[libribook.com] Traumatic Scar Tissue Management 1st Edition

Table 6.2
Types of mastectomies
As mastectomy is considered more invasive, it is important to understand the
surgical procedures to get a clearer picture of what systems and structures can be
effected and how MT treatment can best assist the healing process and address
issues related to postsurgical scarring. Although common in the past, radical
mastectomy is now rarely performed because in most cases, modified radical
mastectomy has proven to be just as effective, while less invasive and
disfiguring.
Traumatic Scars
Breast and axillary scar tightness are one of the most common impairments
reported after a mastectomy (Fourie 2008). Scarring can vary widely depending
upon the type of mastectomy and reconstructive considerations. Additionally, as
with any surgery, skillful incisions and suturing are known to minimize the
spectrum of sequelae and complications (e.g. poor wound closure, wound
rupture, ischemia, necrosis, enhanced inflammatory response that may retard
healing, wide-spread and hypertrophic scars) (Khan et al. 2002). There is some
evidence to support that certain types of suture material may result in smaller,
less reactive scars and a lower tendency toward hypertrophic scar development
(Niessen et al. 1997). As previously noted, anatomical location can also factor
into the tendency toward pathophysiological scarring.