Breast Reconstruction After Lumpectomy and Radiation?

Just to add to what has already been said.  My algorithm for tackling a lumpectomy defect is to ask if you are happy with the volume of breast that you are left with or not. If you are happy with the volume of breast that you have left, you may need to have the breast reshaped which can often be done in the form of an uplift.  You may need a balancing uplift/reduction on the other side. If you are not happy with the volume, then you need to have volume added. ... more

Lumpectomy and XRT is a good method for breast conservation in select types of breast cancer, however once the disease is controlled, the challenges begin. Radiation affects all components of the breast, starting with the skin, the tumor bed and surrounding breast tissue. Radiation is intended to kill microscopic foci of breast cancer, however it can also cause shrinkage of the remaining breast tissue, so that the affected breast becomes "static", while the opposite side... more

Yes, it is possible to have breast reconstruction after lumpectomy and radiation. However, it tends to have a higher rate of complications due to the compromised blood supply and wound healing. This is especially true when reconstruction is acheived with implants. It is more likely that you will benefit from the use of vascualrized tissue in breast reconstruction.

There are many things that can be done to reconstruct a breast after lumpectomy and radiation. Options include use of a small implant, use of a small local flap, a mastopexy (uplift) type operation to reshape the breast and standard, more invasive types of procedures. No matter what is done, the best plan is to see a Plastic Surgeon before the initial procedure. He/she can work with the general surgeon and plan the procedure so that a minimal defect will be left. In people with a reasonable... more

Breast conservation (lumpectomy with radiation) is a common treatment for breast cancer. However, in some women (even up to 30%), lumpectomy results in a significant cosmetic deformity. While it is possible to perform reconstruction on the breast, the risk of surgical complications is higher (due to the effects of radiation). In general, autogenous techniques (ie flaps: tissue transfered from one's own body) is used to perform the reconstruction. In... more

Depending on the location and size of  your lumpectomy, you can either have implant reconstruction, local rearrangement, or regional flap (such as latissimus dorsi flap). Normally, you need to wait at least 6 months from the end of  your radiation.  You  want your breast to become soft from the radiation and to have swelling subside.  Given that you had radiation, you are at higher risk to develop capsular contracture of implant.  You may also need a... more

It sounds as if your cancer treatment has not inckluded the input from a plastic surgeon. In fact, if you are concerned about the aesthetic appearance of your breast after treatment, it is my opinion that a plastic surgeon should guide you through your decision-makng process. Radiation creates a potential more difficult situation for reconstruction. Large breasts may require very little in terms of reconstruction after lumptectomy and radiation while smaller breasts may have much advantage... more

You definitely can have breast reconstruction after a lumpectomy and radiation. There are many variables. The timing from when you had treatment to where you are now is important. If you have residual firmness from the RT you probably should wait until the breast is soft and has no residual effects from the RT.

The main objective for treatment of breast cancer with lumpectomy and radiation is to save the breast.. However, there are times where the out come is not acceptable and the breast needs reconstruction. Depending on the appearance of the breast and quality of the tissue following radiation, dictates the extent of reconstruction that you need. Sometimes this means completely removing the breast and applying a flap for reconstruction. It may only require a small implant or fat grafting.... more

Yes. Depending on the size of the "lumpectomy' and the quality of the skin after radiation there are several proceedures  involving  autologous tissue transfers or prosthes. In many cases the opposite breast may require a reduction/pexy to achieve symmetry.