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.
In breast reconstructions, especially with radiation, the implants must go under the muscle. You need to have adequate soft tissue coverage to protect the implant. Breast reconstruction is completely different than cosmetic breast augmentation. Additionally, radiation significantly affects the quality of the tissue covering the implants.
Radiation damages skin. You need the muscle between the implant and your skin. Do not move the implants, you will endanger the result and may not be able to ratain the implant. The discomfort usually gets better over time.
Hi! You are in a difficult situation which is not uncommon. But I am afraid you only have 3 choices:
1) Tolerate the discomfort. It may get better.
2) Have the implants removed and abandon reconstruction. I don't recommend this.
3) Have the implants removed and get reconstruction with your own tissues, preferably from the abdomen.
Jenny from Canada,
Implant placement above the muscle is not an option in breast reconstruction with or without radiation. The symptoms that you describe are an unfortunate side effect of radiation therapy. A discussion with your board certified plastic surgeon will shed some light on the options to ease your discomfort. Good luck!
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