After surgery, do I need a special skin care regimen?
In order to prevent dryness and sensitivity, you will need to adopt a deep moisturizing skin care regimen. We are only one of a few wellness centers who carry a special line of moisturizing skin creams made specifically for breast cancer treatment patients. Incorporating a good moisturizing skin care routine will also help facilitate your tissue recovery after breast cancer surgery or even radiation.
Am I at risk for lymphedema after breast cancer treatment?
You may be at risk for lymphedema post breast cancer treatment. Although there is no cure for lymphedema, with early intervention and proper treatment, the condition can be controlled and minimized, allowing the individual to lead a full and normal life. It is recommended to work with a certified lymphedema specialist to create a tailored plan to treat and manage your lymphedema. We have several certified lymphedema specialists on our Ricky Knowles Hair & Wellness team. Our therapists will work with you to address any problem areas and our certified compression garment fitters can create custom compression wear to help
I have lymphedema in my chest wall, how can I wear a prosthesis?
We have special prosthesis for those affected by lymphedema. This prosthesis is made to massage the chest wall and move the built up lymphatic fluid during the day. They also have cooling technology that allows for extra comfort and breathability.
What if I don’t want to wear a mastectomy bra?
We have alternative prostheses that are attachable to allow you to wear any bra of your choice.
Do I wear my silicone prosthesis in the pool, ocean, and lake?
We carry swim forms that are designed to allow the water to free flow from the hollowed out form to avoid the form riding up while you are taking a dip.
What do I wear home after a mastectomy?
Post-surgical bras have a removable drain pouch that will allow you to recover from your surgery. We also carry a fiberfill prosthesis which are lightweight enough that you can wear immediately after surgery with a bra or even with a cami.
I have had reconstructive surgery and my breasts are not even. How can I get a more balanced look?
We have prosthetic shapers that will add balance to the reconstructed breast for symmetry.
I have heard a lot about lace wigs on the internet. Is a lace wig a good option for me?
No, it is probably one of the biggest mistakes women make when purchasing a human hair wig. The "full lace wigs" and some of the "lace front wigs" made popular by celebrities are the most realistic product available, but these wigs require strong tapes and adhesives to attach them to the scalp. Most of these tapes and adhesives can cause severe irritation to the skin while the chemotherapy is in your system. Any specialist that tells you otherwise probably does not have much experience working with medical patients. It is important to buy from a salon or store with knowledge
Should I choose a different color and style when I choose my wig?
The side effects of chemotherapy, especially the hair loss, are hard enough to deal with. Most women find it hard to adjust to a new color or new style in everyday life. Wearing a wig is also a very difficult transition to make on its own. Combining the stress of treatment with the hair loss and shopping for a wig can be extremely overwhelming, even on the best of days. The best thing to do is re-create the style and color of your hair before beginning treatment.
How long will I have to wear my wig?
The amount of time you will be in your wig depends on the number of treatments you receive and your comfort level. Most women start losing hair 14 days after the first treatment. You will continue losing hair until about three weeks after your last treatment. On average most women wear their wig for about a year. If you are comfortable facing the world with a shorter style, your time in the wig can be cut in half. These days with technological advancements in hair pieces and hair extensions you could be out of your wig even sooner.
