Over the muscle implant placement after radiation therapy?

It sounds like you may be having some problems due to the fact that you had radiation therapy. Radiation therapy can lead to fibrosis of the tissue (muscle, skin) which can make the  tissues feel stiff and tight. It can also increase the chance that capsular contracture develops around a breast... more

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.

First, I admit that my bias is strongly toward under the muscle for implants.    That said, you have had a mastectomy, and there is NO breast tissue to cover the implant.  I would estimate that if you could find someone to put the implant under the SKIN, you would have ~100% chance of a... more

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... more

Never in breast reconstruction should the implants be placed above the muscle. A patient who has been radiated will virtually always have problems with implant reconstructions especially from capsular contracture. Replacing the implant wont' help even if you stay below the muscle. You need to go to a... more

Unfortunately it is not uncommon for tightening and discomfort to occur with implant reconstruction after mastectomy but even more so with radiation therapy. Statistics show that this problem is even more severe with implants over the muscle. If your problem is severe and disabling you shuold see your plastic... more

The failure rate for implant reconstruction in a radiated breast is at least 50%. Hopefully, this was discussed with you during your course of treatment. Changing the pocket for the implant, above the muscle will increase the contracture rate and  others as well. Conversion to a natural tissue... more

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... more

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... more

I would strongly advise that you refrain from changing the position of your implants. You will be at an exceptionally high rate of capsular contracture, visibility and infection or wound breakdown