Things You Need to Know About Preventative Double Mastectomies

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Should I Have Breast Reconstruction Surgery After the Mastectomy?

Having your breasts rebuilt after the mastectomy is an option for most women. Breast reconstruction can restore the breasts appearance, depending on what the patient wants. It can be done after the mastectomy or at the same time, but this depends on the surgeon. Additionally, reconstruction isn’t ideal for everyone. There can be complications or issues with reconstruction. Instead, some women choose to wear a breast prosthesis or choose to leave the area as-is. You can discuss your options with a surgeon and a plastic surgeon before your mastectomy.

Did you know...

  • A hearty laugh is good for the heart. Laughing can increase blood flow by 20%. Additionally, looking on the bright side can help you live longer. Studies have shown that a more optimistic outlook is linked to a healthier heart, lower blood pressure, and a lower risk for coronary artery disease.
  • Does your job make you stressed? We all know that stress is psychologically bad for you, but it also has an effect on…your allergies? A Harvard Medical School study has shown that stress causes your allergies to become worse because your body's defense response loses efficacy when repeatedly triggered by stress. Then, when you really need to physically fight something off, you're less able to!
  • Starting to feel claustrophobic? The smells of apples may help keep your claustrophobic feelings at bay according to a 1995 study by Dr. Alan Hirsch. Green apples, specifically, helped people change their perception of their space. Maybe they thought of expansive apple orchards? Cucumbers and barbecue made the feelings worse.
  • Do you know what the strongest muscle in your body is? No, it’s not your biceps or your thighs. It’s actually in your head. The masseter is a muscle in the jaw that is used when chewing. When all of the muscles of the jaw work together, they can exert a force as strong as 200 pounds on the molars. That’s some serious pressure.
  • Need a quick cool down? Try drinking some hot liquid. It's true! As counterintuitive as it may seem, the heat from hot liquids will raise your body temperature. This will heat you up and cause you to sweat. The increased perspiration will wind up helping you feel cooler as it evaporates. Try it out!