Can Fat Grafting Be Safely Performed in DCIS After Lumpectomy and Radiation?

I had DCIS, lumpectomy and rads in 2008. In 2011 I had tissue expanders and exchange after six months of painful expansion. Six weeks later the wound opened on the cancer breast and I had implants removed. Over one year later, and after a total of four and a half post rads, and the breast has shrunk more and also develped spider veins/ugly red spots at the tumor spot. Can fat grafting fill in the divot and is there a higher risk of recurrence in DCIS patients?

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3 Doctor Answers | Asked by einarsen

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Fat grafting is safe

Thank you for your question. I'm sorry for your trouble. I know that it is very frustrating to go through cancer treatment and then have complications. Fat grafting can be used in the treatment of postlumpectomy defects. The latest literature has shown that imaging can distinguish injected fat from breast tissue. This needs to be done by an experienced Board Certified plastic surgeon. If too much fat is injected, it can lead to fat necrosis and palpable nodules. The inherent problems with... more

Fat Grafting following lumpectomy and radiation

Typically, fat grafting can be utilized to add volume in resulting concavities following a lumpectomy or mastectomy. This being said, sometimes following radiation sequaele can be left for the patient to deal with such as skin pigmentation, altered skin elasticity, altered vascularity, and fat necrosis resulting in asymmetry and dissatisfaction to be dealt with. The skin has a decreased blood supply and therefore you might retain less of the fat that is being placed. Typically... more

Can fat grafting be done in lumpectomy defects after radiation treatment.

So far the latest information from the ASPS states that there is sufficient evidence after mastectomy to support the use of fat grafting. Lumpectomy defects are different and DCIS is not invasive cancer. It would be best to speak to your breast surgeon about your concerns and have them refer you to a reconstructive plastic surgeon. If one is not available in your area use the interet to search for the nearest Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who devotes significant time and... more