Oncology skin care
Aftercare for breast cancer
Lymphoedema, tight scars and fragile skin after treatment.
What is it?
During and after chemotherapy, radiotherapy or surgery, the skin is extra vulnerable. After breast cancer, complaints can remain, such as swelling due to lymphoedema, a heavy feeling or a tight scar.
Huidzorg Amstelland specialises in skin care during and after cancer treatment. Our skin and oedema therapists have a lot of experience with these complaints and take the time for you.
Lymphoedema: what to look out for
During breast surgery, lymph nodes in the armpit are often removed or irradiated. Lymph fluid can then drain less well, and the arm, breast or side of the chest may swell. This can happen right after treatment, but also months or sometimes years later.
Early signs are a heavy or full feeling in the arm, a ring or watch that feels tighter, or a mark from your bra strap that stays visible for a long time.
Sooner rather than later
Oedema is easier to treat at an early stage than once it has been there for a long time. If you notice something, do not wait but get in touch. You can come to us without a referral.
The scar
A scar after breast surgery or radiotherapy can become tight or stick to the tissue underneath. It then pulls when you move, or you cannot raise your shoulder as well. With scar massage, silicone and tape we make the tissue more supple. We only start once the wound has fully closed.
Your skin during chemotherapy and radiotherapy
During treatment the skin often becomes dry, thin and sensitive. Where it is irradiated it can turn red and start to flake. Together with you, we look at what care your skin needs now and what you are better off leaving out for a while.
How we approach it
Every treatment plan starts with a free 30-minute intake. Your skin therapist examines your skin and discusses what you would like to achieve. We then draw up a treatment plan together. Sometimes one treatment is enough, sometimes we combine two. You also receive advice on caring for your skin at home.
Insurance
Oedema and scar therapy may be covered by health insurance.
Read more about referral and insurance
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a referral?
No, you can come to us without a referral. Whether your insurer asks for one for reimbursement differs per policy. Check your policy or ask your insurer. You can read more on the referral and insurance page.
Do you work with the hospital?
Yes. We work with doctors and specialists in the region, including Ziekenhuis Amstelland, the AMC, the VU, the AVL (Netherlands Cancer Institute) and the Cancer Care Center. With your permission we coordinate the treatment with your doctor.
Do I need to wear a compression garment?
That depends on how severe the oedema is. An elastic arm sleeve or a compression bandage is often part of the treatment, so that the result is maintained. Your therapist will discuss with you what is needed in your situation.
Treatments
Suitable treatments
Which treatment works best for you depends on your skin. These are the treatments we use most often for this concern.
Mammacare
Oedema and scar therapy after breast cancer. Our skin and oedema therapists work closely with the hospitals in the region.
View treatment →
Scar therapy
A scar can pull, itch or get in the way. With massage, Tixel, microneedling and silicone, we make it more supple and less visible.
View treatment →Questions about aftercare for breast cancer? We are happy to help.
Book a free intake. We look at your skin and tell you honestly what we can do for you.