Breast Lift After Lumpectomy and Radiation?

Question

Can a breast lift be done after a lumpectomy and radiation?

David Shafer, MD, FACS · Answer

Without seeing you in person and knowing more about the procedures that you have already had, it is hard to give you specific advice.  However, after radiation, it is sometimes better to treat any defects with fat grafting, which can give a very natural look.

	 

	Good Luck.

Marc Pacifico, MD, FRCS(Plast) · Answer

I would be very cautious about advising a breast lift following breast cancer surgery and radiotherapy. The key issue is the long term effect of the radiotherapy on your breast. 

	Radiotherapy reduces blood supply and increases scarring. It is the blood supply that can potentially have devastating effects on further surgery to that breast. Your risk of wound healing complications and infection is significantly increased, as well as the risk to your nipple. 

	Some people may still be candidates for this operation if they do not need a significant breast lift and the radiotherapy site is away from the nipple area of the breast. Therefore the best thing to do is to get an opinion (or two!) of plastic surgeons with a special interest in breast plastic surgery.

	Good luck with your search

Jourdan Gottlieb, MD · Answer

Yes it can be done, but requires the most careful judgement. It depends on the condition of the tissues, the amount and kind of lift required, the areas of scar and irradiation. 

	Consulting with a surgeon with considerable experience is essential. All the best.

Scott Loessin, MD · Answer

Yes, breast lift can be performed on a patient who has had a lumpectomy with radiation, however it needs to be done very carefully and conservatively. The lumpectomy and radiation have an adverse affect on the blood supply to nipple areola complex.

Breast Lift After Lumpectomy and Radiation?

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Answer: Breast Lift after Lumpectomy and Radiation

Answer: Breast Lift after Lumpectomy and Radiation

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Breast Lift After Lumpectomy and Radiation?

Answers (4)

Answer: Breast Lift after Lumpectomy and Radiation

Answer: Breast Lift after Lumpectomy and Radiation

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Lift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.