Taking Care of Your Breast Friends

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month; and with estimates, that as many as one in every 29 South Africans will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime, there has never been a better time to self-examine your breasts or to finally book that mammogram.

Breast cancer is often easily detectable as a lump in one or both breasts, and the good news is that breast cancer is treatable – when detected early. Surgical treatment is usually the initial treatment of breast cancer, with the desired outcome involving removing the cancer while conserving the breast. This isn’t always a realistic outcome, and often a mastectomy (removal of the affected breast and underlying muscle) is required.
 
If you’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer (or you know someone who has), you may be interested in watching this clip where Dr Rory Dower explains the various options for breast reconstruction.
You can also find more facts and information on breast cancer and breast reconstruction in our latest blog post.

TREATMENT TO TRY: DERMAPEN

The Dermapen is a high-speed, micro-needling device that uses multiple micro needles to pierce the skin, creating ‘micro-injuries’ that harness the skin’s ability to repair itself. When the skin is subject to minor injuries, such as superficial cuts and abrasions, it immediately destroys old, damaged tissue (think acne scarring or wrinkles) and triggers the formation of new collagen and elastin. The Dermapen allows for ‘controlled damage’ on the surface of the skin and is ideal for those who are concerned with acne scars, enlarged pores, an uneven skin tone, as well as fine lines and wrinkles. You may experience some redness and tenderness for the first 24 hours after the treatment, with some peeling after two or three days, but there is no downtime after the treatment. The Dermapen promises a smoother, plumper, and noticeably firmer skin, and results typically last for approximately three months.