One in eight women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. As such, breast reconstruction is on the rise amongst those undergoing mastectomy, with an increase from 12 percent in 1998 to 36 percent in 2011.1,2 An already complex and emotional surgery, postoperative infection remains the most common, and likely the most feared, complication from breast reconstruction surgery, which can often cost an additional $10,000 or more.3,4
Recently, Susan, a 47 year-old mother of four, shared her story of undergoing a double mastectomy with reconstruction and resulting recovery journey. With a vast family history of breast and cervical cancer, along with a positive BRCA2 test result, Susan made the proactive decision to receive a double mastectomy to lower her risk of developing breast cancer down the road. Susan initially met with a clinician who encouraged her to be conservative and monitor her health every six months; however, keeping her family in mind at all times, Susan wanted to take aggressive action in regard to her health. She sought a second opinion from a clinician who agreed with her decision to undergo a double mastectomy.
Following her surgery, Susan received the PREVENA RESTOR BELLA•FORM™ System as part of her postoperative care. The PREVENA RESTOR BELLA•FORM™ System, launched in September, was specifically designed to manage post-operative incisions, as well as the surrounding soft tissue envelope following surgical procedures, to stabilize the incision and surrounding surgical area, reduce edema and help protect the incision as it heals. Once she arrived home the next day, she was able to shower, lie down, walk around, and return to her daily activities, all while feeling as if her surgical area was secure and protected. As Susan prepares to have her expanders removed and enter the next phase of her reconstruction, she feels even more sure in her decision to take control of her health and future.
NOTE: Specific indications, contraindications, warnings, precautions and safety information exist for the PREVENA RESTOR Incision Management System. Please consult a physician and product instructions for use prior to application. Rx only.
Resources:
1 Breastcancer.org, “US Breast Cancer Statistics.” Retrieved from https://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/understand_bc/statistics.
2 American Cancer Society, “Breast Cancer Facts and Figures 2017-2018.” Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/content/dam/cancer-org/research/cancer-facts-and-statistics/breast-cancer-facts-and-figures/breast-cancer-facts-and-figures-2017-2018.pdf.
3 Kim JY, Davila AA, Persing S et al. A meta-analysis of human acellular dermis and submuscular tissue expander breast reconstruction. Plast Reconstr Surg 2012;129:28-41.
4 Susman, Ed. Post-Mastectomy Breast Reconstruction and Complications Swell Costs. Oncology Times 2016; 38:3.
