Can I have Breast augmentation 12 years after radiation therapy?

Question

I am 71. I had chemo, lumpectomy and radiation 12 years ago. I had no skin effects from the radiation (did not even ever get pink) which I attribute to smearing the gel from a fresh aloe leaf over my breast immediately following each treatment. I am a former smoker and have been quit for 25 years. I am physically fit and healthy. I am now wanting breast augmentation because whenever I get down to my desired weight my boobs go away. What would you recommend? Implants??? Fat transfer???

Christopher T. Maloney Jr., MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.   In most cases you can do a breast augmentation after radiation.   You should consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to examine the skin and determine if you are a good candidate.   The radiation may limit how large of an implant can be used and the complication rate is higher, though with the right expectations and in the right surgeon's hands it can be performed safely with good results. Good luck.

Larry C. Leverett, MD, FACS · Answer

Congratulations on successful adjuvant therapy. Radiation therapy can be extremely damaging to normal tissue but in some cases, the injury is less severe than others. One shoudl proceed cautiously, opting for normal tissues in most cases because implants can have a high failure rate.

Christian Subbio, MD · Answer

Certainly breast augmentation is possible.  The degree to which the radiation will affect your result depends upon the severity and intensity of the radiation at the time of the treatment.  It sounds like you did not have much reaction, which bodes well for you.  However, you need to be examined in person by a plastic surgeon to assess your tissues and give you a better idea of the risk and how the tissues will comply with the implant.  Even if the radiation seemingly had no effect, be advised that any radiation whatsoever theoretically will increase the rate of capsular contracture, infection, and other potential complications with the procedure.  The degree to which it raises these risks depends upon the degree of change to the tissue, and the best way to assess this is to get examined by a board certified plastic surgeon.Best of luck!Dr. SubbioBoard-Certified Plastic SurgeonNewtown Square/Philadelphia, PA

Nana N. Mizuguchi, MD, FACS · Answer

Breast augmentation can be performed. Go and find yourself a plastic surgeon to help you.Best Wishes,Nana Mizuguchi,MD

Karl Schwarz, MD · Answer

Hi Martyn45,Thank you for your question!Yes you can have breast augmentation surgery after radiation therapy but complication rates such as infection, bleeding and capsular contracture are significantly higher. It is important for a plastic surgeon to assess the previous radiations affect on your tissues before considering placement of an implant. If your skin has significant radiation damage then an implant may not be a good idea. Good luck,Dr. K

Shaun Parson, MD · Answer

Thanks so much for your question.  The short answer is Yes!  I have performed countless breast augmentation surgeries on people with medical histories similar to your history.  You will have a slightly higher chance of infection due to the smoking history and radiation, however, the bottom line is that it's safe to perform the procedure in qualified hands.  Make sure you see someone with experience with this type of surgery in this type of scenario.  Hope this helps.  Good luck.

Tamir Mosharrafa, MD · Answer

Thank you for this excellent question. While it is true that the soft tissue changes that occur following radiation are lifelong, the risks of surgery (infection, healing problems) do decrease over time. Also, if you had brachitherapy (catheters placed and a few days of treatment), risks are less than if you had whole breast external beam radiation (no catheters, 5-6 weeks of treatment). In either case, being 12 years out from your treatment, and given your favorable acute soft tissue tolerance to radiation, you may proceed with augmentation provided that you choose a modest sized implant and are prepared for the fact that the radiated side will always feel more firm than the non-radiated side. Best of luck.

Ali Mosharrafa, MD · Answer

I have done breast augmentation as long after as 20 years following radiation therapy.  There will definitely be hardness as a result despite your breast feeling normal now.  The internal scar tissue affects the pliability of the tissue permanently.  As long as you understand this and accept it, you can proceed.  Hope this helps.Dr. Ali Mosharrafa

Paul Jason Skoll, MBChB, FRCS, FCS(SA)Plast · Answer

Hi. The short answer is "yes" - you would need to be assessed by a plastic surgeon but in principle, this is certainly possible. the surgeon may elect to do some fat grafts at the same time to mitigate the effects of the radiation therapy, if deemed appropriate. Good luck.

Theodore Nyame, MD · Answer

A breast augmentation can be performed. It would be important to assess the quality of your skin in order to determine what results may be possible. Best wishes Theodore Nyame M.D.

Can I have Breast augmentation 12 years after radiation therapy?

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