We understand that breast surgery of any form can bring about many different emotions. While the surgery itself is performed by your trusted surgeons, there are steps you can take to ensure a smooth procedure and easier recovery.
What is Prehab?
Prehabilitation, or prehab, aims to enhance your general health before surgery. Taking the proper steps to prepare yourself for surgery is just as important as what you do after surgery. The main goal of prehab is to prepare you physically, mentally, and emotionally for surgery allowing for a smoother recovery.
Nutrition: Maintaining a healthy weight before surgery can be very beneficial, improving surgical outcomes and speeding up recovery. Choosing a diet rich with fruits and veggies, lean meats, and complex, whole-grain carbs is ideal. Also, don’t forget to stay hydrated!
Board-Certified Surgeon
MICHELE LEY, MD, FACS
Dr. Ley, a breast surgical oncologist in Tucson since 2006, delivers compassionate and personalized care to create tailored treatment plans based on the latest research. Specializing in surgical care for breast cancer and high-risk patients, she employs minimally invasive techniques and practices oncoplastic surgery to optimize outcomes.
More About Dr. LeyExercise: If you are not affected by treatments such as radiation and chemotherapy, it is recommended that you continue your normal exercise regimen until surgery. A combination of aerobic, resistance, and flexibility-based activities is ideal.
Physical Therapy: While physical therapy may be part of your recovery process, it can also help to improve your range of motion before surgery. Your physical therapist will assess your movement to determine if physical therapy may be a beneficial part of your prehab.
Breathing Exercises: Breathing exercises can be helpful both before and after surgery to calm your mind. There are many different breathing exercises and techniques to help quiet your mind and reduce stress levels.
Logistical Planning: Prior to your procedure, it is important to address details such as taking time off from work, planning for a driver after the procedure, arranging for any needed child care, and organizing help from family and friends. Taking the time to plan can greatly reduce stress levels.
“The level of care is excellent.”
What is Surgical Rehab?
Following your procedure, your main focus will be on healing. The following rehab steps can help ensure a smooth recovery journey.
Wound & Drain Care: It is vital that you follow your surgeon’s instructions regarding wound and drain care to reduce the risk of complications. Be sure to keep an eye on your surgery sites, and let your healthcare provider know right away if you experience fever, bleeding, or discoloration of the skin.
Medication: Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol following mastectomy is a proven way to improve the physical recovery following surgery. While this protocol can reduce your need for narcotics during recovery, some pain medication may still be necessary. Be sure you are following your doctor’s instructions regarding medication use.
Post-op Physical Therapy/Exercises: Following breast surgery, post-op exercises and/or physical therapy can be very beneficial. These exercises are created to reduce tension in the muscles and prevent frozen shoulder as well as pump the lymphatics to reduce lymphedema. Your surgical team can help determine when it is appropriate for you to begin these exercises after surgery.
Psychosocial Support: Activities that foster connection with others such as support groups and talk therapy can be beneficial for your mental health and overall wellbeing. Sharing experiences with other women who have undergone breast cancer treatment can be a very valuable experience. For recommendations regarding local support groups, feel free to reach out to our office.
Contact Us Today
If you require breast surgery and are seeking beneficial practices to improve your surgical outcomes, prehab and rehab may be for you. Please contact Tucson Breast Health Specialist in Tucson, AZ today to learn more.
ABOUT US
More About UsOUR BLOG
Read Our BlogCONTACT US
We are dedicated to providing the support you need. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help on your breast health journey.