I'll be having a lumpectomy and I have concerns about the silicone implants I already have. My surgeon said that I will need radiation every 5 days for 5 to 6 weeks. How will it affect my implants? I have had the implants for almost 2 years now.
Answer: Time will tell
I have had patients in similar situations and frankly do not recall any of them needing revision surgery. While each patient reacts differently, and while some of my patients did develop mild firmness of the breast, none of them was so severe that surgery was necessary.
The radiation will not affect the implants themselves, it's the scar tissue around the impant (the capsule) and adjacent tissues that can be affected. Regardless, I would proceed with your current treatment plan and try to stay optimistic. Frankly, I doubt that any revision will be needed but you can cross that bridge when you come to it. Your implants have been in a sufficiently long time (2 years) that you have healed and in select patients with scars on other parts of the body, I have removed the scar and sent the patient for radiation treatment to minimize scar formation. Wait and see; time will tell.
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CONTACT NOW Answer: Time will tell
I have had patients in similar situations and frankly do not recall any of them needing revision surgery. While each patient reacts differently, and while some of my patients did develop mild firmness of the breast, none of them was so severe that surgery was necessary.
The radiation will not affect the implants themselves, it's the scar tissue around the impant (the capsule) and adjacent tissues that can be affected. Regardless, I would proceed with your current treatment plan and try to stay optimistic. Frankly, I doubt that any revision will be needed but you can cross that bridge when you come to it. Your implants have been in a sufficiently long time (2 years) that you have healed and in select patients with scars on other parts of the body, I have removed the scar and sent the patient for radiation treatment to minimize scar formation. Wait and see; time will tell.
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CONTACT NOW December 2, 2010
Answer: Implants and radiation
Radiation may cause a capsular contracture around your implants. This can happen when reconstructions are done in patients that have mastectomy and get RT as well.
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December 2, 2010
Answer: Implants and radiation
Radiation may cause a capsular contracture around your implants. This can happen when reconstructions are done in patients that have mastectomy and get RT as well.
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October 20, 2009
Answer: You may develop contracture from radiation treatment Hello, The implants will probably not change much from the radiation per se as they seem pretty new (2 years old.) The radiation may encourage the development of hardening (capsular contracture), however. Hopefully if this happens it will be mild.
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October 20, 2009
Answer: You may develop contracture from radiation treatment Hello, The implants will probably not change much from the radiation per se as they seem pretty new (2 years old.) The radiation may encourage the development of hardening (capsular contracture), however. Hopefully if this happens it will be mild.
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March 31, 2009
Answer: Can't say for sure, but you should know this Radiation protocols have changed over the years, and are safer today than ever. However, radiation is not good for healthy tissues. The most likely risk to your implants is not the implants, but the scar tissue around the implants. Radiation will increase your risk of capsular contracture. I don't know specific percentages, but there is a fair chance that you may see this in your future. Don't fret about it. The main thing is to get healthy from the cancer. If you get a contracture, it can be treated later on. Best of luck to you.
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March 31, 2009
Answer: Can't say for sure, but you should know this Radiation protocols have changed over the years, and are safer today than ever. However, radiation is not good for healthy tissues. The most likely risk to your implants is not the implants, but the scar tissue around the implants. Radiation will increase your risk of capsular contracture. I don't know specific percentages, but there is a fair chance that you may see this in your future. Don't fret about it. The main thing is to get healthy from the cancer. If you get a contracture, it can be treated later on. Best of luck to you.
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March 31, 2009
Answer: Contracture is a big risk The radiation doesn't affect the implant per se, but it does affect the capsule, remaining breast tissue and the skin. I perform a lot of breast reconstruction as well as cosmetic augmentation and depending on your age, you may want to consider completion mastectomy with immediate implant reconstruction to avoid the radiation. At least know that it is an option. With radiation, the affects are often not immediately noticed. I have had dozens of women get through the 6 weeks of radiation with nothing more than a dark tan, only to develop a tight contracture 5 months later. The use of radiation now may also limit your reconstructive options in the future should there be a need for (I certainly hope not) a mastectomy in the future. Unfortunately, the radiation oncologist may not be the most informed person to speak with either because they are often unaware of the long-term impact of the radiation on the aesthetic appearance of the breast. I would encourage you to either see your original plastic surgeon or another in your area who does a fair amount of breast reconstruction to review your options. Time is of the essence and I certainly wouldn't want you to delay your cancer treatment, but you do have options. Good luck!
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March 31, 2009
Answer: Contracture is a big risk The radiation doesn't affect the implant per se, but it does affect the capsule, remaining breast tissue and the skin. I perform a lot of breast reconstruction as well as cosmetic augmentation and depending on your age, you may want to consider completion mastectomy with immediate implant reconstruction to avoid the radiation. At least know that it is an option. With radiation, the affects are often not immediately noticed. I have had dozens of women get through the 6 weeks of radiation with nothing more than a dark tan, only to develop a tight contracture 5 months later. The use of radiation now may also limit your reconstructive options in the future should there be a need for (I certainly hope not) a mastectomy in the future. Unfortunately, the radiation oncologist may not be the most informed person to speak with either because they are often unaware of the long-term impact of the radiation on the aesthetic appearance of the breast. I would encourage you to either see your original plastic surgeon or another in your area who does a fair amount of breast reconstruction to review your options. Time is of the essence and I certainly wouldn't want you to delay your cancer treatment, but you do have options. Good luck!
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