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.
Answer: Implants after radiation It can be difficult to expand or enlarge the breast with an implant after radiation and lumpectomy. The skin and the tissue are frequently sclerotic and will have lost their natural elasticity. Sometimes it is a better choice to make the opposite breast smaller to achieve symmetry.
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CONTACT NOW Answer: Implants after radiation It can be difficult to expand or enlarge the breast with an implant after radiation and lumpectomy. The skin and the tissue are frequently sclerotic and will have lost their natural elasticity. Sometimes it is a better choice to make the opposite breast smaller to achieve symmetry.
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CONTACT NOW May 23, 2016
Answer: Implants can be problematic after lumpectomy and radiation Unfortunately, surgery of any kind on a radiated breast can be problematic due to increased risk of wound healing problems and infection. Implants are stressful to the breast in this sense and also have a substantially higher risk of capsular contracture (tightening of tissue around the implant). The high likelihood of capsular contracture makes it unlikely that a radiated breast augmented with an implant will appear natural or maintain a soft texture. As a result, augmentation is an intervention that is typically avoided in this setting.
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CONTACT NOW May 23, 2016
Answer: Implants can be problematic after lumpectomy and radiation Unfortunately, surgery of any kind on a radiated breast can be problematic due to increased risk of wound healing problems and infection. Implants are stressful to the breast in this sense and also have a substantially higher risk of capsular contracture (tightening of tissue around the implant). The high likelihood of capsular contracture makes it unlikely that a radiated breast augmented with an implant will appear natural or maintain a soft texture. As a result, augmentation is an intervention that is typically avoided in this setting.
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December 8, 2015
Answer: Implants after Lumpectomy and Radiation The effects of radiation are different for every woman, and unfortunately, it is often not possible to know how radiation will impact your healing process after surgery on that breast. In general, using implants in a radiated breast is something I do not usually recommend. There can be up to a 40% risk of complications (infection, wound healing issues, capsular contracture) and ultimate "reconstructive failure" from an implant-based approach. There are often other options including rearranging the breast or adding healthy tissue to that radiated breast that are better options from a risk/benefit standpoint. In addition, procedures for the opposite breast are available to improve breast symmetry. Your plastic surgeon should be able to help guide you in this decision-making process.
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CONTACT NOW December 8, 2015
Answer: Implants after Lumpectomy and Radiation The effects of radiation are different for every woman, and unfortunately, it is often not possible to know how radiation will impact your healing process after surgery on that breast. In general, using implants in a radiated breast is something I do not usually recommend. There can be up to a 40% risk of complications (infection, wound healing issues, capsular contracture) and ultimate "reconstructive failure" from an implant-based approach. There are often other options including rearranging the breast or adding healthy tissue to that radiated breast that are better options from a risk/benefit standpoint. In addition, procedures for the opposite breast are available to improve breast symmetry. Your plastic surgeon should be able to help guide you in this decision-making process.
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April 29, 2014
Answer: Implants after lumpectomy and radiation You really need to be seen in consultation with a plastic surgeon that does a lot of breast reconstruction. There are many ways to reconstruct breasts and each technique has its place. Generally radiation makes implants slightly higher risk for a variety of complications. But more importantly, implants ofter are not the first treatment choice after a lumpectomy. I strongly suggest seeking the opinion of a surgeon that can examine you and discuss your care thoroughly.
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CONTACT NOW April 29, 2014
Answer: Implants after lumpectomy and radiation You really need to be seen in consultation with a plastic surgeon that does a lot of breast reconstruction. There are many ways to reconstruct breasts and each technique has its place. Generally radiation makes implants slightly higher risk for a variety of complications. But more importantly, implants ofter are not the first treatment choice after a lumpectomy. I strongly suggest seeking the opinion of a surgeon that can examine you and discuss your care thoroughly.
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August 27, 2014
Answer: Breast implants and radiation can be a difficult combination! I am very selective in the use of implants after radiation therapy. The tissues are no longer the same.Please find an experienced Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and member of the Aesthetic Society using the Smart Beauty Guide. These Plastic Surgeons can guide you on all aspects of facial surgery, breast augmentation and body procedures including tummy tucks or mommy makeovers! Three basic forms of breast reconstruction exist. You can use your own tissue, implants or a combination of the previous two techniques. Your own tissue can be used in the form of the DIEP flap, PAP flap, SGAP flap or fat grafting. Implants can be done in one stage or two stage. Two stage reconstructions are started by placing expanders at the time of mastectomy. Once they expanders are placed they are able to be inflated as determined by wound healing. The final time consists of combining any of the above techniques. If you are interested in being seen in Austin please give us a call. I know this is a difficult time for you. Please choose your surgeon carefully. Read their reviews to evaluate how their patients feel about their experience. The majority of my practice is devoted to reconstruction for women with breast cancer or who are BRCA+
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CONTACT NOW August 27, 2014
Answer: Breast implants and radiation can be a difficult combination! I am very selective in the use of implants after radiation therapy. The tissues are no longer the same.Please find an experienced Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and member of the Aesthetic Society using the Smart Beauty Guide. These Plastic Surgeons can guide you on all aspects of facial surgery, breast augmentation and body procedures including tummy tucks or mommy makeovers! Three basic forms of breast reconstruction exist. You can use your own tissue, implants or a combination of the previous two techniques. Your own tissue can be used in the form of the DIEP flap, PAP flap, SGAP flap or fat grafting. Implants can be done in one stage or two stage. Two stage reconstructions are started by placing expanders at the time of mastectomy. Once they expanders are placed they are able to be inflated as determined by wound healing. The final time consists of combining any of the above techniques. If you are interested in being seen in Austin please give us a call. I know this is a difficult time for you. Please choose your surgeon carefully. Read their reviews to evaluate how their patients feel about their experience. The majority of my practice is devoted to reconstruction for women with breast cancer or who are BRCA+
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