A mastectomy is a surgical procedure to remove breast tissue, typically to treat or prevent breast cancer. This procedure can significantly alter one’s appearance, resulting in poorer self-esteem and a negative self-image. However, mastectomies are very common and are excellent procedures to keep you at your healthiest self. Women can remain confident, beautiful, successful, and feel gorgeous after a mastectomy with a few self-care tips and practices.
Post: Dedicated to my late Grandma Hedi who had a double-mastectomy in the 1960s.
Avoid Comparisons
Regardless of how you look and feel, comparing yourself to others can lower your self-esteem. When you compare your features and lifestyle, you often ignore your assets and dwell on perceived flaws. Practice focusing on the positive aspects of your life and appearance. Don’t worry about what others are doing or how they look compared to you. We are all unique and come with our own set of strengths and flaws. We all play important roles in life. You’re not meant to be someone else; you’re meant to be you!
Prioritize a Healthy Recovery
You’re at your best when you’re healthy. After your mastectomy procedure, you will want to follow all doctor and prescription instructions for the most successful recovery. Stay hydrated and eat nutritious meals. Don’t overexert yourself or exercise until your doctor permits you. Attend follow-up appointments and keep an eye out for red flags like post-surgical complications. Infections or even surgical errors can cause complications. While errors during surgery aren’t as common, they aren’t impossible. Larger cities like New York and Chicago see many patients and surgeries, increasing the chances of surgical areas. In just one hospital in Chicago, 13 patient deaths were caused by surgical mistakes or negligence. Be vigilant regarding surgical errors and consult with a lawyer if you live in a city like Chicago.
Don’t Be Afraid to Go Natural
After your mastectomy, you may feel pressured to undergo reconstructive surgeries or wear prosthetics. In the US, a federal law requires group health insurance plans that pay for mastectomy to also cover breast reconstruction. In many cases, several surgeries are required to obtains symmetrical appearance.
Breast prosthetics come in various sizes and materials (foam, silicon, cotton). They require wearing a special bra that permits securing the fake breast. Due to the different density of breast tissue (911-999 kg/m3) and the prosthetics (24-300 kg/m3, 1100-1400 kg/m3, 448 kg/m3) the real and fake breast may end up at different heights. You can avoid this by choosing bras with wide waistband and/or adjusting the straps to achieve symmetry. Adding weight in the cup with the fake is another trick.
While you’re free to take these measures to boost your confidence, they aren’t necessary. Many women go natural after their mastectomy and maintain their beauty and confidence. You don’t have to alter your appearance in any way that makes you uncomfortable. You’re gorgeous no matter what!
Add to Your Wardrobe
There is nothing that boosts confidence like a shopping spree. Head to your favorite clothing store (or try a new one) after healing from your surgery to try on some new outfits. It’s best to go prior to starting chemo.
While scarves are a great way to distract when going natural, and tailored cuts can pretend curves, your goal isn’t to cover up. Instead, the aim is to wear what makes you feel confident and beautiful. Whether you want to refresh your wardrobe or start completely anew, buy some bold, vibrant clothes that make you feel comfortable and confident. Try them on before you buy, and consider bringing a friend to help you make decisions. Don’t forget a matching pair of shoes!
Practice Self-Care
Self-care is important regardless of your confidence level or health. Make sure you take steps to take care of your physical and mental health. Self-care looks different for everyone. For some people, self-care involves taking care of the pile of dishes left in the sink. For others, it’s a luxurious bubble bath after a stressful workday. In may case, dancing is part of my selfcare.
For those who have undergone a mastectomy, you may need to make surgery aftercare appointments, take care of any surgical scars, undergo chemo therapy, radiation and manage your pain better. Think of what is bothering or stressing you out in daily life; consider taking care of these stresses to make your daily life easier. Lowering stress is a great way to stay confident. Take care of yourself!
Use Your Support System
Friends and loved ones are meant to offer you support and encouragement when you go thru hardship. If you’ve recently had a surgical procedure like a mastectomy, loved ones can help with aftercare, confidence levels, and emotional support. Don’t be afraid to rely on them for a pick-me-up after chemo or help changing your bandages; that’s what your support system is there for. Therefore, consider opening up to them about any confidence or self-image issues; they’ll set the record straight and remind you of why you’re gorgeous or successful.
Hire a Stylist
After any procedure that changes your appearance, you may not know the best way to adjust. In this case, a mental health professional or navigation nurse, and/or stylist can help you gain your confidence by narrowing down what makes you feel best.
Whether it’s a wig, style makeover, or outfit, hiring a stylist can be a great way to relearn what makes you feel the most confident. Stylists do come with a price, but if you can afford it, you may discover some new tips and tricks to help keep your chin up.
Don’t Focus on Flaws
Everyone has flaws, and they’re always more extreme in your own head. From acne to anxiety, our perceived flaws aren’t as major as we make them out to be. If you focus only on your flaws, they’ll rule your life, confidence levels, and mental health. Instead of focusing on what you feel least confident about, try to uplift what you do like about yourself.
Do you have a great smile? Try to smile more. Do you like the form of your hands? Get your nails done to show your hands off! Confidence is about flaunting your assets and ignoring your flaws. Since we all have flaws, there’s no need to dwell on them.
Recall: Your beautiful hair will grow back. You can even make your hair grow faster.
Conclusions on How to Feel Gorgeous after a Mastectomy
A mastectomy is often a life-saving procedure. While no one prefers to undergo a body-altering procedure, it doesn’t mean you’re any less of who you are. You’re likely a much healthier person after your mastectomy, and you’re prolonging your time with loved ones by opting for such procedures. Taking care of your health is an excellent thing. Don’t spend your time wallowing or focusing on perceived flaws. Be your gorgeous self the way you’re meant to be!
Featured photo by: motortion. Source: depositphotos.com
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That’s a very uplifting and useful post Nicole, full of tips and good advice. It was an interesting read – thank you.