Silicone Gel Sheets

Ask our Nurses your questions
1

Hi There
I had a silicone breast implant reconstruction during my mastectomy surgery in June 2024: Total axilla lymph node clearance in July 2024 and then 15 rounds of chest wall radiotherapy in October 2024. At the end of November I contracted cellulitis of the breast and spent 6 days in hospital on a flucloxacillin high does IV infusion. My breast tissue is damaged in parts as a result, I have some fibrosis and I think that capsular contracture is slowly creeping in. In March this year I was in a hot country and my breast got a bit inflamed - heat, radiotherapy recall? and possibly lack of lymph nodes. After a week on antibiotics it settled to where it was before.
My question is this, now that we are in a current hot spell - what are your views on using silicone gel strips on my breast to add a bit of extra protection on days when I am out and about? The scar therapy nurse at the oncology unit thinks that they should be okay. Do you have any thoughts?
I tried them last week and seemed to be okay but needless to say I don’t want to cause any more damage.

Thanks

Irene x

2

Hi irenko

Thanks for posting.

Managing how the breast, wounds and scars feel and look after periods of infection and cellulitis can be difficult.

Treatment teams often use non-surgical treatment to help with improving the texture and colour of skin and scars. These include advice on moisturising and massage, and the use of silicone creams and silicone dressings. Dressings can also be used to help cool areas of inflammation and heat.

However, it’s important that you get the right advice and support for you, so your surgical team including your scar therapy nurse are best placed to give you the correct information for your individual situation.

It’s also important in the current hot and sunny weather, that the breast skin and scarring is protected from sun exposure.

You may be interested in our Facebook live session with an expert from Restore scar therapy.

We offer a range of free supportive services for anyone who has had a diagnosis of breast cancer which you may be interested in. They include face to face and online courses and events.

You may be particularly interested in our Moving Forward resources that are for people who have had a diagnosis of primary breast cancer and have come to the end of their main hospital treatment within the last 2 years. They include our Moving Forward booklet and Moving Forward courses.

For more details about all of these services, please see the information on the link, or call our free helpline.

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Best wishes

Catherine

Breast Care Nurse

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