Incision Retraction After Lumpectomy?

Question

Should the severe retraction of an incision after a lumpecomy be fixed before radiation makes it worse ?

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Treating the disease process should take priority so I would defer to your breast surgeon and radiation oncologist based upon your individual case.  Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

If you wish to have the absolute best results, it is ALWAYS better to 'fix' your deformity before you receive radiation. This is an emerging trend and very logical in its approach. Unfortunately, most breast cancer surgeons are reluctant to embrace this concept since it could delay your lumpectomy a few days.

Richard J. Brown, MD · Answer

The issue is not whether it should or should not be fixed. It is a matter of desire as to whether you want it fixed or not. I fix many of these by releasing the tethering of the tissue from the chest wall beneath the incision followed by fat grafting the defect to fill it in. Often times because only a certain percentage of fat will survive you may require a second session of fat grafting about 3 months later. It can give a wonderful result.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

I think that you have to treat the cancer first. The scar from your lumpectomy  may get better or worse with time. If not it can be revised.

Incision Retraction After Lumpectomy?

Answers (4)

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