2 Years Ago I Had Radiation on Left Breast After Cancer Surgery.

asked 1 year ago by beautyoftheword in Los Angeles
Latest answer by David Greenspun, MD, MSc
Question viewed 417 times
Tags: breasts, mastectomy

There are no changes for my breast after radiation.Now I WANT mastectomy and reconstruction,but ONLY with tissue expander. CAN I have that ? I DO NOT want to have FLAP. Last 6 years I have implants after breast augmentation.

7 answers to 2 Years Ago I Had Radiation on Left Breast After Cancer Surgery.

Implant reconstruction after radiation.

It is certainly possible to attempt an implant reconstruction after radiation, but the chances of significant complications and failure of the reconstruction are high. This is because radiation affects of the cells and tissues in its path, even if you do not see or feel the changes yourself. In particular, capsular contracture is known to occur at a very high rate after implant reconstruction with radiation. Because of the potential complications associated with implants, breast... more

David Greenspun, MD, MSc
New York Plastic Surgeon

www.davidgreenspunmd.com

Breast implants after radiation

It is certainly possible to have a tissue expander reconstruciton after RT therapy but the risks are definitely higher.

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Mastectomy and Tissue Expander Recon

It is certainly a viable choice and I have done this before. You need a skilled breast/general surgeon to perform a nice mastectomy and then alloderm and tissue expander reconstruction. Radiation to the breast does increase the complication rate for expander reconstruction, but if you have a fair amount of skin and have an appropriately done mastectomy, an expander reconstruction is a viable option. Good luck.

Farbod Esmailian, MD
Orange County Plastic Surgeon

Tissue Expander Is Possible After Localized Radiation

It is possible to have a breast reconstruction with a tissue expander/implant after localized radiation. If you have a lumpectomy and radiation, then this is a very controlled, localized form of radiation. It should not impede your ability to have the tissues expanded with the expanders, as long as your surgeon is cogniscent of the fact that there was some radiation done in the area before.

Christopher V. Pelletiere, MD
Barrington Plastic Surgeon

Radiation on left breast

Yes an expender reconstruction can be accomplished but it has much higher risks. These risks can be discussed with your chosen plastic surgeon. Best of luck from MIAMI Dr. B

Darryl J. Blinski, MD
Miami Plastic Surgeon

Expander/Implant Reconstruction Post Radiation

It is possible to consider Implant Reconstruction after radiation. However, you may be at increased risk of capsular contracture (scar tissue formation around your implant - where your breast could become hard or raised or painful) and for slow healing. Your plastic surgeon will need to assess the tissue quality and your anatomy to finalize your reconstructive plan. It is my preference, however, to consider some form of autologous (using... more

C. Bob Basu, MD
Houston Plastic Surgeon

www.basuplasticsurgery.com

Post-radiation breast reconstruction

While radiation to the breast tissue increases the risks and complication of implant, it does not preclude the use of expanders and implants. Depending on your specific anatomy, you may not have to undergo an expander stage as sometimes serial implants are more reasonable. Be sure you consult with a plastic surgeon even before your see a general surgeon since the plastic surgeon is the best specialist to determine the route to an aesthetic end result.

Robin T.W. Yuan, MD
Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

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