A breast reconstruction project receives the Humanization Award

We share this report from the Diario de Teruel newspaper about the recognition of the Obispo Polanco General Surgery team at the HumanizAR and CuidAR Awards.

The General Surgery team at Obispo Polanco Hospital in Teruel has been awarded the Humanization Award in the Teruel Sector for their work in restoring the nipple-areola complex in women who have suffered from cancer or have undergone surgery requiring reconstruction. 1st HumanizAR and CuidAR Awards by Aragon consists of 1.000 Euros, which this group will dedicate to developing projects and conducting training courses.

These procedures have been performed in Teruel since 2023, when this unit began performing these types of corrections. The procedure consists of a superficial, tattoo-like treatment with areola micropigmentation as a cosmetic and medical procedure. This insertion involves implanting pigments into the skin to recreate the shape and color of the areola and nipple. It is especially useful after a mastectomy for breast cancer or to correct other asymmetries or scars.

In Teruel, the team led by Laura Comín, the coordinating surgeon of the breast unit, has already operated on fifteen women, although the list extends to 25. The procedure is to "recruit patients who are being monitored after surgery and who have been there for up to ten years," said Laura Comín.

Improve self esteem

This nipple-areola adjustment creates a natural-looking, three-dimensional effect using approved pigments and fine needles, and topical anesthesia is applied to minimize pain. The treatment helps restore patients' self-esteem, offering a natural and long-lasting solution that can be maintained for three to six years.

The procedure can be performed in one session, but some patients have required two, three, or even four sessions to achieve complete reconstruction and cosmetic repair. This procedure is typically uncomplicated.

The AECC Teruel is also committed to offering this solution to patients who have undergone cancer surgery.

Participation in this competition was initiated by Jessica Martín, an outpatient nurse and member of the team involved in nipple-areola reconstruction procedures, who motivated the team to enter the competition.

The first HumanizAR and CuidAR Awards for Aragon were awarded in their first edition to eight projects, one for each healthcare sector in Aragon, and to the careers of three professionals. In all cases, the commitment to providing more humane and patient-centered healthcare was highlighted.

This first edition of the HumanizAR and CuidAR Award has been promoted by the General Directorate of Care and Humanization of health Department of the Government of Aragon, with the support of the Aragon Health Research Institute and the sponsorship of Roche Pharma Spain.

This first edition was attended by: 71 projects, in which around 500 professionals have participated. The eight award-winning projects have involved 325 workers.

These awards recognize various initiatives that improve healthcare, promote closeness, and foster the most human dimension of the relationship between professionals and patients.

The work carried out at Obispo Polanco Hospital has also been followed up with reconstruction patients through participation in a satisfaction survey. The results of this evaluation are more than satisfactory for all patients, and they feel comforted to have been included in this project, as it has also improved their perception of public healthcare.

Source: Teruel Diary