I was diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2010 at the age of 33. I since have undergone a bi-lateral mastectomy...chemo and radiation. I am scheduled to begin reconstruction in Sept 2011. Due to the radiation on my right side would it be safer to do a DIEP procedure which is what my surgeon wants to do or can I just go with implants which is what I would like to do? Ive been checking up on it and have found alot of sights which say not to put implants in radiated skin
October 18, 2011
Answer: Breast implants after radiation
Breast implants after radiation are associated with a very high chance of complications including implant exposure, capsular contracture and infections. This is because the radiated skin and tissue on the chest wall has less pliability and a poorer blood supply. For these reasons a flap reconstruction using your own tissues is strongly recommended in these situations. This can be using your abdominal tissues such as a DIEP or using one of several other options that can be discussed with your plastic surgeon.
If you do decide to proceed with the breast implants be prepared for the possibility of implant removal if a complication develops. You can always still keep the flap as a backup plan.
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October 18, 2011
Answer: Breast implants after radiation
Breast implants after radiation are associated with a very high chance of complications including implant exposure, capsular contracture and infections. This is because the radiated skin and tissue on the chest wall has less pliability and a poorer blood supply. For these reasons a flap reconstruction using your own tissues is strongly recommended in these situations. This can be using your abdominal tissues such as a DIEP or using one of several other options that can be discussed with your plastic surgeon.
If you do decide to proceed with the breast implants be prepared for the possibility of implant removal if a complication develops. You can always still keep the flap as a backup plan.
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October 13, 2016
Answer: Bilateral DIEP is a good choice So sorry for what you are going through. Radiated tissue generally reduces the quality of the soft tissues and increases the complication rate of implant reconstruction. An experienced surgeon in microsurgery and DIEP flap is recommended. There are substantial risks with DIEP's. However, preserving the abdominal muscularity in patients with bilateral breasts to reconstruct is worthwhile to reduce the risk with abdominal wall weakness. Wishing you the best of outcomes.
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October 13, 2016
Answer: Bilateral DIEP is a good choice So sorry for what you are going through. Radiated tissue generally reduces the quality of the soft tissues and increases the complication rate of implant reconstruction. An experienced surgeon in microsurgery and DIEP flap is recommended. There are substantial risks with DIEP's. However, preserving the abdominal muscularity in patients with bilateral breasts to reconstruct is worthwhile to reduce the risk with abdominal wall weakness. Wishing you the best of outcomes.
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