Breast Reconstruction: Q&A

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Failed Breast Reconstruction w/ Implant. Try Again?

Hi: 7 years ago I had breast cancer, had a lumpectomy, then had radiation. Then 3 years later I had another cancer event in a different location on the same breast, so I had a mastectomy. I tried an immediate expander and implant, but it failed due to an infection pretty quickly. Since then I have had nothing. I now want to try the expander/implant again at the recommendation of a good PS who thinks I have about a 75% chance of success this time. Do you think this makes sense? I have 3 young children and really want to avoid the tram process if possible, but I would love to throw out my inserts. Any input is much appreciated!! Stephanie

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8 Doctor Answers | Asked by Washington168 in Washington, DC

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Failed breast reconstruction - implant or flap?

Thank you for this great question and hope that all of these answers will assist you in your decision. Attempted implant-based reconstruction after radiation to the breast typically have a higher complication rate with a significant failure rate. Complications, include, infection, wound complications, capsular contracture, and implant exposure/failure of expansion. There are some very notable papers that have described adequate results with implant-based reconstruction in... more

Failed Implant Breast Reconstruction

GIven the fact you have had irradiation of the breast and chest in the past makes you more risky to have an implant based reconstruction. You experienced this and it failed. I typically will only use a patient's own tissue at this point. I have done this with abdominal tissue in the form of a DIEP flap which is not a TRAM flap. There is little to no muscle tissue removal which leaves the abdomen in many cases just as strong as it was before. The other option I... more

Faied breast reconstruction

I would be very hesitant to try a tissue expander again in your situation. what has changed to make you feel that the same operation would work this time. i agree with bringing in your own non-radiated tissue into this region to help with the reconstruction. your back, tummy or buttock are all apprpriate donor sites. but please go for it! t

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Radiation and failed implant reconstruction

In my opinion, I believe that anyone who has radiation should have their own tissue used to reconstruct the breast, particulary if they have already failed implant reconstruction. The only exception would be if there is no tissue available to use (e.g. the latissimus muscle is gone or there is inadequate tissue in the abdomen to reconstruct). Be cautious and consider a second opinion or third opinion. Make sure your surgeon is certified by the American Board of Plastic... more

Delayed Reconstruction After Radiation (and failed implant reconstruction)

First, you are a candidate for delayed reconstruction. You may want to reconsider an autologous reconstructive modality using your own tissue such as a DIEP or muscle sparing TRAM flap. To be a candidate, you must be in good health and have enough excess tissue in your lower tummy area. Another option would be to consider a latissimus dorsi flap + implant. I generally do not recommend placement of implants after radiation because of an increased risk of scar tissue formation... more

Treatment after failed implant breast reconstruction

This is sometimes seen in the circmstances you describe. Usually a breast reconstruction using your own body tissue called a flap is needed to salvage a failed implant expander breast reconstruction. There are a variety options including attachedflaps such as the TRAM flap, or microsurgical tissue transplants, or free flaps, such as a free TRAM. DIEP free flaps. To learn more go to nybreastreconstruction.com

Options after failed breast reconstruction

I am sorry to hear about your ordeal, but I am sure there are options. It will be more difficult however because of scar tissue from the previous surgery and the radiation. I have had success using Alloderm with implant reconstruction after radiation. In the DC area you may wish to see Dr. Nahabedian or Dr Spear.

Failed breast reconstruction

Details of your oriignal failure would b ehelpful, but remember there are alot of options for breast reconstruction from pedicles Tram Flaps, to Free flaps such as the DIEP, to latissumus flaps with implants, etc.. WIthout an exam or further discussion it woudl be hard to offer you solutions.

Steven Wallach, MD

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Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

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These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.

Breast Reconstruction: Q&A

Failed Breast Reconstruction w/ Implant. Try Again?