Failed Breast Reconstruction w/ Implant. Try Again?

First off, congratulations on being a survivor!  Now, you face a common challenge for breast
cancer patients who have had radiation.  It
is unfortunate that expander - implant reconstruction has such a high rate of
infection and capsular contracture in irradiated patients because it is
typically considered the “easiest” reconstruction option to recover from.  The decision to try expander - implant
reconstruction again is completely your own as long as you understand that the
same risks are still there and you could end up with the same result.  I understand that flap procedures can seem a
bit overwhelming and the recovery more difficult, but the risk of infection is
much lower and there is no risk of capsular contracture because there’s no
implant involved.  I would recommend
discussing more autologous reconstruction options with your plastic surgeon as
the TRAM flap is not the only flap available for breast reconstruction.  In my experience, most patients prefer a DIEP
flap to a TRAM flap because tissue is mobilized from the abdomen and up to the
chest wall to create the breast.  Again, which
type of reconstruction you choose is up to you and your surgeon and I am only
making a general suggestion.  If you do
choose to try the expander – implant reconstruction again it is absolutely possible
that you could have an uneventful postoperative course and experience success
with no complications; just be prepared for any possible complications given
your previous history of infection.Be well and good luck!@norrisplastic

Given the fact you have had irradiation of the breast and chest in the past makes you more risky to have an implant based reconstruction. 

Hello Stephanie,
I believe you have many options for reconstruction. I would advise you to fill out the BRA score and see what your risks are for each type of reconstruction. This may help you make a decision along with your plastic surgeons recommendation. Good Luck!