Whether you're preparing for surgery, recovering from cancer treatment or a cosmetic procedure, or managing lymphedema, maintaining skin health helps reduce complications and supports optimal healing. 

Surgical incisions, radiation, chemotherapy, and chronic swelling can all put stress on your skin. When the skin becomes dry, cracked, or irritated, it creates potential entry points for bacteria, increasing the risk of infection. This is particularly important for individuals with compromised lymphatic systems, where even minor skin injuries can escalate quickly. 

 

Surgical Considerations and Scar Management 

Surgery is a form of trauma that can temporarily weaken your skin’s defenses. Healthy skin heals more quickly and is less prone to complications such as infection. Preparing your skin before surgery can make a significant difference in your recovery. 

Scar tissue forms as part of the body’s natural healing process. This tissue is more dense and less elastic than the surrounding tissue and may adhere to underlying fascial tissue, leading to tightness, discomfort and reduced range of motion. 

Fortunately, there are various techniques our team can use to minimize the impacts of scarring, including basic wound care, massage therapy, cupping, laser therapy, and nutritional guidance to improve your bodies healing ability. 

Softening and mobilizing scar tissue not only minimizes its appearance but also supports your body’s full range of movement, aiding overall recovery. These therapies are beneficial for scars caused by cancer and reconstructive surgery, as well as cosmetic procedures such as tummy tucks, facelifts, and breast augmentations. 

Our team offers a range of scar management solutions tailored to your individual needs. 

 

Skin Care for Lymphedema

For those living with primary or secondary lymphedema, skin care is more than just a routine—it's a critical part of managing the condition. Lymphedema reduces your skin’s ability to fight off infection, making it more vulnerable to complications like cellulitis, a painful bacterial infection that requires prompt medical intervention.  

At Ottawa Cancer and Lymphatics Centre, we integrate skin care education into all our lymphedema management programs. We also provide lymphatic drainage therapy, compression therapy, and nutritional guidance for skin health and healing and support for those navigating the day-to-day challenges of living with lymphedema.

 

Skin Care During Cancer Treatment

Cancer treatments, including chemotherapy and radiation, can profoundly affect your skin. You may experience dryness, sensitivity, or even conditions like dermatitis and radiation burns. While these side effects cannot always be prevented, proactive skin care can help you feel more comfortable, and aids your lymphatic system, helping reduce the risk of lymphedema. 

Common Skin Concerns During Cancer Treatment: 

• Dry or Flaky Skin: Chemotherapy often reduces the natural oils in your skin, leading to extreme dryness. 

• Sensitive Skin: Radiation and chemotherapy can make your skin more reactive to products and environmental factors. 

• Radiation Burns: Areas targeted with radiation can experience redness, peeling, or soreness. 

Tips for Skin Health During Treatment: 

• Exfoliation: Gently remove dead skin cells to help moisturizers penetrate effectively. 

• Moisturizing: Apply a fragrance-free moisturizer multiple times a day to maintain a strong skin barrier. 

• Sun Protection: Use SPF 50+ products daily, as treatments can increase sun sensitivity. 

 

Starting a skin care routine before treatment begins can minimize the severity of side effects and enhance your skin’s ability to heal. 

At Ottawa Cancer and Lymphatics Centre we provide therapies to manage scars and maintain skin health, customized to support your recovery from surgeries and treatments for cancer, lymphedema management and cosmetic procedures. 

Our approach includes personalized education and hands-on therapies to empower you in your healing journey. We’re here to help you regain comfort and confidence, inside and out.