Is Reconstruction Without Moving Muscle Possible After Radiation for Breast Cancer?

Is reconstruction possible without the need to move a muscal (flap) after radiation for breast cancer? Thanks Vic

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5 Doctor Answers | Asked by Vic4338

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Breast Reconstruction After Radiation

Thank you for your question. Breast reconstruction can either be achieved by using your own tissue (skin/muscle flap) or by using implants. Generally reconstruction using your own tissue is preferred following radiation because radiated skin is much less reliable and more likely to have complications than non-radiated skin. This is especially a concern when there is an implant under the skin because if the skin breaks down and the implant becomes exposed or infected additional surgery is... more

Do I need to have a muscle flap for Breast Reconstruction after Radiation?

There are several types of flaps that are utiulized today that don't involve the movement of muscle. Perforators flaps are flaps composed of skin and fat and the blood vessels that provide flow to this area. DIEP flap is commonly used to perform a total breast reconstruction after mastectomy. Other flap such as the SGAP and SIEA also utilize skin and fat. Another popular method for thinner patients is the TUG flap but this requires a small muscle sacrifice in the... more

Reconstruction after radiation for breast cancer

Can be done in several ways. You should see a plastic surgeon who specializes in microsurgical reconstruction for options that would not require muscle flaps. He/She could also educate you on the possibilities using other modalities such as expanders and fat grafting. Best wishes! If you were in my neck of the woods, California Pacific Medical Center is where I would suggest you check.

Curtis Wong, MD

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Redding Plastic Surgeon

Is Reconstruction Without Moving Muscle Possible After Radiation for Breast Cancer

It all depends on the quality of the skin Expansion reconstruction ,either internal or external, can be performed if tissues are sufficient.This may be supplimented with fat and PRP injections

Breast Reconstruction

After radiation therapy, the failure rate for implant reconstruction is high. Best to reconstruct with flaps. Other option to consider is fat transfer for breast reconstruction