Breast reconstruction after radiation

Steven H. Schuster, MD answers: Options for Breast reconstruction after an infection?

I had a bilateral mastectomy done, and I had breast implants placed in both breast. I had expanders put in, and had radiation along with a boost.

This past January, the implants where put in. Then in April of this year, right breast got an infection. The infection tore a large whole in my breast, so my plastic surgeon removed the implant in my left breast. I don't have much skin there because it was removed.

My reconstructive surgeon suggested that I get a TUG Flap. I am very concerned about this having this procedure done because I know that it is not performed much and is new. Do you have any suggestions?


Steven H. Schuster, MD
3 months ago
By Steven H. Schuster, MD - Palm Beach Plastic Surgeon

Dear Marzi,

Radiation is certainly a double edge sword as you have found out. It is not very often I am able to get away with an expander implant reconstruction after radiation. In those cases where I need a flap, and in your case it sounds like 2 flaps, 1 for each side. I would recommend either a bilateral TRAM flap or a DIEP flap as the 2 workhorse flaps in breast reconstruction to my reconstruction flaps.

Get a 2nd opinion as far as the reconstruction goes especially since this type of surgery is required by law to be covered by insurance.

Good Luck!

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