Surgeries of the breast make up a significant portion of the surgeries performed in the field of plastic surgery. This issue of Plastic Surgical Nursing is dedicated to articles and information to addressing surgeries of the breast. Breast surgery crosses all demographics, ages, body shapes, and sexes. Procedures performed include both cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries.
One of the most common procedures performed annually by plastic surgeons is breast augmentation. Women choose breast enlargement for various reasons. Personal reasons include underdeveloped breasts, differences in the size of the breasts, or changes in the breast after pregnancy and/or breastfeeding. After weight loss, aging, or childbirth, breast volume decreases and augmentation is a popular way to improve breast shape and size. The change after surgery gives a woman more proportional shape, and this in turn may raise her self-esteem. Many plastic surgeons combine mastopexy and augmentation to get the best results.
Breast reduction involves removal of excess breast tissue and skin along with reshaping the breast. Many women with oversized breasts experience physical and psychological problems. Breast reduction can change not only their physical size and shape but their whole outlook on life.
Breast reconstruction after a mastectomy may be one of the most rewarding surgical procedures available to women today. New techniques and devices make a breast close in form and appearance to a natural breast possible. Patients have the option of a prosthetic implant, a TRAM flap, or skin flap taken from another area of the body. Reconstruction may take place immediately after the mastectomy or later in the patient's recovery.
The majority of breast surgeries are performed on women but gynecomastia is far more common in men than many of us realize. The condition may affect one or both male breasts. A large percentage of these cases derive from an unknown source. Liposuction and/or surgically removing excess glandular tissue are the preferred surgical treatment.
ASPSN professional nurses are involved at all levels in the care of the breast surgery patient. A nurse is with the patient in the office starting with their initial consultation, followed by a nurse in pre-op, the operating room, and recovery continuing with aftercare in the office.
Our organization, ASPSN, ties us all together and allows us to network between all of our subspecialty areas. Networking and communication make the patient's stay as minimal as possible while receiving excellent care.
Information in this quarter's journal will help update and educate nurses in the care of the breast surgery patient. No matter the setting, office, operating room recovery, or outpatient clinic, the patients will receive excellent care when we as nurses continue to educate ourselves in our specialty.
Pamala Silvers, BSN, RN, CPSN
ASPSN President 2007