Implants should stay under the muscle following radiation

David A. Robinson, MD answers: Over the muscle implant placement after radiation therapy?

I have had a bilateral mastectomy. I have under the muscle silicone implants. I had radiation treatment on the right breast and the implant is uncomfortable when using my arm and my muscle is very tight. Is it best to have my implants placed over the muscle? I had gone through the expander process before the implants.


David A. Robinson, MD
7 months ago

Dear Jenny:

 

It appears that what you are experiencing is something called a capsular contracture.  This is a condition in which the scar tissue, that normally forms around a breast implant, becomes hard causing pain or possibly distortion of the breast.  

Attempting to change the location of the implant will increse the possibility of wound breakdown leading to infection and possibly implant extrusion, which will result in the need for implant removal.

If the condition is not tolerable or worsens, you may need to have the capsule partially or completely removed.  This will allow the implant to reside in a softer pocket decreasing your pain and improving the appearance of your breast.

One note of caution however, be sure your discomfort or appearance is something you can no longer tolerate before deciding to proceed with surgery.  The incidence of problems is increased any time you operate on tissue that has undergone radiation.

Good luck.

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