Is Brachioplasty safe after having radiation for breast cancer 16 years ago? I’d to combine it with implant removal.

Hi Practical6286, Thank you for your question regarding whether a brachioplasty is safe after having radiation for breast cancer 16 years ago and whether you can combine the arm lift with breast implant removal. Radiation does cause scar tissue; however, I am sure that the radiation would have been aimed at your breast and armpit and not your arm. Radiation can make breast surgery more difficult due to scarring and firm tissue. However, radiation should not make the arm lift more difficult. Even if you have had radiation to the breasts and had armpit lymph nodes removed, most plastic surgeons would agree that you could undergo an arm lift, arm reduction, or brachioplasty. You could combine your arm lift with your breast implant exchange. Good luck. I hope I answered your question regarding whether you could have an arm lift surgery 16 years after receiving radiation to your breasts for cancer. Sincerely, Dr. Katzen.

The lymph fluid will have a harder time being absorbed normally if your bilateral mastectomy removed some of the channels that would have carried the fluid, or radiation closed down some of those lymph channels. If so, lymphedema and wound healing following a brachioplasty would be consequences of buildup of lymph fluid. Otherwise, you should be able to proceed with the brachioplasty.  Based upon your health history, you may want to discuss staging the implant removal before the brachioplasty with a board certified plastic surgeon.

Hi and welcome to our forum!
The type of mastectomy is important in determining the safety of later brachioplasty. If the lymph nodes of the armpit were removed (axillary lymphadenectomy), the lymphatic drainage of the upper extremities may be impaired, leading to an increase in postoperative complications. If the radiation port included the armpit, a similar situation may occur (dosage dependent). 
Visit a board certified plastic surgeon for evaluation and advice.
Best wishes...

What's more important is whether your axillary lymphnodes were removed. If so, you are at risk for chronic lymphadenopathy, and an arm lift would not be advisable. If not, your can proceed with an armlift regardless of radiation therapy. 

If you had whole breast radiation as well as radiation therapy to the axilla (did you have lymph nodes that were involved), I would say a brachioplasty procedure would be high risk for you.  Wound healing would be an issue as well as arm swelling if you have a package of lymph nodes removed.I would consult with a reputable board certified plastic surgeon to discuss this issue.Hope that helps.

Dear Practical6286,
If you had breast surgeries after radiation, then it is most likely that you can get arm lift. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Hi Practical6286,
I would not perform an arm lift if you have had radiation to the axillary area. Your risk would be way too high. If the radiation was confined only to the chest area, then you'd likely be okay for an arm lift. Blessings on your journey!

Thanks for writing,As other have said, the answer depends on what was radiated. If just a small portion of the breast or the whole breast and no axillary Rad. Rx. You should do fine. If not, I think your risks are too high for complications. Good luckStephen M. Davis, MD, FACSCertified: American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember: American Society for Aesthetics Plastic SUrgeryMember: American Society of Plastic SurgeonsMember: RealSelf Hall of Fame VERIFIED: Plastic Surgeon