What is the Best Reconstructive Option for my Lumpectomy/Radiation?

In June/06 I had a lumpectomy w 2 levels of lymph nodes removed, followed by 21 treatments of radiation. I would like to slightly enhance and be as even as possible. My first thought was a lift on L breast for symmetry. Then implants to enhance. After researching on implants, I see this is a bad idea, especially after radiation. The simpliest is to just lift my L breast and be grateful. However, that would not help with the volume I desire on my upper breasts(surgery on the R left quite a dent

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8 Doctor Answers | Asked by Deb11 in Edmonton

Doctor Answers (8)
Community Comments (0)

Post radiation breast deformity.

Radiation creates a permanent change in the soft tissues of the breast. The type of radiation (whole breast, partial breast, brachytherapy) will impact the tissues in different ways.The changes in the breast relate to the disruption of the vascular supply and the creation of scar tissue from the radiation. Thus, surgery on a radiated breast is usually discouraged unless the defect is significant. Any surgery on a radiated breast increases the risk of complications. This is particularly... more

David Bogue, MD

6 reviews

Boca Raton Plastic Surgeon

www.drbogue.com

Uplift for lumpectomy defect

I think that you would get a great result from a bilateral uplift with a small reduction of your left breast. It will restore the volume to the upper pole of both breasts and will even out the volume difference. It won't enhance the volume of your bust, but it avoids the problems of implants, that you are right to be wary about.

Tissue flap options can restore contour and enhance volume after lumpectomy and radiation

Radiation after breast cancer surgery can cause * scarring * loss of volume * dimpling and contour irregularities * nipple asymmetries. While implants are a reasonable first option, you are correct as one must be cautious when considering implants when theras has been radiation to the breast. There is about a 40-50% chance of needing further surgery to correct capsular contracture. Using your own tissue (skin and fat) to enhance volume and symmetry can be a great way to get the results... more

Fat transfer or lift only

I would agree with Dr.shureih. Your breast done well after radiation and all the mentioned treatments would work

Kamran Khoobehi, MD

28 reviews

New Orleans Plastic Surgeon

Breast reconstruction

You have multiple options and all will give you a good result. 1: Fat Transfer to the righr breast. 2: Bilateral breast lifts and submuscular implants 3: Do nothing, you look great

Breast reconstruction after radiation

Your reconstruction will depend on what you want to achieve. The simplest option would be undergoing breast reduction/lift on the left breast. However, if you want to be fuller, you will need breast implant. As you may know, radiation gives a higher risk for implant-related complication such as capsular contracture. Unfortunately, radiated breast will always have some degree of asymmetry (texture, size). Please visit with board-certified plastic surgeons to... more

Reconstruction options after lumpectomy and radiation

Your case is an example of why lumpectomy and radiation is not always "breast-conserving" treatment. Radiation does cause permanent changes to the breast, which may be magnified by removal of tissue with lumpectomy. Since you are in Canada, you likely had the Canadian protocol for radiation which is a lower dose (but just as effective) so your tissues may not be as damaged. A plastic surgeon would need to evaluate you and see if implants might work, with a lift on the left side.... more