Breast Reconstruction: Q&A

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Skin and Breast Shape Changes After Radiation Treatment

Currently I undergo radiation tx after unilateral mastectomy which has been about 2 months ago. My plastic surgeon is great and satisfied with the degree of tissue expansion, but I`m still unsure what to expect.

After being in radiation for 2 weeks I noticed evident changes in skin elasticity, color and dark brown lesions on irradiated areas. What can be used to protect damaged skin except Radiagel?

Can this brown lesions go away? How it`s going to look after tissue expander is replaced?

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color elasticity lesion mastectomy 2 months post-op brown skin radiation tissue expander

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7 Doctor Answers | Asked by Aurum in Miami , FL

Doctor Answers (7)
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Radiation changes in breast reconstruction.

Many changes occur to the breast skin and the underlying tissues in radiation. Changes in the skin tone, color, and texture are common. Moisturizers and breast massage can help significantly. The effects on the skin are similar to a bad sunburn, however many of the changes within the tissues are permanent. By having the expander fully filled prior to radiation, you are more likely to have a good outcome following exchange of the expander to an implant.

David Bogue, MD

6 reviews

Boca Raton Plastic Surgeon

www.drbogue.com

Expectations after Radiation Therapy

There are several types of radiation therapy, the type your radiation oncologist uses depends on type and location of your lesion. The skin changes can vary greatly from person to person and from type of therapy. Some of the changes can be permanent, such as loss of elasticity and pigment changes. The dark spots will likely improve over time, but may not resolve completely. After radiation therapy and replacement of the tissue expander with a permanent implant, the... more

Skin changes with radiation, massage can help

Radiation can damage healthy skin and cause contraction and color changes, as well as a decreased ability to heal. It is helpful that you have been expanded prior to starting radiation. I recommend massage of the breast on at least a daily basis during and and even after radiation has been completed. This can help keep the skin soft and supple. The skin will continue to change for many months, even after your radiation treatment is done. Speak with your radiation oncologist about a... more

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Radiation treatment and it's effects

Radiation treatment creates irreversible damage to the involved tissues. The goal is to kill the cancer before the surrounding tissues is too much damages. Once the tissues have become irradiated, or 'burned', they are a lot less elastic, a lot more leathery. Wound healing potential is significantly decreased meaning that if operated on, these tissues are much more likely to become infected, to open up, or heal for a very long time. The great thing about your... more

Radiation and skin changes

Skin changes can certainly develop from radiation treatment. The dark marks may or may not improve with time.

Steven Wallach, MD

13 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Breast reconstruction and skin changes during radiation treatment

It is not unusual to experience the skin changes you have mentioned during radiation treatment for breast cancer - redness, darkening (Hyperpigmentation, and skin contraction. Although some of the these changes can be permanent, most of these problems will improve over 6 to12 months following the radiation treatment. If your surgeon is pleased with your tissue expansion so far that is a very good sign that you are tolerating the radiation treatment well and... more

Radiation after mastectomy and reconstruction: permanent changes?

A lot of the changes with radiation are temporary, but some problems can take a long time to resolve. your own plastic surgeon can best advise you on timing for expander exchange to implant. It is a very positive sign that you are fully expanded before starting the radiation.

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These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.

Breast Reconstruction: Q&A

Skin and Breast Shape Changes After Radiation Treatment