Do you recommend breast implants after a lumpectomy and radiation? If so, what type of implants and what are the pros and cons of this type of surgery? I had the lumpectomy/radiation a year ago. My breast tissue is soft and most of the discoloration is gone. Are there studies I can read? Thank you.
Answer: Implants after radiation It can be difficult to expand or enlarge the breast with an implant after radiation and lumpectomy. The skin and the tissue are frequently sclerotic and will have lost their natural elasticity. Sometimes it is a better choice to make the opposite breast smaller to achieve symmetry.
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Answer: Implants after radiation It can be difficult to expand or enlarge the breast with an implant after radiation and lumpectomy. The skin and the tissue are frequently sclerotic and will have lost their natural elasticity. Sometimes it is a better choice to make the opposite breast smaller to achieve symmetry.
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May 23, 2016
Answer: Implants can be problematic after lumpectomy and radiation Unfortunately, surgery of any kind on a radiated breast can be problematic due to increased risk of wound healing problems and infection. Implants are stressful to the breast in this sense and also have a substantially higher risk of capsular contracture (tightening of tissue around the implant). The high likelihood of capsular contracture makes it unlikely that a radiated breast augmented with an implant will appear natural or maintain a soft texture. As a result, augmentation is an intervention that is typically avoided in this setting.
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May 23, 2016
Answer: Implants can be problematic after lumpectomy and radiation Unfortunately, surgery of any kind on a radiated breast can be problematic due to increased risk of wound healing problems and infection. Implants are stressful to the breast in this sense and also have a substantially higher risk of capsular contracture (tightening of tissue around the implant). The high likelihood of capsular contracture makes it unlikely that a radiated breast augmented with an implant will appear natural or maintain a soft texture. As a result, augmentation is an intervention that is typically avoided in this setting.
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December 8, 2015
Answer: Implants after Lumpectomy and Radiation The effects of radiation are different for every woman, and unfortunately, it is often not possible to know how radiation will impact your healing process after surgery on that breast. In general, using implants in a radiated breast is something I do not usually recommend. There can be up to a 40% risk of complications (infection, wound healing issues, capsular contracture) and ultimate "reconstructive failure" from an implant-based approach. There are often other options including rearranging the breast or adding healthy tissue to that radiated breast that are better options from a risk/benefit standpoint. In addition, procedures for the opposite breast are available to improve breast symmetry. Your plastic surgeon should be able to help guide you in this decision-making process.
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December 8, 2015
Answer: Implants after Lumpectomy and Radiation The effects of radiation are different for every woman, and unfortunately, it is often not possible to know how radiation will impact your healing process after surgery on that breast. In general, using implants in a radiated breast is something I do not usually recommend. There can be up to a 40% risk of complications (infection, wound healing issues, capsular contracture) and ultimate "reconstructive failure" from an implant-based approach. There are often other options including rearranging the breast or adding healthy tissue to that radiated breast that are better options from a risk/benefit standpoint. In addition, procedures for the opposite breast are available to improve breast symmetry. Your plastic surgeon should be able to help guide you in this decision-making process.
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April 29, 2014
Answer: Implants after lumpectomy and radiation You really need to be seen in consultation with a plastic surgeon that does a lot of breast reconstruction. There are many ways to reconstruct breasts and each technique has its place. Generally radiation makes implants slightly higher risk for a variety of complications. But more importantly, implants ofter are not the first treatment choice after a lumpectomy. I strongly suggest seeking the opinion of a surgeon that can examine you and discuss your care thoroughly.
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April 29, 2014
Answer: Implants after lumpectomy and radiation You really need to be seen in consultation with a plastic surgeon that does a lot of breast reconstruction. There are many ways to reconstruct breasts and each technique has its place. Generally radiation makes implants slightly higher risk for a variety of complications. But more importantly, implants ofter are not the first treatment choice after a lumpectomy. I strongly suggest seeking the opinion of a surgeon that can examine you and discuss your care thoroughly.
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January 23, 2013
Answer: Implants following lumpectomy and radiation
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January 23, 2013
Answer: Implants following lumpectomy and radiation
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