They are known to possess heaps of experience in the field and thus you are in safe hands. This is why; the modality is also sometimes given the name- plastic surgery tummy tuck.
If you are thinking of reaping the many perks offered by tummy tuck but have some confusion, you must go through the following pointers. These give you a glimpse of the ways you will be benefiting yourself.
Needless to say: a protruding abdomen with an excess of fat can take a toll on anyone's appearance. To overcome these issues, a Tummy Tuck evolves as the safest bet. When your abdomen is in shape, your overall look drastically improves.
Apart from giving cosmetic rewards, a tummy tuck procedure is also hailed for bestowing medical benefits too. Post-pregnancy, many women complain of back pain resulting from weakened stomach muscles. These can be tightened with the aid of a tummy tuck. Consequently, the exasperating back pain can be alleviated.
When your abdominal muscles are tightened, it results in diminishing back pain. And eventually, you will realize your posture is getting enhanced with each passing day.
If you plan to go for a tummy tuck procedure, it is imperative to get in touch only with professionals. This is because; there are already a lot of murky advertisements going on. And of course, you would not like to be a victim of a "botched tummy tuck".
Gone are the days when getting back in shape after childbirth was a tough challenge for women. With mommy makeovers dominantly taking over, finding your way back to your youthful figure is more convenient than ever.
Over the past few years, mommy makeover treatment have gained immense popularity, and rightly so. It is a proven surgery that helps mothers undergo an effective body transformation, and you should consider it too. Although it is natural for you to have concerns about the procedure, or mommy makeover recovery time, post-mommy makeover care, etc.
This is why we suggest you do your research about mommy makeovers first, starting with the top benefits of a mommy makeover.
Let us shed light on the five main benefits of this treatment here.
There’s no doubt that the number one benefit of a mommy makeover is improving your physical appearance. The journey from your post-pregnancy body to getting back into your pre-pregnancy figure is not an easy one. You cannot rely on exercise and diet alone to come to your aid.
A mommy makeover is a comprehensive surgery that includes everything you need to get back in shape. Once you are done having children, for sure, reach out to a surgeon about a mommy makeover package cost and let him/her do the rest for you. With this procedure, your dream body is just a surgery away!
Getting stretch marks around the stomach and hip area after pregnancy is common. Although there is nothing wrong with embracing them, some women prefer not to have visible stretch marks. So, they try different post-pregnancy care products to make these marks go away, like lotions, but it never does.
This is where your modern mommy makeovers come into play. A mommy makeover is known to help remove these stretch marks permanently. After the surgery is over and you have recovered well, your body will be just as it was before. Mommy makeovers are ideal when it comes to restoring your perfect body after pregnancy.
You have probably heard about tummy tucks, liposuction, and other post-pregnancy surgeries. A mommy makeover is a complete package of them all. Instead of getting different procedures done, again and again, you can go through these surgeries all at once with a mommy makeover.
Besides, it will save you time and money, and you can follow the recovery process only once. Each of these treatments, included in a mommy makeover like a tummy tuck makeover, will eventually help you with a complete body modification. Getting these treatments together from an experienced and reliable surgeon can also be cost-effective.
Yes, after pregnancy, your body will not look the same. For a lot of women, these changes can be very hard to accept and they might even lose their confidence. It doesn’t get said as much as it should, but not feeling comfortable in your body is a common reaction after pregnancy. A mommy makeover is here to prevent that from happening to you.
The fact that mommy makeovers will get you back in your original shape will make you feel just as good as ever. This surgery will help you feel like yourself again and help you regain your lost confidence as well. It is rather underrated but perhaps one of the most crucial benefits of a mommy makeover.
Apart from helping you get your youthful figure back, mommy makeovers can support skin rejuvenation too. During pregnancy, your body produces hormones necessary for growing the baby. But these hormones can lead to loose skin and changes in your skin pigmentation, making your skin look much older.
Going through a mommy makeover surgery can improve your skin pigmentation and give you younger-looking skin. You can noticeably see your complexion getting better and your skin rejuvenating. All you have to do is find a qualified doctor for your mommy lift cosmetic surgery.
If you are planning to opt for plastic surgery including mommy makeover, liposuction to breast reduction, then the best-fitted resolution is to choose to pay for the procedure over time via personal loans, credit cards and online lenders.
Furthermore, there are other plastic surgery financing options also such as:
Plastic surgery is considered a potentially life-changing surgery so it is imperative to choose the right plastic surgeon. Below are the tips to consider when looking for a plastic surgeon:
The recovery time of a mommy makeover is approx. 2 months (6 weeks) and post-surgery one can easily resume daily activities including exercise.
If the surgeon has heaps of experience in the field it is likely that the professional will be able to offer you the best life-changing cosmetic surgery. Trusting the doctor is vital for accomplishing the best results.
It is important for patients to know the warning signs after plastic surgery to mitigate any post-surgery complications.
One Week- Within one week your belly may burn, inflames, and be swollen.
Two Weeks- In the second week, your belly skin will be mostly numb for a few more weeks.
Three Weeks- Once your body pain eliminates, you can return to perform normal lightweight activities.
Are you in a fix about whether or not a mommy makeover is a right call for you? Go through the points mentioned above. These will let you know why getting this treatment is the right decision. As far as shopping for post-mommy makeover supplies is concerned, you can buy them at The Brobe. They have an extensive range of recovery supplies for mommy makeovers and more.
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If you are exasperated from extra fat on your body that is taking a toll on your appearance, it is advisable to reap the many perks offered by liposuction surgery. The modality emerges as one of the most superb ways to improve body contours.
This type of cosmetic surgery that is also known by other names in the form of lipoplasty, lipectomy, or lipo employs a suction technique to eliminate fat from specific areas of the body including the abdomen, hips, thighs, buttocks or neck. The virtues of liposuction are highly extolled and thus is quickly becoming one of the most acclaimed techniques to get your body back in shape.
Wondering about the liposuction recovery time? We have got you covered!
After the liposuction procedure, expect some swelling, pain, and marks. Plus, the recovery time for returning to work is a few days and returning to normal activities such as exercise is a few weeks.
Your surgeon will recommend a compression garment or elastic bandages to cover the area of treatment.
Post a few days of pain and swelling you will witness a significant reduction in soreness.
After one month you may feel no pain or soreness. However, the presence of swelling is likely to be there that can take even months to completely subside. Additionally, this is the point when you can feel the change as positive results begin to pop up.
Once the duration of approx. 4 weeks is complete, you can embark on doing some light exercises. But make sure to refrain from doing strenuous ones!
At this point in time, you will see most of the bruising and swelling have already gone. So, you get empowered to perform the daily chores in the same way as you used to do previously.
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost of liposuction is somewhere close to $3600. Additionally, the surgeon's fee for the procedure depends upon his or her experience.
Below are the expenses included in liposuction
Tumescent liposuction is an invasive procedure using incisions to get rid of excess fat from the body. The surgery is generally performed with general anesthesia. However, in some cases, the use of anesthesia can also be avoided.
The professional conducting the surgery will be in the best position to decide the course of action. It emerges as a great modality when a smaller amount of fat removal is required.
As the name indicates, the use of a laser is done to eliminate the existing fat. Laser liposuction is a non-invasive form of body sculpting that is typically utilized to remove small fat deposits permanently.
One of the popular forms of liposuction, it employs a cannula attached to an oscillating handpiece that drives it back and forth with the intent to break the fat cells. Unlike the other methods of liposuction that principally rely on manual jabs of the cannula, the modality of power-assisted liposuction is considered much faster and more efficient.
If you are seriously thinking of gaining the myriad perks offered by the liposuction technique, it is advisable to get in touch only with experts. To make your search easy, simply connect with the most authentic brand by visiting the website https://thebrobe.com/. Committed to catering to your needs in the best possible ways, you will surely have an amazing experience after associating with the team of our aficionados.
A mommy makeover is a non-threatening and result-driven procedure that many women are going for today. However, it is natural for you to have doubts about the treatment before you reach out to the best mommy makeover surgeon. It is a cosmetic surgery that can make a significant improvement to different parts of your body, and being a little nervous about it is common.
So, as any vigilant patient, you might want to enhance your knowledge of this treatment and have all your doubts answered first. Let us shed light on some of the most frequently asked questions about mommy makeovers. Go through these questions and make your decision wisely.
A mommy makeover is the right treatment for a woman who is planning not to have any more children and wants her pre-pregnancy body back. It is an effective treatment that includes many procedures like tummy tucks, liposuction, and breast augmentation. Getting this treatment is a prominent step towards restoring your ideal youthful figure.
The average mommy makeover surgery recovery time is around two weeks. Women who go through this treatment feel some pain for the first week and a half. They can then follow their usual routine, cautiously after two weeks. 100% recovery time might be around 6 to 8 weeks according to your doctor’s instructions.
A mommy makeover surgery is said to be less painful than a c-section. Feeling mild to severe pain for some time is common after the treatment. Your post-mommy makeover care package will contain medications that will help you keep the pain and discomfort under control. But be prepared to experience some pain since, in this treatment, your abdominal musculature is tightened.
Wearing a compensation garment in your abdominal area supports healing tissues to reduce the soreness. It also boosts the recovery process by preventing swelling in your abdomen. If you don’t wear a compensation garment for long enough, you might get swollen again and feel immense discomfort as well. Also, make sure you buy the right size compensation garment, to begin with.
After the treatment, the surgical scars might take around 18 months to fully mature. Getting the procedure done by an experienced mommy makeover surgeon means that they place the scars smartly so that they can be easily hidden. There will be noticeable improvements in your appearance with time, and the scars will eventually disappear.
The average cost of mommy makeovers is calculated by keeping many factors in mind. For example, skin quality, age, and other things like surgeon’s fee, anesthesia fee, etc. play a crucial role. The average cost for a mommy makeover will depend on the number of procedures you are planning on getting. Reach out to a surgeon for an exact number.
It is recommended for a woman to get to her ideal weight before the treatment. It ensures that the surgery is carried out effectively without any unnecessary complications. You can meet with a dietitian and follow a set diet plan to keep your body weight balanced before the surgery.
Generally, a mommy makeover treatment can take up to 5 or 6 hours. The exact hours might differ from patient to patient according to the number of procedures they are going through. The surgery time may also vary depending on the surgeon who’s treating you. You should expect to be in the clinic for around 7 hours.
If you are planning a mommy makeover, make sure you obtain your ideal body weight first to ensure a risk-free surgery. You must also stop breastfeeding 3 to 6 months before getting this surgery. Women who have some underlying medical conditions must consult a primary care physician to prepare for a mommy makeover. Don’t forget to keep your mommy makeover recovery kit ready before the treatment.
Just like any other surgery, a mommy makeover also has some risks involved. This is why you should get the procedure done by the best mommy makeover surgeon. You will be under general anesthesia during the treatment, which is completely safe and effective. Just make sure you follow the guidelines given by your doctor before and after the surgery.
These listed questions are asked by many women who want to undergo this surgery. From your mommy makeover cost and recovery time to how to prepare for the surgery, and more, you can find the answers to all these questions here. If you are looking to buy a compression garment to wear after the treatment, you can shop for it from The Brobe. They provide all types of surgical recovery garments.
Mommy makeover is a popular surgery that allows women to improve these physical changes successfully. This procedure includes a few treatments such as tummy tucks, liposuction, breast augmentation, etc. Even though a mommy makeover is quite common today, make sure you take your time to decide whether or not you want to go for it.
If you are interested in a mommy makeover, you should be prepared for it first. It is a critical procedure and isn’t always the easiest way forward. Let us guide you through the top ten things you should know before getting a mommy makeover.
Check these and prepare yourself for the treatment accordingly.
Maintain A Healthy Diet Before The Treatment
If you are planning to get a mommy makeover, get to an ideal weight through a balanced diet first. Moving forward with the treatment can lead to unwanted complications and risks if you don’t have the desired body weight. On the other hand, you can see positive outcomes if you achieve a balanced weight before the procedure.
Expect Numbness For The First Few Months After The Treatment
The tummy tuck procedure can often cause numbness. This numbness can last for months and might even extend for more than a year. So, be prepared for this and expect the numbness to cause discomfort for some time. However, permanent numbness is not common, and if the swelling doesn’t seem to go away, visit your doctor.
Be 100% Sure You Don’t Want More Children
You should opt for a mommy makeover only if you don’t want to have any more children. Although it is not impossible to get pregnant after a mommy makeover, you might have to face some more complications. This treatment can make your stomach flat and the skin tight; another pregnancy can stretch the skin, and you will lose the results you previously obtained.
It Could Take A Week Or Two To Recover
Recovery time after a mommy makeover is usually two weeks. You might feel some pain for the first 7 to 10 days, but that’s common for a mommy makeover. After two weeks, you will be ready to get back to your everyday routine. However, you must be patient after the treatment and give yourself enough time to recover.
You Will Have To Wear A Compression Garment
A compression garment is worn in your abdominal area to protect it and help with effective recovery. Wearing one of these might make you feel uncomfortable, but you will have to wear it anyway. It will prevent swelling in your abdomen, and if you remove it soon after the surgery, the area will swell again.
You Can Add More Procedures If You Want
Yes, a mommy makeover is about improving your abdomen and breasts, but it’s not limited to these. Before the treatment, you can add more procedures to improve other aspects of your body. You can talk to your doctor about your requirements, and they will guide you in the right direction.
The Surgery’s Duration Might Vary
The time for your mommy makeover surgery might vary from someone else’s, and that’s okay. The duration differs based on the number of procedures you are going for. Generally, the treatment will not last more than five or five and a half hours. But there is no fixed time for the surgery’s completion.
You Might Not Need Drains
Drains used to be a common disadvantage of getting tummy tucks for a long time. But whether or not you need drains today solely depends on your surgeon. There are different techniques used by some surgeons nowadays that don’t involve drains. Since emptying drains can be a very uncomfortable experience, patients are also happy with the surgeon’s preference.
You Might Need Laxatives After The Treatment
Constipation is a common problem post-procedure since you will be given anesthesia during the surgery. Therefore, the right thing to do is to buy laxatives in advance. You can buy any laxative you want as there are no specifications. But it is ideal if you choose the one you have used before and are aware of its effectiveness and side effects if there are any. You could even use a laxative before the treatment to test if it’s suitable for your body.
Choose The Right Time For A Mommy Makeover
Before deciding to go for a mommy makeover, be sure that it’s the right time for it. If you think you should get the surgery done now, see if your husband or someone in the family is there to help you. It is not recommended for a woman to get a mommy makeover when there’s no one to help her or take care of the baby.
Conclusion
If you or a loved one wants a mommy makeover, make sure they consider all the important things first. Here we have ten of the most crucial things you should know before this procedure. As far as shopping for a compression garment and other necessary accessories is concerned, visit The Brobe. Here you can find everything you need for your surgery recovery journey and more.
]]>Many women who no longer plan on getting pregnant choose to get a tummy tuck surgery to get their pre-pregnancy body back. And why not? It is 100% safe, effective, and affordable if you find a quality cosmetic surgeon. However, if you want to get a tummy tuck, do your research first.
Learn about some of the most crucial things about this surgery. For example, the cost of tummy tucks to prepare for it accordingly. Here we will discuss five things you must know before you reach out to a surgeon for a tummy tuck.
It is a major cosmetic treatment. Don’t expect to fall back to your usual routine as soon as the surgery is completed. A tummy tuck procedure requires you to give yourself 2 to 3 weeks of recovery time. After the treatment, it is common to feel swollen and sore for a while and have some pain.
When you follow the tummy tuck recovery process suggested by the doctor, you will get better soon. Make sure you go through with the treatment only when you have someone to take care of you and the kids for the first few weeks at least.
During a tummy tuck procedure, a couple of pounds of fat are removed from your abdomen. But the goal of this surgery is not to help you with weight loss. So, don’t expect you will be losing weight along with getting back in shape with this treatment.
After the surgery, you will be swollen for some time, which might add 1 or 2 pounds to your original weight. Don’t panic if you weigh a little more after the treatment. Once you recover and the swelling stops, you will return to your normal weight.
Many women are curious about whether or not there’s a permanent tummy tuck surgery scar. Well, there will be a scar after the surgery for sure. Switching surgeons if your doctor says they can’t prevent the scar won’t help. Even with the most modern equipment, it is impossible to perform a tummy tuck without leaving a scar.
The best your surgeon can do for you is smartly operate to leave the surgery scar where it can be well concealed. These tummy scars won’t be very prominent and tend to get lighter as years go by. But for now, the scars will be pretty visible for some time.
Expert surgeons suggest that it’s best for a woman undergoing a tummy tuck to have a balanced weight. Therefore, make sure you are at or close to your desired weight 6 to 12 months before the surgery. You can follow a diet plan to get back in shape quickly.
When you are in good shape before this treatment, there are more chances of getting the best results. It will also ensure that you don’t have to go through unwanted complications and pain during the procedure. Don’t rush through the surgery process and meet the set requirements first.
After the surgery, you are required to wear a compression garment or a tummy tuck belt on your abdomen. The compression garment exerts supportive pressure in your abdominal area and will be wrapped around you for at least 6 to 8 weeks.
It might feel uncomfortable, but this is important to obtain the best results. Wearing this compression garment will not only boost the healing process but alleviate the swelling. Don’t take the belt off for the given time if you want to prevent swelling.
These five points mentioned above are some of the most important things you need to know before getting a tummy tuck. If you are ready for this surgery, shop for the tummy tuck recovery kit at The Brobe. From your tummy tuck recovery bundles, robes, compression garments, and more, you can shop for anything and everything here.
Our friend Steph was gracious enough to share her mommy makeover story with us, so that you could be better prepared, should you decide it's for you. Steph had a tummy tuck and breast augmentation with a lift, “I had my mommy makeover in 2014 when I was 38 years old.”
]]>Our friend Steph was gracious enough to share her mommy makeover story with us, so that you could be better prepared, should you decide it's for you.
Steph had a tummy tuck and breast augmentation with a lift, “I had my mommy makeover in 2014 when I was 38 years old.”
“I had a very weak core which was causing a lot of back pain, and frankly, my stomach looked like a croissant! I figured I’d add on a boob job while I was going under to maximize the opportunity while getting surgery.”
To prepare, Steph had been eating healthy, and as it came closer to surgery time, she lined up help with the kids. Her mom came to stay with her family following surgery, “I also cleaned up around the house as much as I could before surgery, and thankfully so because I really was unable to do things around the house afterwards.”
In addition to cleaning the house “like crazy” Steph said, “I went grocery shopping, I had meals listed that were good for recovery, and had everything I needed in close proximity to me.”
Ask your surgeon in advance if you'll need JP Drains, aka post-op drains, and then make sure you're prepared with products to hold those drains and equip yourself and your surgery recovery care team with information on caring for those drains.
Steph had her post op drains in for four weeks, “My mom had to help me wash my hair, she and my husband also helped me empty my drains. I made sure ahead of time that they knew how intimately they’d have to help me!”
“I slept in an oversized chair because I couldn’t lay down on the bed,” Steph said she had to walk hunched over for quite a while after surgery.
Clothing that didn’t have to go over her head was a must, which is exactly why we created the Brobe so you can just slip into it and recover comfortably, while having a garment that can carry your drains.
By about the six week mark, Steph was able to get around much easier and sit up straight.
Overall Steph said she's happy with her Mommy Makeover results, but does advise anyone considering a mommy makeover to understand that breast implants eventually need to be replaced.
She also recommends getting into shape, whatever that looks like for you individually.
"Check in!" A simple phone call, and offer of support goes a long way if you have a friend undergoing a mommy makeover. Sometimes dropping off a meal, or a grocery bag full of healthy easy snacks is much appreciated.
The Brobe Mommy Makeover Bundle has multiple products that will help you recovery from your surgery. The Brobe Surgery Recovery Robe has interior pockets to hold your post op drains, and the buttery soft fabric will not irritate your incisions. The fabric is also sturdy enough to hold the weight of your drains, while giving you a cinched waist that is flattering should you have company over while you're recovering from surgery.
Also included in the Mommy Makeover Surgery Recovery Bundle is the Post Surgical Drain Belt, the Pocketed Pillow with Gel Pack plus two additional gel packs that can be heated up or frozen. It also comes with our abdominal compression belly band that is usually required during tummy tuck surgery recovery.
All of the Brobe Surgery Recovery Products also make great gifts for anyone undergoing surgery. You can opt for gift wrapping and include a personalized note upon checkout.
Feel free to use the chat feature on our website if you have any questions.
]]>Getting a tummy tuck is major surgery, and we want to help you prepare for a successful surgery recovery.
Your belly will be sore and swollen for at least the first week after surgery. The skin on your stomach will be mostly numb for several weeks to months. Feeling will return slowly, but you may have a small area on your lower stomach that is always numb.
1. Make sure you are a good candidate: Though it may be uncomfortable, ask if you are a good candidate. A tummy tuck is not a quick fix for weight loss, though it can make you feel lighter and more confident. If you have recently lost a significant amount of weight, or if you plan to do so, give yourself time after you’ve changed your lifestyle, to ensure you can maintain your current size.
2. Make sure your surgeon is qualified: I know this seems like a no-brainer, but you do not want to go with the cheapest option from a surgeon promising a fast and easy experience. Make sure they are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons, find out how many surgeries they’ve done that you’re considering, and ask if they trained and if they operate in an accredited operating room.
3. Find out if you will have drains or a catheter when you go home: You need to know what your surgery recovery will look like. Not everyone has drains or a catheter, but if you will have them, you need to know how to care for them. Post-op drains are the very reason Brobe was create. Brobe has multiple JP Drain holders, including the Brobe Surgery Recovery Robe. Brobe also makes a post op drain belt that can be worn under clothes and it can be worn in the shower.
4. Make sure your post op care team is ready: We want you to know going into it, there absolutely can be complications during surgery and during recovery, no matter how experienced your surgeon is. We have heard both good and bad stories from many customers. Those who have had bad experiences have told us they wish they had had more help with post op wound care. Someone else helping them keep their incision clean, and just generally having an extra set of eyes and hands to keep an eye on their mental and physical health. Know the signs of infection, like fever and chills, pain that doesn’t get better with medicine, redness, swelling, pain, bleeding or discharge from your incisions. If you suspect an infection call your doctor right away, and if necessary head to the nearest emergency room.
5. Get your home ready: Clean, organize, do laundry, do all the things that need to be done in advance. Outsource if you need to in the weeks and months following your surgery. It can be hard to take it easy and not pick up around the house, but overdoing it can lead to major complications following surgery.
6. Products: Comfy cozy is the goal. We of course will recommend the Brobe Surgery Recovery Robe for the weeks following surgery. And our pillow that comes with a pocket that holds one of our hot/cold gel packs is so helpful too. It’s going to hurt when you laugh, sneeze or cough, and using the pillow against your abdomen when you feel one coming on is helpful. You can also place the pillow with the ice pack against your incision or any other spot that is tender.
7. Fill your prescriptions in advance: Prepare for post-op pain. Make sure you have your pain medicine prescriptions filled in advance and picked up before you go home. There’s nothing worse than heading home after surgery without your pain meds and waking up in pain! It's helpful to set reminders on your phone for yourself and your caregivers to help stay on top of your pain.
8. Wear your abdominal support garments: think of your belly binder like it is your retainer after your braces come off. You’ve just gotten your braces off and if you don’t wear your retainer, your teeth will move. The Brobe Belly Binder Abdominal Compression has three pieces to give you placement options along your abdominal region. Follow your surgeons instructions on how long you should be wearing your belly binder.
9. Have realistic expectations for recovery: Find a good balance of movement and rest. Your medical team will help guide you on when you can move and to what level is appropriate. Being too sedentary has its own risks.
10. Hydration and nutrition: though you may be ready to toast your besties over your new curves, wait! Right now you need nutritious meals, and plenty of H20.
Let us know if you have any questions about any of the Brobe Surgery Recovery Products. Use the chat feature on our website and a member of the Brobe Team will get back to you ASAP.
Brobe is an Austin based women owned small business founded in 2012 by Allison Schickel. The first product Allison created is the Brobe Surgery Recovery Robe, with interior pockets to hold post op drains. The Brobe originally came with a built in bra that was detachable, but after ten years, we have decided to separate the two to allow customers to mix and match sizes.
You can find an array of post surgery recovery products by Brobe International that will help you have a more comfortable surgery recovery.
]]>Abdominoplasty, commonly known as a Tummy Tuck, is not a weight loss procedure but it’s very common to lose weight by removing excess skin from the abdominal region. It’s also very common to combine liposuction with a tummy tuck.
There’s only so much a person can do through diet and exercise, particularly when it comes to excess skin or repairing a diastasis recti. Diastasis Recti can occur during pregnancy, when the abdominal muscles essentially split down the middle. Having a tummy tuck to repair split tummy muscles is an option.
In the case of our customer, Adrianne, she had an Extended Tummy Tuck, which means it went from hip to hip.
“I was 38 at the time of surgery, and after having my two kiddos I did not like the way my lower abdomen looked. I knew I was done and was ready to invest in myself and ready for a boost of confidence.”
Preparing for her tummy tuck, Adrienne first made sure she had care for her kids immediately following her surgery, “My tummy tuck recovery was about 6 weeks, I worked from home about 10 days after surgery and went back to the office two weeks later to my office job.”
Adrienne did have post-op drains, aka JP Drains during her recovery, “Yes I had drains for two horrible weeks, I used the pockets inside my Brobe to hold my drains everyday and I’d also recommend having lidocaine gel on hand for that.”
When packing for surgery, “I packed my Brobe for my tummy tuck surgery, and the undergarments my surgeon provided for me.”
And Adrienne said there really wasn’t anything else she needed at the hospital, “You’re so out of it after surgery I had no idea what was going on. I would have let them roll me out to the car naked if they wanted to!”
Adrienne also opted for arm liposuction, “My arms are big in proportion to the rest of my body, and it was only an extra $500 to add on the arm lipo, so I went for it!”
When we asked Adrienne if her arm liposuction was worth it, she said she actually wasn’t very happy with it, “I am very happy with my tummy tuck results, but there really is no difference in my arms.”
Adrienne had a tummy tuck and lipo, “The total for my tummy tuck and arm liposuction was $12k, I would not recommend having arm liposuction by itself.”
We asked Adrienne if either procedure left any scars, “My tummy tuck left scars, but after about a year, my tummy tuck scar has faded.”
Adrienne actually made a Target run in her Brobe, “I had to get out of the house and I got such a kick out of being able to wear my Brobe to shop!”
“Overall recovery really wasn’t horrible, I just watched movies and laid in a recliner. Take it easy and enjoy the couch time!”
Shop the Brobe Tummy Tuck Surgery Recovery, which includes a Brobe Surgery Recovery Robe with interior pockets to hold your post op drains, one of our pocketed pillows that can hold a Brobe hot/cold gel pack, three getl packs, a post op drain belt that you can wear in the shower or under clothing, and a cooling neck wrap which is super helpful after surgery as many patients may experience hot flashes.
If you need a belly binder for liposuction, you can shop the Brobe Belly Binder, and if you’re having any sort of breast surgery, we definitely recommend using our post-op bra that has adjustable straps and an adjustable band to give you a more custom fit. It can also hold the hot/cold gel packs, which are very soothing during surgery recovery because you will be very sore!
We even have customers who use their pocketed pillow with a frozen gel pack and place it on other areas that are sore after surgery besides their incision.
Let us know if you have any questions! Please use the chat feature on our website and a Brobe team member will be with you ASAP.
]]>“I would do the surgery again one thousand times over!”
We met Isaiah Haynie in the fall of 2021 through his friend, and our friend Jodi Estep. Jodi is a breast cancer survivor from West Virginia who we’ve come to know quite well because every October she raises money to purchase Brobes for the patients at St Mary’s Medical Center in Huntington, West Virginia, the same hospital where she was treated for breast cancer. Jodi let Isaiah borrow her Brobe for his organ transplant surgery recovery.
Without hesitation, 43 year old Isaiah Haynie says he offered his friend Eric part of his liver after Eric was diagnosed with cancer.
“Eric still has the text I sent him from the first day I found out about his cancer diagnosis where I asked him if I could donate part of my liver. That was 15 months before a living donor transplant was even an option.”
Did you know that a liver transplant involves transplanting only a portion of a living person's liver? The rest grows back for the donor over time, and the donated portion inside the recipient also grows to full size over time.
Any organ donation that is done by a living person is called a "living" or "live" donation. According to the Health Resources and Services Administration, nearly 6,000 living donations take place each year.
Liver transplants are common, but kidney transplants are the most common live donations, because people have 2 kidneys and only need 1. Unlike livers, kidneys do not regrow. Part of the lung, pancreas or part of the intestines can also be donated while alive, but, similar to kidneys, those organs do not regrow.
Isaiah was able to give Eric 60% of his liver.
“After surgery when I woke up, I had IVs, leads, pumps, and tubes and hoses everywhere. All were vital to monitoring everything that was going on with my body after a traumatic procedure.
“The Brobe was very helpful while I was in the hospital with all that stuff hanging off me.”
Isaiah recovering from surgery at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center in a Brobe he borrowed from his friend Jodi.
Everyone will recover on a different timeline, but most liver donors spend about seven days in the hospital and will need about six to eight weeks to recover. The weeks following surgery were very tough for Isaiah:
“It was the toughest thing physically I have ever been through. The first two weeks were the worst kind of pain b/c even with the drugs being administered it was extremely uncomfortable and painful. I didn’t sleep much for two weeks, hallucinated, hurt, nauseous, and needed help doing basic life functions. After the first two weeks the pain leveled off some and was more tolerable and I was able to finally rest and get some sleep.
“The morning of the surgery Eric, his wife Wendy, my wife Rachel and myself had to be at the hospital really early. We sat together for a little while then they took us back to start pre-op stuff. Eric and I had a chance to kiss our brides and say our “see you laters” then they took us back where the surgical teams came and spoke to us about the procedure. They would take Eric back first and open him up to ensure he was still a viable candidate to receive part of my liver. After about 30 minutes they came and got me and took me back to the surgical suite where we waited for what seemed like forever then a nurse came in and told us the transplant was a go. This is what we had all been praying for and God answered our prayers and the transplant was going to happen. After I told the nurse, “Let’s do this,” I don’t remember much from there till I woke up in the Transplant ICU or TICU.
“My procedure consisted of making an incision from the bottom of my chest or sternum to my belly button which is about 8”-9” long. They also inserted a couple of drains into my belly and several IVs in my arm and neck.”
With any major surgery, there are of course risks. Donors need to be in good health, and would not be eligible to donate if they have diabetes, cancer or high blood pressure, among other health issues. Isaiah said there really wasn’t much pre op preparation required.
“God was preparing me long before I knew. I lost a few pounds to get my weight closer to his but other than that we were a perfect match.”
Isaiah went into surgery feeling prepared thanks to a strong support system at home.
“Make sure you have a support system of people willing to help because you are going to need a lot of help during recovery. My wife Rachel was a rock star. She had to help dress me, help me walk, feed me at times, make sure I took the correct medications, bathe me, dress me, help me in and out of the restroom and basically wait on me hand and foot till I was strong enough to take care of myself.”
“Our church, River Cities Community Church, that Eric and I both attend, was The Church to us both. They gave us money, gas cards, cooked food, bought food, gift cards, cash, prayers and support like I have truly never seen before. It was very humbling. I just can’t imagine going through something like this without a support system like I had. I am very blessed.”
We always recommend having a friend or family member you can rely on for your surgery prep, while you’re at the hospital or surgery center and for those weeks and even months following surgery. If you need extra support we highly recommend speaking with your medical team about that. There’s likely a local nonprofit or organization or church that has programs in place to help those who don’t have access to pre and post op care. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, we all need it so you truly are not alone!
What I found so incredible when writing this blog post is that Isaiah was able to give his friend Eric 60% of his liver. It’s amazing and fascinating that we are able to give more than half of our liver to someone else, and the remaining portion of our liver will grow back to its original size. Talk about a mind blown moment when you take time to think about that. I’m always curious about the first person who was willing to try that medical breakthrough on themselves.
I’d imagine a lot of us are signed up for organ donation should we be involved in an accident. Though none of us want that, it is an incredible gift and legacy to leave behind, and to be able to give a part of yourself to someone in need while you’re still alive, what an incredible opportunity.
]]>I’m Allison Schickel, the founder of Brobe International, Inc. and I had a breast reduction in 2021. I'm sharing my story with you all here, because it's super helpful to have some references in mind when going through this yourself. It is life-changing and can be scary!
But let me make sure one thing is clear before we jump in:
I am thrilled with the outcome of my breast reduction surgery and wish I had done it sooner!
There really is such a thing as having too much of a good thing, especially when it comes to breast tissue! And I'm very happy to be at a size that is comfortable for me and my lifestyle.
When puberty hit, and I started developing breasts, it seemed like they just kept coming! At 5’ 6”, I stopped growing vertically, but my boobs seemed to have an endless supply of growth… How rude!
And after three babies, the girls just kept getting bigger and bigger… and falling lower and lower! Gravity sure can be unkind to a 40 something mom of three, particularly those with exceptionally large breasts.
Physically, it is a big strain on your back and shoulders, and finding the right bra that will hold the girls in is not easy. Certain exercises can be very frustrating, and practically impossible in some cases. Running with a size H cup is bouncy!”
Emotionally, there are a lot of feelings associated with breasts, for women and for men. A lot of women can feel pretty uncomfortable from the attention that big breasts tend to draw. “Eyes up here buddy!” I don’t blame them for looking, but it just doesn’t feel good to have a body part stared at by so many people. My own body image issues were severely impacted by my big breasts. I felt frumpy because I’d have to wear frumpy bras because that was all that would hold me in and support my back.
Mentally, the maintenance of managing very large breasts can be exhausting. I was always self conscious, and it hurt my confidence. I felt so uncomfortable because I was limited on what clothing I could wear. You don't always realize how much room you need at the top of clothing if you don't have really big boobs. My entire day would be based around what bra I could wear and if the bra I needed for the gym or for work wasn’t washed, or I couldn’t find it, it would throw everything off. I couldn’t wear button down shirts, or a v-neck because my boobs would just pop out. I would get bathing suits that would lift my boobs as best as possible, but the strap would kill my neck. Accommodating my big boobs was always at the forefront of my mind.
The most annoying answer to this question is “it depends”. Depending on your health insurance, you may qualify to have a breast reduction covered, at least partially. Considering factors include your height and weight and how much breast tissue can be removed.
If you have to pay out of pocket, make sure you’re not charged for a reduction AND a lift. The way it was explained to me, and through my own post-op experience, is that a reduction will automatically result in a breast lift. I'm in Austin, TX, and my reduction cost me $7,500 out of pocket, however I was quoted by other surgeons up to $17,000.
Make sure you do enough research, read reviews, ask around, even asking in local Facebook groups, before you select your surgeon. A breast reduction is major surgery, so you don’t want to select your surgeon based on cost alone.
Since creating Brobe International, Inc. in 2012, I’ve talked with A LOT of women who have undergone surgery, so I knew going in I’d need to do a few things to prepare myself, my husband and my family about surgery recovery.
First off, before surgery I had all of my post-op medicine and water at my bedside. I washed my sheets and had pillows organized and TV remotes within arms reach. I washed and styled my hair, I shaved and made sure my go-to comfy clothes were clean and easy to find. Make sure you also have dry shampoo on hand! I also had 4 Brobe ice packs in the freezer ready to go. I would rotate them the days and weeks following surgery, two in my bra, two in the freezer, then swap!
I had to let my kids know I was going to be in bed for at least 3-4 days. My husband was an awesome caregiver and would set his alarm in the middle of the night to wake up and make sure I had my meds. He took care of everything for at least 2 weeks.
Of course I packed my Brobe bra+robe combo, socks and comfy joggers to wear to and from the hospital. I also had my Brobe Comfort Pillow to use as a barrier between my chest and my seat belt for the drive home.
I wore by Brobe Post-op Bra even more than the bra I was sent home with. I was also cleared to use the ice packs and it was so soothing, because I was very very sore after surgery. I didn’t have post-op drains, but honestly I think I could have benefitted from one because I was definitely oozing from my incisions.
Recovery was pretty painful for the first few days. I took my pain meds as directed and slept a lot. After that I did not lift anything heavy for at least 6 weeks. The only comfortable thing to wear was my Brobe post op bra with my ice packs tucked in. I actually bought a super expensive post op bra, but it was so uncomfortable plus I couldn't use the ice packs with it. I couldn't lift my arms and honestly even standing for a long period of time would hurt for the first 3-4 weeks.The bandages itched until they came off after a few days but the glue was itchy as well.
I was down for at least 1 week, moving pretty slow for two weeks after, but after about four weeks I was feeling pretty “normal”. I had planned on being out of the office for at least a week then working from home for another week, and I definitely needed that time at home.
If you’re about to undergo a breast reduction, make sure you take plenty of time off of work, and make sure you have friends, family and coworkers to take care of you and all your other obligations.
The Brobe was super helpful because it was easy to get off and on. Anything that is easy to open and close in the front, I highly recommend!
That is a statement I’m pretty confident the vast majority of women who undergo a breast reduction say following their surgery recovery. I literally and figuratively have a major weight lifted off my chest. I’m currently wearing a low support bra that I never dreamed I’d be able to wear. I’m going to the beach in a month and was able to confidently shop for swimsuits. I’m even wearing a sundress WITHOUT A BRA during the trip!
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When you go through a major surgery, you have one thing on your mind: healing. But the road to recovery isn’t always smooth. It’s oftentimes filled with challenges and obstacles that may make the road seem long and difficult.
At Brobe, we want to make that journey just a little bit easier. Since our humble beginnings creating the original recovery robe, we’ve only had one goal— help others heal comfortably and in style.
]]>When you go through major surgery, you have one thing on your mind: healing. But the road to recovery isn’t always smooth. It’s oftentimes filled with challenges and obstacles that may make the road seem long and difficult.
At Brobe, we want to make that journey a little easier. Since our humble beginnings creating the first surgery recovery robe, we’ve only had one goal— help others heal comfortably and in style.
Here’s what sets us apart from other brands out there that have created lookalike robes.
The Brobe is the ultimate post-surgery recovery robe.
Our goal was to create a garment that served three purposes. First, we wanted the robe to be functional and solve the issue of the cumbersome post op drains getting in the way after surgery. Second, we wanted to provide women with a comfortable alternative to hospital gowns and other scratchy post-surgical wear that you often see. Lastly, our hope with the Brobe was to make women feel beautiful. In the weeks following surgery, it’s not uncommon to lose self-esteem and to feel incomplete. We want to restore that confidence with the Brobe’s chic and stylish design.
Here are some of our favorite Brobe features:
Through trial and error, we’ve perfected this garment to be everything a woman needs it to be after surgery: stylish and useful, comfortable and durable, and something that you’ll want to wear long after you’re healed.
Since the Brobe first hit the market back in 2012, several other companies have developed similar products. Unfortunately, many of these companies have not put the same thought and care into their robes, choosing to maximize their bottom line over customer comfort.
Here at Brobe, we like to think that there are five things that set us apart from the rest.
The quality of our products is unmatched. We have meticulously chosen our fabrics and materials to ensure that they feel good when rubbing against surgical wounds or sensitive areas. Your comfort is what matters most during the recovery process, which is why these details are important. Also, we know that sometimes multiple surgeries are required, so our robe is built for use far beyond the initial recovery period. Even after hundreds of washes, your Brobe is the robe to support you through it all.
Our attention to quality and detail means our robes can cost a little more than our competitors, but we refuse to use lower quality fabric, just to lower the price. We pass along savings to our customers when we can, so you can feel confident you are getting the best quality product at the best price when you buy from Brobe.
Though we love our Brobe, we’ll be the first to say that it isn’t the only thing you’ll need during your recovery. That’s why we’ve devoted so much time to developing an entire line of post surgery recovery products geared towards cancer and surgery recovery. From products like our JP drain belt to our mastectomy pillow, we are constantly trying to innovate to bring you products to aid healing.
You may not have the time to search around for everything you need, so we’ve also created product bundles to make shopping and gift giving easy. This means you can purchase all of your post-surgery essentials all at once! Many of our customers are shopping for a gift for a friend or loved one diagnosed with breast cancer who is about to undergo a mastectomy.
Brobe International is more than a business. We are a mission.
We want to give back to the community, so we’ve made it easy for people to donate money towards robes for those who need them most. Brobe currently has two donation programs: one for the original Brobe and a second for the Elliott Superhero Robe, which was designed for children facing chronic illnesses. Through these programs, we’ve been able to provide comfort to women and children going through cancer, surgeries, and other chronic illnesses.
Brobe is more than just a product— we are a community. We love connecting with our customers and fostering a sense of family and belonging. To learn more about the Brobe community, check out our Instagram or Facebook page!
The Brobe was born from love, friendship, and a desire to help those going through what may very well be the most difficult time in their life.
Those same things are what keep us going today. With every Brobe order, you can be sure that there’s a team on the other side that cares about you and your story. We aren’t just another big box online brand— we’re a small team of devoted people hoping to make a difference in your life.
The Brobe Team goes above and beyond to make your shopping experience a seamless one. We know you are likely shopping during a stressful and scary time, so we want to make this part of the journey as easy as possible. When you use the chat feature on our website, our team member receives a text message and we do our best to answer your questions 24 hours a day.
]]>Never performed a self-exam on your breasts? We’re here to show you how to do it and what to do if you see something abnormal.
You often hear the phrase “early detection is key” when talking about breast cancer— and it couldn’t be more true. Women whose breast cancer is detected early have a much higher survival rate than those who detect the cancer later. The longer cancer goes without being detected, the further it can spread, damaging other vital organs.
For the average woman over the age of 40, doctors typically recommend a mammogram every year. But a lot can happen between your annual mammograms, which is why it’s important to do a self-check.
Though it’s no replacement for a mammogram, research by Johns Hopkins Medical Center revealed that 40% of diagnosed breast cancers are detected by women who felt a lump. Self-checks can give you peace of mind each month and alert you to abnormalities that should be checked out by a doctor.
It’s good to get in the habit of doing a self-exam each and every month. The #FeelItOnTheFirst movement started on social media to encourage women to do their monthly breast check on the first day of every month.
With each breast exam that you perform, you will get more and more familiar with your body, which makes it easier to catch something unusual.
All you need to do a self-exam is a mirror and a place to lay down. Here’s how to do it and what to be on the lookout for.
Start by taking a look in the mirror without a shirt or bra on. Stand with your shoulders straight and your arms on your hips. Look for anything out of the ordinary like changes in breast shape, size, and color.
Lean forward and side to side. Examine your breast as you do so, looking for any abnormalities. This is also a good time to check for any discharge by gently squeezing your nipples.
Next, you’ll repeat the first step, but with your arms raised above your head.
While lying down flat on your back, use your fingers to firmly feel your breast. With the pads of your first three fingers, move in small circular motions, and check your breast from top to bottom and side to side. Be sure to cover the area from your collarbone to the top of your abdomen and from your armpit to cleavage. Use varying degrees of pressure to check the top of your breasts, the middle of your breasts, and the deep tissue in the back.
You can move along your breast in whatever pattern you're comfortable with. Just make sure to cover the entire breast.
Photo via Blausen Medical Communications — CC BY 3.0
You’ll want to repeat this process while standing or sitting with your arm over your head. Many women find this easier if the skin is wet in the shower.
When performing a breast exam, you’re looking and feeling for breast changes and anything out of the ordinary. This means checking for:
If you do experience any abnormalities, don’t panic. There are numerous conditions that aren’t breast cancer that can cause similar symptoms. Even if you find a lump, it does not mean cancer. Of all breast lumps found in women, about 60% to 80% are benign, or non-cancerous.
You will, however, want to see your gynecologist or primary care doctor— especially if the condition has lasted longer than one menstrual cycle if you menstruate. During your appointment, if your doctor finds reason to be concerned, they may order additional tests such as a diagnostic mammogram or biopsy.
A self-exam of your breasts may be your first line of detection for breast cancer. With statistics showing the importance of early detection, there’s no reason not to take a few minutes out of your day to do a quick check and #FeelItOnTheFirst!
]]>Which one you and your doctor choose will depend on several factors like your body type and what type of mastectomy you’ve had. Those who opt for implant-based reconstruction may have a few questions about everything, including the role that tissue expanders play. We’re here to break down the basics of tissue expanders and what you can expect during the implant reconstruction process.
Reconstruction with implants can be done during your mastectomy or after you’ve already healed.
Most commonly, women decide to have the expanders put in at the same time as the mastectomy procedure. This is known as immediate reconstruction. Benefits to this include fewer surgeries overall and a better cosmetic result.
Implant reconstruction can be a lengthy process by itself. Delayed reconstruction increases the total time needed for reconstruction and recovery. However, the option may be the best choice if additional cancer therapy is needed after your mastectomy or if you just need more time to consider your reconstruction options.
A tissue expander is a medical device that is used to expand the tissue in the breast to make room for an implant. The tissue expander itself is a silicone pouch with an external port that can be filled with saline solution. Newer expanders may be filled with carbon dioxide.
Tissue expanders are temporary and will be removed in a second procedure in which your actual implants are put in.
The tissue expander can be placed in one of two places: under your pectoralis muscle (submuscular placement) or over the pectoralis muscle (prepectoral placement).
Several weeks after your initial mastectomy and expander implant, you will return to your plastic surgeon to begin the expansion process. Over the course of two to six months, saline (or carbon dioxide, depending on your implant type) will be gradually added to your expanders. This will expand the tissue slowly over time to make room for your permanent implants.
Once your expanders have reached the desired shape and size, you will undergo a second procedure to remove the expanders and place your permanent implants.
Unfortunately, many women report that tissue expanders cause some degree of pain and discomfort. Not only will you have just undergone a major procedure to remove your breast, but now the nearby muscle and tissue will be stretched out.
After each expansion, you’ll likely feel some pain, discomfort, or tenderness for several days. Oftentimes, basic pain-relieving methods can alleviate the discomfort. Your doctor will give you more information on what you can and cannot do, but some examples of pain remedies include:
Like any medical procedure, there are risks associated with tissue expanders and implants. The two most common are:
Though there are tissue expander risks, the practice is considered safe and has been successfully completed thousands of times by surgeons without any issue.
Women undergoing chemotherapy are often still candidates for implant reconstruction. The process may take a little longer, as certain chemotherapies can delay your body’s healing. Your doctor may also decide to surgically insert your permanent implants when you are feeling better.
Radiation, on the other hand, may cause complications or interfere with your implant reconstruction. If you have or are planning on undergoing radiation, your surgeon and doctors will assess whether or not implant reconstruction is the right choice for you. This is often done on a case-by-case basis.
Yes. Breast implants do not have to be permanent. In fact, many women decide years later— for a myriad of reasons— that they no longer want breast implants. The solution to this is breast implant removal surgery, known as explant surgery.
Though explant surgery is by no means a walk in the park and comes with its own risks and a recovery process, many women take comfort knowing that implants aren’t a life-long commitment. If, for whatever reason, breast implants end up causing discomfort or other issues, you have options.
Making choices about your breast reconstruction isn’t always easy, whether it’s before or after your mastectomy. It’s important to consult with your medical team in addition to doing your own research to make an informed decision. Knowing all of your options including the pros, cons, and risks involved can help you make choices confidently.
]]>Making a choice can be daunting, but it’s important to educate yourself on the two options and what they mean for your health. We’ve rounded up some of the basics to consider.
Unlike a mastectomy, a lumpectomy only involves the removal of the breast cancer tumor and a small amount of healthy tissue around it. You may hear lumpectomy go by other names like wide local excision or breast-conserving surgery.
A lumpectomy is often recommended for small, early-stage cancers that are in one area of the breast. Oftentimes, your breast appearance after surgery will be very close to what it was pre-surgery. If there is significant distortion, reconstructive surgery is an option.
A lumpectomy is almost always paired with radiation therapy. Radiation, which is usually done over the course of several weeks, helps ensure that there are no remaining cancer cells surrounding the tumor site.
A mastectomy is the other option you may have and involves the total removal of one or both breasts. This procedure is typically done when a lumpectomy is not an option due to the size of the breast cancer or if a woman isn’t able to undergo radiation. Some may choose to have a double mastectomy due to a higher chance of recurrent breast cancer. Others simply decide to have a mastectomy for personal reasons.
Keep in mind that not all mastectomies are the same. Your doctor may recommend one of the following procedures:
The difference between these different types of mastectomies is how the surgery is performed and how much/what tissue is removed. What your doctor recommends will depend on what stage your cancer is in and where, exactly, it is located.
Like any major choice in life, weighing the pros and cons can help you make a decision. Here are some of the benefits and drawbacks of each procedure.
Lumpectomy |
Mastectomy |
Pro: It’s less extensive. Since your surgeon will only remove the cancerous tumor and surrounding region during a lumpectomy, this surgery is far less extensive and invasive. |
Pro: You might have greater peace of mind. Though overall recurrence rates are roughly the same for mastectomies and lumpectomies with radiation in early-stage cancers, many women feel that a mastectomy gives them greater peace of mind. Since some lumpectomies result in having to have a mastectomy anyway, some women choose to “get it over with” first. |
Pro: Recovery is easier. Recovery after a lumpectomy will be easier than a mastectomy. Typically, most women are released the same day or day after surgery. Lumpectomy healing time can be anywhere between a few days to a little over a week. Recovery can be longer if lymph nodes are also removed. Pain and discomfort are typical after surgery, but not as intense as you would experience with a mastectomy. |
Pro: Radiation is not always needed. While most lumpectomies will be done in conjunction with radiation, not all mastectomies will require this additional treatment. In most cases, doctors will recommend radiation after a mastectomy only if your lymph nodes show signs of cancer, the tumor is larger than two inches, or there are still signs of cancer in your tissue margins. |
Pro: Reconstruction is minimal. While you may still need to undergo a reconstructive procedure, it is typically less involved than a mastectomy. Since your nipple and skin are spared, it will closely resemble your original breast. |
Con: It’s more invasive. Having a mastectomy is considered a major procedure. |
Con: You will have to do radiation. Typically, doctors will recommend radiation treatment in combination with a lumpectomy. Radiation reduces the risk that cancer will return in your affected breast. However, radiation comes with its own set of risks and side effects. |
Con: It requires a longer hospital stay and recovery. Because it’s a major procedure, expect a longer hospital stay after surgery, usually one to three days. Recovery will also be a longer process, lasting several weeks. Full healing often takes six weeks to several months. Pain and discomfort can be more intense compared to a lumpectomy. |
Con: You may end up needing more surgery. In some cases, a doctor may find that cancer cells cover more area than previously thought. In this case, you and your medical team may decide that the best plan of action is a mastectomy, meaning you’ll need to have additional surgery. |
Con: Reconstruction can be a lengthier process. When more is removed, reconstruction can be a longer process, involving multiple surgeries and devices like tissue expanders. Even after surgeries, you may elect to have other cosmetic procedures done such as a 3D nipple tattoo or 4D nipple reconstruction to restore the look of your natural breast. |
Con: There can be a greater psychological impact. Permanently losing one or both of your breasts can carry a heftier emotional toll. |
There may be other logistical factors to consider in making your choice. For instance, where you live may influence which option you choose. Women who live in rural areas far from a radiation center may opt to have a mastectomy since having a lumpectomy would mean staying close to a radiation center for up to six weeks or driving in for each appointment. On the other hand, living in an urban area close to doctors and hospitals may make a lumpectomy with radiation more feasible.
The best way to make the right choice is to consult with and carefully weigh your options with your medical team and support system. Do your own research too, but remember— online, most people don’t know your exact situation. With so many cancer variations and types, it’s important to turn to the experts who understand exactly what you’re dealing with. If you feel like you don’t have enough information to make an informed decision, consult with your doctor or seek a second opinion.
]]>The good thing is that this is only a temporary battle! If you take the time to take care of yourself in recovery, you can expect to be getting back to your normal routine in a few months. To help you during this time, we’ve rounded up seven breast surgery recovery tips.
One of the best things that you can do to help your breast surgery recovery is to prepare beforehand. This means getting your home in order and thinking about the specific needs you’ll have when you return from the hospital.
The biggest thing to remember is that your mobility won’t be the same for several weeks or months after the surgery. You’ll want to make sure that your home and clothing are geared for this when you return. Here are few pre-surgery prep recommendations:
Taking care of this beforehand will be one less thing you’ll have to worry about when you get home.
Before you leave the hospital or surgical center, your doctor will talk to you about what to expect after breast surgery. If you begin to experience symptoms that seem out of the ordinary, it should be cause for at least some concern.
You know yourself better than anyone else. No matter how small it may seem, don’t hesitate to contact your doctor or surgeon if something doesn’t seem right. It’s always better to double-check and be safe than risk experiencing a dangerous complication.
Rest and sleep are so important to your recovery process. While you don’t want to be completely sedentary after your surgery, resting will be a vital part of your healing.
Sleep allows your body to focus solely on the healing process. During sleep, your brain will work to repair injured areas, ward off infection, and guard against other harmful substances. A proper night’s sleep can also do wonders for your energy levels and mood.
If there’s one thing at the top of the “what not to do after breast cancer surgery” list, it’s overdoing it when you get home. It may be easy to bite off more than you can chew and try to get back into your normal routine. But it’s important to recognize that you just had major surgery. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it or to tell people “no” to doing things or visits while you take things easy.
Caring for your wounds is no one’s definition of fun, but it’s necessary for a smooth and healthy healing process. Taking care of your incisions and drains will prevent infection and help reduce scarring once everything has healed up.
Your doctor will give you instructions for wound, dressing, and drain care before you are discharged. Make sure you follow these instructions to a tee.
Sometimes, it can be difficult to manage this on your own because it can be hard to reach or maneuver, especially in the beginning. Ask your doctor ahead of time if they think you’ll need an extra hand. If so, arrange to have someone help you or consider hiring a home health nurse to come in to assist you in caring for your incisions.
Like we mentioned earlier, it’s important to get your rest but not be completely sedentary during recovery. Make sure that you’re getting up and moving every day— within your limits, of course.
If your doctor or physical therapist recommended arm and chest exercises, do them! Moving your arms and chest will help rebuild and repair damaged muscles, allowing you to regain your strength and mobility. Deep breathing exercises will help relieve discomfort and tension around the incision and can help reduce stress.
Remember, only do exercises with your doctor’s approval. Don’t attempt to do any heavy lifting or strenuous exercises until a doctor gives you the all-clear.
Opting for quick and easy fast food is tempting after surgery, especially when you don’t feel like cooking anything. But a healthy, balanced diet is key to any recovery. Wholesome foods will provide your body with the energy and nutrients it needs to heal and fight off infection.
Try to incorporate fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats into your post-surgery diet. They will help you not only heal quicker but feel better every day! It’s also important that you’re staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water during your recovery.
You’ll likely need physical, emotional, and mental support from friends and family after your surgery. Make sure to keep your closest circle in the loop and create a plan for keeping them updated throughout your recovery.
Don’t be afraid to tell your support system exactly what you need. Oftentimes, friends want to help but are just unsure how and want to give you space if you need it. If you find yourself struggling with the emotional and mental impact of your breast surgery and a cancer diagnosis, consider reaching out to a cancer support group. They can provide emotional support and guide you to healthy coping mechanisms and resources.
Breast surgery can be a major operation, and it’s important to treat it as such. Take time to prepare beforehand to ensure a smoother road to healing when you return home. Breast surgery recovery may not always be easy, but if you are diligent about caring for yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally, you’ll be back to your normal routines in no time!
]]>If you are about to undergo or have recently had a mastectomy, you’re probably searching for items that will help bring comfort and a speedy recovery. Luckily, there are several seemingly small mastectomy products out there that can make life a lot easier as your body heals. One of these items that many women swear by is a mastectomy pillow.
But what is a mastectomy pillow and what exactly does it do? Here’s everything you need to know about finding the right post-surgery pillow for you!
]]>But what is a mastectomy pillow and what exactly does it do? Here’s everything you need to know about finding the right post-surgery pillow for you!
Mastectomy pillows aren’t just your normal bedside pillow— they are specially designed to accommodate women who have just had major breast surgery.
They might come in different shapes and sizes, but you’ll find that most breast surgery pillows serve several purposes:
Protecting your incisions and ensuring that you aren’t straining your surgical area is key to a speedy recovery, and these pillows help do just that!
You’ll find all sorts of mastectomy and breast cancer pillows out there. Some are better fit for certain situations than others, and it certainly doesn’t hurt to stock up a few different ones to fit every occasion.
Even after your doctor gives you the okay to sleep on your side, you may still experience some discomfort or soreness. Placing a small rectangular pillow between your breasts can give you extra support and relieve pressure on your muscles.
After your surgery, your underarm area will likely be sore for weeks. A small pillow can help prop your arm up and away from tender areas and lymph node incisions.
For those who have had double mastectomies, it can be helpful to have a larger mastectomy arm pillow at home. These go across your chest and have cutouts to fit under each armpit.
Your upper body isn’t the only thing that you’ll need to worry about keeping comfy. Placing a pillow between your knees while you sleep on your side will help align your hips and keep your back pain-free while you sleep. It also encourages blood flow and can help prevent blood clots from forming.
Doing small things like this to help you fall asleep and stay asleep is crucial to your healing. Remember— rest is of utmost importance in any recovery!
Similar to the knee pillow, placing a small, firm pillow behind your lower back can offer lumbar support and help relieve any tension in those muscles.
U-shaped neck pillows are great to have around the house or when you plan on going for a day of doctor’s appointments. You never know when or where you might need to take a little snooze, and a neck pillow can bring you a bit of comfort and neck support anywhere.
It will be difficult to sit up from a flat position in bed. To help with this, you may want to invest in a firm wedge pillow, which will prop you up at an incline while in bed without dealing with lumpy bed pillows shifting around. This can make getting up from naps and rest a whole lot easier.
Mastectomy and other post-surgery pillows can be found on many online stores, including here at Brobe!
We offer The Comfort Pillow, which is small, lightweight, and great for on-the-go or around the house. It’s small enough to fit in a tote bag but big enough to bring comfort and extra padding when you need it most.
One thing that sets the Comfort Pillow apart from the average throw pillow is the built-in pocket, which can hold a gel cooling and heating pack. Using warm compresses or ice packs can reduce swelling and lessen pain, helping you heal quicker and feel better.
Of course, always be sure to talk to your doctor or surgeon before using ice or heat around your surgical area. Even if they recommend keeping ice packs away from your surgical area, you can benefit from the cooling relief it brings if you are experiencing hot flashes, as many women do after a breast cancer treatment.
The right pillow is a must-have for mastectomy recovery, but it isn’t the only thing you’ll need to make sure you have. Here are a few other items you’ll want to pick up or order before your surgery date.
Ensuring you have these mastectomy products beforehand will make life easier for you when you get home.
If you are purchasing for a loved one, all of these also make great gifts for breast cancer patients or gifts for surgery. Even if your friend or family member already has one of these items, it doesn’t hurt to have another on hand! For instance, having more than one robe allows you to wear one while the other is in the wash, ensuring that you always feel fresh and clean.
A mastectomy pillow is a small thing that can go a long way in terms of comfort as you heal from a mastectomy. Before you go in for surgery, make sure to get a pillow that will give you that extra support when you need it most!
]]>Explant surgery, which involves removing existing implants, is becoming increasingly common across the country for a number of reasons. Some opt for the surgery as a personal preference, while for others, it is a medical necessity due to pain, discomfort, or breast implant illness caused by the artificial implants. Learn more about the procedure and what you can expect from someone who experienced it firsthand.
]]>Even though explant surgery reverses what you’ve already had done, it can still be scary to go under the knife. Hearing from someone who has “been there, done that” can help ease fears, which is why we spoke with Eden Carter about her explant experience. Here’s what she shared with The Brobe, including the video diary below.
For Eden, the decision to undergo an explant surgery was prompted by discomfort caused by the implants.
“So I actually had a reconstruction of my reconstruction in 2014 and had new implants put in,” she explains. “They started to shift and pull on my nerves. I couldn’t sleep, and they were uncomfortable. It was mostly my left side the first time around. But now it’s both sides.”
And Eden isn’t alone in this— many women find that their implants end up causing discomfort and other negative side effects. Medical professionals often categorize the wide range of symptoms that women may experience after reconstruction and/or augmentation as breast implant illness. Breast implant illness can occur with any type of implant and include side effects such as:
For many women, removing breast implants alleviates all of their symptoms. As of now, not a whole lot is known about breast implant illness or its exact causes. Recently, organizations such as the FDA have announced plans to devote more towards research on the matter.
After the surgery, all of the emotions were still there for Eden. “I had every mixed emotion you can possibly think of,” she says. No words can express it, but I literally had every single emotion: happy, sad, angry, pissed, liberated, discouraged. Like, every emotion I could think of— it was so crazy.
For women thinking about undergoing explant surgery, Eden offered this advice. “I would say research as much as you can, every thought that you have, because I didn’t get the chance to do that in the beginning. I didn’t even know that this was an option—to actually go flat.”
Everybody has their own journey, and I think that there’s no right or wrong—no matter what you choose to do,” she reminds us.
Everyone’s explant recovery timeline can vary depending on a number of factors. Your doctor will be able to tell you more about what your exact recovery will look like, but in general, most women are able to return back to light-duty work a week or two after surgery. For those who work in more physically demanding environments, you may need to wait longer before returning to work.
Recovery may look very similar to when you first had reconstruction surgery. There will be soreness and tenderness around your incision for several weeks. You will likely have drains that must be worn post-op and may be given a surgical bra to wear. Your range of motion will be limited for a while, and you will be advised not to lift your arms or pick up anything heavy.
One of the most important things that you can do before your surgery is to simply take time to prepare. Your doctor will help you anticipate and prepare physically for what’s to come. As for emotional and mental support, don’t be afraid to reach back out to your support system who helped you the first go around. Deciding to get explant surgery is a big decision, and as Eden explained, there’s a lot of emotions involved.
Before surgery, it’s also a good idea to get everything you’ll need to help you have a smooth recovery. This includes making sure you have the right clothes and post-op garments and gadgets to help you in your healing.
For Eden, two Brobe products made her life much easier: the Brobe surgery recovery robe and the post-surgical drain belt.
“The [robe] material is amazing because I actually can’t lift or move my arms very well,” she explains. “So, when I’m getting this robe on and off, it’s hard for me to pull my arms out. You can actually stretch the robe out far and get your arm in nicely.”
Similarly, the drain belt has really come in handy. Before she got the belt, she would have someone hold her drains outside of the shower. Then, she’d have to pin the drains to her shirt once she got dressed. If the drain got hung up on anything, it would pull at the drain line, causing excruciating pain.
“I’m going to use [the drain belt] for daily use,” Eden says. “It saves me a lot of pain, and it saves me a lot of hard work.”
Explant surgery isn’t an easy decision nor an easy process. However, rest assured knowing that there are thousands of women out there, like Eden, who are grateful for their decision to have their breast implants removed.
]]>Knowing what to anticipate can help you prepare mentally, emotionally, and physically for the procedure and the mastectomy recovery process. Getting all of the facts can reduce uncertainty and allows you to formulate specific questions to ask you doctor. To help you better understand this breast surgery, we've rounded up some of the basic information you need to know going into your mastectomy.
In the weeks before your surgery you will likely have a preoperative appointment with your doctor. During this time, you may have a mammogram, blood tests, and other testing as deemed necessary by your medical staff to make sure you're safely prepared for the upcoming procedure.
Throughout this process, you will also speak with the medical staff about how to prepare for the day of your surgery. Some things your doctor will typically tell you are:
This is also a great time to ask your doctors any questions. In the days leading up to your pre-op appointment, be sure to write down any questions that cross your mind. This is the best way to ensure that you remember them when you speak to your doctor.
When you return from the hospital, you'll be sore and have a limited range of motion, so it's important to get your home ready beforehand.
First, you'll need to make sure you have appropriate clothes to wear after surgery. Some regular recommendations are a comfortable shirt, dress or recovery robe that can either button up the front or be stepped into to wear home after the surgery.
Secondly, you'll want to purchase anything that will help aid in your recovery. This can include things like a recliner chair, comfy pillows, a drain belt for when you shower, or something to keep you entertained while you recover at home.
Lastly, consider what you will do for food during your recovery. Some patients choose to make their favorite meals beforehand and freeze them so they can easily get some tasty nutrition without too much work.
On the day of your surgery, you'll arrive at the hospital and start the pre-op process. This usually involves a few steps:
Most bilateral mastectomy procedures take 2-3 hours. If you have opted to have immediate reconstruction the process will take a little longer to account for these additional actions.
During the surgery, incisions will be made to allow for all of the breast tissue from the overlying skin and chest wall muscle underneath to be removed. All of the tissue from the collarbone down to the ribs, and from the side of the body to the breastbone in the center will be removed.
After all of the breast tissue is removed, any reconstructive measures that have been previously discussed with your doctor, if any, will be performed.
Your surgeon will then insert medical drains on either side of your body to remove fluid from the surgical sites. Most patients will have two drains that operate using suction on either side of the body.
Your surgeon will then close the surgical sites with a combination or sutures, medical glue, and bandages.
After your surgery you'll be moved to a recovery room for the remainder of the night. Most patients are discharged within 24 hours, but some stays can take up to 3 days.
While in the recovery room, the staff will monitor your heart rate, temperature and other vitals while managing your pain by administering pain medication through your IV.
The morning after your procedure, once your anesthesia has worn off, you can expect a few things:
We understand that undergoing such a procedure can be like navigating a whole new world. It's important to remember that your surgeons and medical staff are your number one resources.
Knowing what to expect with a mastectomy can feel safer and more confident in the breast surgery that you are about to undergo. Even if your situation is a little different, it is likely that you will experience most of the steps outlined above. Remember to never hesitate to ask questions you have about the procedure or the results— no matter how silly you think your question may be!
]]>For at least two to three weeks, mastectomy surgery patients will experience soreness, swelling, and bruising. All of this happens while they are also processing what they’ve just been through and adjusting to a life that demands assistance (at least temporarily). Having someone nearby and ready to help is invaluable.
While many members of our Brobe community are cancer fighters and survivors themselves, many are simply the friends who stood by their side. We wanted to create a guide for these friends and family members who are integral parts of the recovery process. There is a lot that goes into getting well again after breast cancer, and we wondered what women really needed during this time. We asked our community and got answers.
Here are five ways to help out a friend undergoing breast surgery.
Your friend or family member will need support both physically and emotionally, as it is not only a time of physical recovery but emotional as well. It’s important to surround your loved one with people who want to help, like family members, friends, or neighbors.
It can also help to point your friend toward other professionals who may be able to help. Experts recommend seeking counseling or therapy before and after the mastectomy for both the woman undergoing surgery and their spouse, too. There are also post-mastectomy support groups available that meet once or twice a month that can share valuable information. For mastectomy patients, it’s often helpful to meet people who have been through and are going through the same thing as you are. It’s a good idea to find local groups before your surgery.
Do some research to find groups in your area or check out our list of Breast Cancer Recovery Resources and Services.
The lack of mobility after surgery often comes as a surprise to many woman. Before surgery, they often don’t realize what an impact this surgery would have on their daily tasks like getting dressed. This is especially true for those in double mastectomy recovery.
There is an entire market of breast cancer accessories. Companies like Brobe specialize in recovery products that were specifically designed with women going through post-op recovery.
We are best known for our Recovery Brobe, which is both a bra and robe in one. Endorsed by nurses all over the world, our Recovery Brobe is a one-of-a-kind product that makes a perfect after surgery gift. The robe is designed with pockets for postoperative drains and a velcro front-closure bra, complete with pockets for ice packs to help soothe tender breasts or incisions. Of course, we're a little biased, but we designed the Recovery Brobe to be the best gift for a breast cancer patient.
We also offer a shower belt that holds your drains and a comfort pillow that holds an icepack for underarm support. These are what many women called “must-haves” as they make recovery more bearable. Whether you're looking for double mastectomy recovery gifts or for recovery items in general, check out our post-op recovery items for a thoughtful solution for your loved one.
A balanced, healthy diet is crucial to recovery. But when you're recovering from surgery, getting up and cooking is the often the last thing you want to do. It can be tempting for someone in recovery to grab fast food or have something delivered, but this isn't the healthiest (or most budget-friendly) option. Help your friend by ensuring they get the healthy meals that they need to feel their best.
There are several ways you can do this:
It’s also good idea to ask a healthcare provider or a nutritionist for suggestions. Most of the time, diets for breast cancer patients are higher in protein. This nutrient-rich food can provide the energy the body needs to heal after breast cancer.
If your friend doesn't have much of an appetite, protein shakes and supplements may be an option to help keep protein levels where they should be. For most women, the appropriate protein intake is approximately 50-75 gm per day. On average, a chicken breast that is around the size of a deck of cards roughly contains 25 gm of protein.
Exercise for breast cancer survivors usually includes physical therapy to improve strength. If their practitioner okays it, your friend may want to engage in moderate aerobic exercise (like walking) for about 30 minutes, three or more times a week after they’ve recovered for several weeks.
Many women with large breasts who undergo mastectomy surgery will either have (1) a bilateral mastectomy or (2) a mastectomy on the affected side and a breast reduction on the other. This often changes your posture, the way you sit, your balance, and the way you walk. Seeking a physical therapist before and after surgery can help restore mobility to the affected side.
Though it's harder to help with your friend's physical recovery, there are still a few things you can do:
Doing these activities with a loved one can take their mind off of pain or discomfort and make the process more enjoyable.
Your friend will not be able to sleep lying flat, so having a recliner at home is so helpful. To keep the recliner clean, you can wrap it with a fitted sheet. For extra comfort initially, you may want to surround your friend with support pillows. Before surgery, create a basket or bin and put things they might need next to the chair. Some items you may want to include are lip balm, medications, water bottle, phone charger, lotion, pen and journal, a good book, magazine, and crossword puzzles.
Even the smallest things go a long way when helping a friend recovering from a mastectomy. Your support, love, and care means the world to them and is integral to a speedy recovery process.
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