Lattisimus Dorsi Flap With Silicone Implant Reconstruction After Radiation? (photo)

I had left breast Mx on 3/ 2011, followd by 33 trtmts of radiation; total of 60.4 Gy over 33 fractions,ended 6/ 2011. Reconstruction on 4/ 2012 as follows; Right skin sparing mx followed by LD Flap on both sides; silicone implant placed on right; T.E. and back skin (to help stretch radiated skin) placed on left side. Follow up apts.to insert 60cc to T.E. bi-wkly.. Now, PS is planning to replace T.E with silicone implant. Am I at a high risk for capsular contracture, healing, or ? PLEASE ADVISE!

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2 Doctor Answers | Asked by FaithHope

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Reconstruction After Radiation

These are very challenging cases for us all. Overall you seem to have a great reconstruction going. Remember that it is nearly impossible to make both breasts look the same. Especially since you have had radiation on the left. Even with a Lattisimus flap on the left you will always have a more contracted looking breast on the radiated side. Sometimes with other flaps like a TRAM flap you can get a little more natural droop on the radiated side, but it is TOUGH at best. Every single... more

Capsular contracture and radiation

Radiation does pose a great risk of increased capsular contracture rates. Bringing healthy tissue into the field helps minimize that risk but it is still present.