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Breast Implants After Lumpectomy and Radiation?

asked 2 years ago by healer in NC
Latest answer by Raj S. Ambay, MD
Question viewed 10,380 times
Tags: implant, lumpectomy, radiation

Do you recommend breast implants after a lumpectomy and radiation? If so, what type of implants and what are the pros and cons of this type of surgery? I had the lumpectomy/radiation a year ago. My breast tissue is soft and most of the discoloration is gone. Are there studies I can read? Thank you.

25 answers to Breast Implants After Lumpectomy and Radiation?

+2

Generally speaking, there is a higher chance of problems using breast implants in a patient who has had previous radiation to th

Compared with a woman who has never had radiation therapy. Having said that, I would not eliminate expanders and implants as an option before having a consultation with a plastic surgeon experienced in both implant and autologous (or self) tissue reconstruction of the breasts. It may be that in your particular case the expander implant approach is still a good option despite the higher complication rate. And when we speak of complications related to radiation, we're... more
Michael H. Rosenberg, MD

White Plains Plastic Surgeon
+2

Breast implant reconstruction after radiation

The truth is that breast implants are used after radiation in patients and many patients do well.  What we see as experts in breast reconstruction is a bias towards those patients who have failed breast implants in the setting of radiation, requiring redo reconstruction.  It is radiation dose dependent and no one can make summary opinions on this matter.
Raffy Karamanoukian, MD

Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon
+2

Breast Implants after Radiation & Lumpectomy

Breast Implants can be placed after radiation and lumpectomy treatment for breast cancer. However, the rate of complications is significantly higher. You should consult with a board certified plastic surgeons who can evaluate your particular needs and goals. Often there maybe other options including soft-tissue rearrangement or autologous flaps.
Ankit Desai, MD

Jacksonville Plastic Surgeon
+2

Implants and Breast Radiation

Wow...Healer, you have recieved some fantastic advice here, isn't www.realself.com a great outlet and resource for you! (FYI, I do not work for them, but think this is a great site). I generally do not recommend breats implant after breast irradiation. The plastic surgery literature documents a higher rate of complications and I have seen a number of patients in my office from other surgeons who have received implants in the irradiated breast. However, not all 2 patients are alike and every pat more
John Philip Connors III, MD

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon
+2

Breast reconstruction

The reconstructive options after Lumpectomy and radiation are good.  The post effects of radiation is different on everyone.  There are options like tissue expansion first if the breast is tight and shrunken, followed by a permanent implant.  Good luck!
Rodger Wade Pielet, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+2

Breast implants generally not recommended for irradiated breasts

Generally, implants are not recommended in an irradiated breast. The rate of complications and contracture is much higher. It does not mean that it can never be done, but you must be informed of the risks and alternatives. In some cases, there may be better options, such as a local tissue rearrangement or the use of autogenous tissue. Best to discuss all of these with your plastic surgeon.
Dean Fardo, MD

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon
+2

Breast implants and radiation

 In general, breast implants and radiation don't mix.  The risk of capsular contracture in this setting is so high as to be almost a certainty.
Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS

Seattle Plastic Surgeon
+2

Breast reconstruction with implants following breast cancer reconstruction

Here is a layman and succint explanation of the issues: http://breastreconstruction.org/ReconstructionOverview/RadiationandReconstruction.html However, in summary, there are an increased risk of complications. Generally most surgeons prefer to use your own vascularized tissues .
Otto Joseph Placik, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+1

Implants alone and radiation not advised

In my practice, I would never advise implants alone in a breast that has been radiated. There are too many documented complications and in my eyes, the risks are not acceptable. You could consider using your back muscle with an implant, or a DIEP flap (takes tissue that would be discarded in a tummy tuck and uses it to reconstruct breasts). In a radiated field that procedure works great. My patients love the fact that they get a tummy tuck, AND experience no loss of the abdominal... more
Raj S. Ambay, MD

Tampa Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast reconstruction following radiation

In general, a woman's own tissue (flap reconstruction) is used to reconstruct a breast following radiation. Tissue from the abdomen (diep flap) may be used. Other options include the thigh (tug flap), buttocks (sgap), and back (latissimus or tap flap).
Loren Schechter, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast Reconstruction after Lumpectomy and Radiation

The use of skin expanders and breast implants for breast reconstruction after lumpectomy and radiation has a rather high complication rate. The skin may breakdown and the implants may become exposed or infected. Shrinkage of the radiated breast is common and can result in an unnatural-looking breast. If your breasts are large enough a breast reduction of the opposite breast for size match of the side with a lumpectomy and radiation might be an option. If choosing... more
Fredrick A. Valauri, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon

www.drvalauri.com

+1

Breast Implants Following Lumpectomy and Radiation

Every woman will have different issues and concerns, of course, following a lumpectomy and radiation. However, in some cases, it is possible to use breast implants after lumpectomy and radiation. Depending on the individual patient, either saline or silicone gel implants can be used. The good news: implants may be used to help correct asymmetries caused by the lumpectomy. A potential disadvantage: for some patients, tomography mammography can be more difficult after implants. In contrast,... more
James Romanelli, MD

Long Island City Plastic Surgeon
+1

Can breast implants be done after radiation therapy?

The advantage of lumpectomy and radiation therapy is to preserve the breast shape and symmetry. If the lumpectomy or partial mastectomy causes significant deformity of the breast or significant asymmetry. Then one would have been better off to undergo a mastectomy and Reconstruction and possibly not need radiation. If there is significant breast deformity my first recommendation is to do a completion mastectomy, possibly saving the nipple and areola and immediate autologous... more
Farhad Rafizadeh, MD

Morristown Plastic Surgeon
+1

Implants and Radiation (reconstruction after lumpectomy and radiation)

I generally do not recommend placement of implants after radiation because of an increased risk of scar tissue formation around you  implant (also known as capsular contracture).    However, if I meet a patient who understands this increased risk, I may consider placement of an implant if I think it can meet the patient's goals for reconstruction.  However, if a patient opts for an implant after lumpectomy and reconstruction, she must understand the... more
C. Bob Basu, MD

Houston Plastic Surgeon

www.basuplasticsurgery.com

+1

Not usually.....

Hello,   Implant reconstruction after breast irradiation is "hit or miss.' Tissue doesn't heal well after having been treated with irradiation. You can try, but you might end up with a firm breast and later have the implant removed. You might want to see a good local plastic surgeon for an opinion on the matter.   Best Regards,   John Di Saia MD
John P. Di Saia, MD

Orange Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast implants after lumpectomy and radiotherapy

As with most of the questions on this website, the treatment options are often complicated and there are many different philosophies/methods.  Nothing can replace a formal consultation and physical examination.  In my opinion, breast implants should not be used after lumpectomy/radiation (in most situations.)  The risks of complications are higher, such as wound complications and infection.  The specific complication that most patients are concerned about is capsular... more
Peter Ashjian, MD

Bakersfield Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast implant can be successful after lumpectomy and radiation

Breast preservation through lumpectomy and radiation treatment affords the best appearance and is far better than an effort to reconstruct after mastectomy. The effect of radiation will produce some shrinkage of the breast and produce some breast asymmetry. The radiation does not affect all patients equally and for some the breast can become quite stiff, or there may seem to be little effect as the breast will remain smooth and soft. We do have patients who seek implants to restore volume,... more
Peter E. Johnson, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast Implants and Breast Cancer

If you are looking to augment the breasts and make them larger and more symmetrical then breast augmentation with implants is an option. You are at a higher risk for this surgery as others have mentioned but if you have breast tissue on the cancer side and are looking to add volume, then it is possible. If you are looking for reconstruction your options are implants, using your own tissue to build up the breast or addressing the opposite side by doing a reduction/lift. Hope that helps.... more
Farbod Esmailian, MD

Orange County Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast implants after a lumpectomy and radiation not recommended

I would NOT recommend it. Although it MAY work, the odds of serious deforming complications is high and the likelihood of scarring around the implants (capsular contracture) is very high. It is always best in cases such as yours to see what tissues (IE the back muscles - the "lats" ) can be borrowed etc. If such options are not available and you were insistent, only then , as a no other recourse option, would I back into the use of implants. You DO have to understand all the... more
Peter A. Aldea, MD

Memphis Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast implants after lumpectomy and radiation

Breast implants can be used after lumpectomy and radiation, but it does carry some increased risks of complications. SIf the deformity left after the lumpectomy is large, an autlogous recosntruction with your own tissue is often better.
Steven Wallach, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast implants after lumpectomy and radiation

Breast implants can and have been used for both reconstruction and augmentation of lumpectomy and radiation breasts. There is more bleeding, wound complications and risk of infection because of the radiation but the risk is not prohibitive.
John P. Stratis, MD

Harrisburg Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast Implants after Lumpectomy & Radiation

There are two reasons to use implants after Lumpectomy & Radiation. One is simply to augment both breasts. In this case, the ideal would be to also even the two sides if there is a difference in size. Although there is an increased risk of problems, with a soft, supple breast on the side of the radiation, you will just have to discuss the options with a Plastic Surgeon who has had a significant experience in dealing with breast cancer. Personally, I think it is reasonable if done... more
Robert T. Buchanan, MD

Highlands Plastic Surgeon
+1

You can have breast implants after radiation.

Hi! 1) If you want breast implants for breast enlargement, that can be done as long as your oncologist approves and as long as you understand that operating on radiated tissues carries a higher risk of complications. 2) If you need reconstruction for a post-lumpectomy deformity, then implants alone are almost never the answer.
George J. Beraka, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast implants and radiation

While it is true that autologous tissue is best when performing reconstruction in an irradiated field, one can have success with implants as well. You just need to be aware of the increased risk of wound complications and capsular contracture. This is a complex issue and a comprehensive consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon is required. Good luck! Dr. Singer
Elan B. Singer, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Implant reconstruction following radiation

It is true that implants in irradiated tissues do worse than in non-irradiated tissues. However, this does not mean that all implants fail. The good thing about implants is that they are easily removed. The problem comes when patients fight to keep an implant that is obviously not compatible and keeps getting hard. Talk to your plastic surgeon about a back up plan in case the implants is not well-tolerated. Also, ask to see if the implant will give you the result you want after the... more
Robin T.W. Yuan, MD

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

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