Jason Williams, MD

It is generally accepted that waiting 6-12 months (longer is likely better) following radiation is appropriate for your tissue to recover from some of the acute radiation effects.  However, radiation does cause permanent changes in your breast tissue, and these changes increase the risk of complications after implant surgery (capsular contracture, infection, wound healing problems).  There are many people who do receive implants successfully after radiation however, so you just have to be aware of the increased risks.  Your breast reconstruction surgeon will be able to advise of all the options for you, and risks, so you can make an informed decision!

It is difficult to get long lasting upper pole fullness with standard reduction alone.  Combining with implants is one option, either in one stage or 2 stages.  Another option that may be possible is "auto-augmentation", where in a situation like yours it may be an option to use some of the breast tissue that would otherwise be removed, and reposition it superiorly to give increased fullness of the upper pole.  A consultation with an experienced breast surgeon would give you the chance to ask about what would best meet your goals!