Breast Reconstruction: Q&A
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Implants After Breast Cancer and Lumpectomy
i am 35 years old had lumpectomy and radiotherapy 10 years ago. 2 kids later. now would like implants. is it possible that my 'ok' breasts could end up looking worse? seen specialist, they say 50/50. would just like an honest opionion. please help
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16 Doctor Answers |
Asked by
3700anon
in st helens
+1
No implants after radiation
Radiation predisposes you to many issues, the least of which is poor healing because of the decrease in blood flow. That combined with a foreign object like an implant spells disaster. I would advise you strongly against that route.
Tampa Plastic Surgeon
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Implants and the irradiated partial mastectomy defect: not good bedfellows
I would proceed cautiously with implant placement following radiation. For the patient with minimal asymmetry following partial mastectomy and radiaiton, it might be better to avoid implant reconstruction altogether. Some of the concerns include:
1. Reduced compliance of the pectoralis muscle and overlying breast. This results in a firmer breast, even without capsular contracture.
2. A tendency of the radiated breast to be less mobile, and therefore less ptotic than...
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Breast implants following radiation
Breast implants can be a challenge following radiation therapy. Radiation therapy may limit the pliability of the skin and pectoralis muscle. In addition, the rate of scar tissue (known as capsular contracture) is increased in women who have undergone radiation therapy
Chicago Plastic Surgeon
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Implants Radiation, a Bad Combination
Breast reconstruction with implants after radiation is fraught with problems including capsule contractures resulting in firm deformed breast mounds, infection, extrusion of the implants. Sometimes implants can't be placed because the mastectomy pocket may require an expander to enlarge the space to fit an implant.
For these and other reasons, I feel that flap Reconstruction, such as TRAM Flaps, free flaps, or DIEP Flaps using the patient's own tissues is a better...
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Implants After Lumpectomy and Radiation
I generally do not recommend placement of implants after radiation because of an increased risk of scar tissue formation around you implant (also known as capsular contracture). However, if I meet a patient who understands this increased risk, I may consider placement of an implant if I think it can meet the patient's goals for reconstruction. However, if a patient opts for an implant after lumpectomy and reconstruction, she must understand the following:
1. the implant may not...
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Breast Implants after Radiation
Hi there-
We have achieved many successful and lovely reconstructions and augmentations for women after breast cancer treatment that included radiation.
There can be no question, however, that patients like yourself will experience more complications, and will generally need more maintenance procedures over time, so be sure you are comfortable taking this on before you commit.
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Depends on what your final goal
Pictures would be very helpful with your question. There is alway a potential for the outcome to be less than pleasing. Usually, women who have had lumpectomy have some kind of contour deficiency of that breast that involves the use of your own tissue to improve the contour.
If you have small breast and desire an increase in size then breast augmentation would help. The implants should be placed under the muscle not to obscure your mammograms. Even after implants you may still may...
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BETTER is the Enemy of GOOD - Augmenting "OK" Radiated Breasts
To answer your question directly - Even if you did NOT have a history of breast cancer, lumpectomy and radiation - EVERY operation has associated complications and it is ALWAYS possible for "OK" breasts to look worse after a breast augmentation. The risk is much higher in radiated breasts. Radiation causes intense scarring through the breasts with a decrease in effective blood flow. The result are stiffer breasts which heal poorly after surgery, have a higher rate of infection and...
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Breast implants and radiation
Radiation affect the skin and breast tissue. There is increased complications in implant reconstruction in radiated breasts.
Therefore if your radiated, post lumpectomy breast looks good, I would recommend not using implants.
If the breast is deformed then I would explore all options in reconstruction after lumpectomy and radiation.
Baltimore Plastic Surgeon
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Breast implants after lumpectomy and radiation
While this is usually not done, it might be possible if your oncologist clears it and if your tissues show no visible or palpable effects from the radiation. Even then, there is an increased risk of complications but with a very small conservative implant, you might get lucky. If any radiation effects are present (tanning of the skin, firmness of the tissue), I would recommend you skip this venture as a failure would be very likely and quite disappointing to you.
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