Breast cancer is the most prevalent non-skin cancer. It also accounts for the second most number of cancer fatalities. Women between the ages 40-55 are most prone for this ailment. In the US, one out of 8 women will develop breast cancer.
Breast cancer patients usually need to have the malignant tumor in their breast removed. The surgical removal of tumor provides the most benefit to the patient. In some cases, the surgery can cure the cancer.
However, there are side effects after the surgery. One known side effect is the condition called lymphedema. Lymphedema is a life-changing side effect that can make the arm numb, swollen and heavy because of the blockage in the lymphatic system. About a fourth of all breast cancer patients can develop this disorder.
The swelling is due to the inability to drain the fluid properly because the lympathic system is blocked. It makes lifting the arms a chore. Around 25 percent of breast cancer patients develop this problem after surgery.
Breast liposuction for cancer patients can help relieve them from lymphedema. The lipo removes the fat cells in the affected area. The decrease number of fat cells can reduce the swelling. This is because the lesser the number of fat cells there is, the lesser fluid it retains.
Tumescent liposuction is the most popular liposuction procedure. It is considered safe, effective and minimally invasive as it makes a very incision to the skin before inserting a tumescent solution made up of saltwater and an anesthetic called lidocaine.
Lipo may not entirely eliminate the problem but it can definitely control lymphedema to manageable levels. In the long run, it provides the added benefit of making the patient live longer.
The cost of liposuction such as tumescent liposuction cost for this kind of lipo procedure can be prohibitive. It can be anywhere between $12,000 and $17,000.
The breast liposuction is an outpatient procedure. The person can be up and about hours after the operation. Results are also apparent immediately after. The swelling goes down, movement of arms is restored and more convenient to use.
The side effects could include scarring and bruising. With the tumescent procedure, the scar is usually just a quarter of an inch long. It will fade away in weeks. Bruising can be painful but it is gone in a month’s time. Also, the patient may need to wear compressive sleeve long term to prevent lymphedema from coming back.
The cost of liposuction such as tumescent liposuction cost is definitely worth paying because of the great benefits liposuction provides to women with breast cancer.