How Does Radiation Therapy Affect Breasts?

Thank you for your question.   It is not uncommon for radiation to cause shrinkage and fibrosis of the breast.   For this reason, women will often seek a reduction and lift for their non-cancer breast to help obtain symmetry.   I think this is a wonderful procedure with high patient satisfaction.

I am very cautious when it comes to operating on the radiated breast.   The radiation damages blood supply and lympathic drainage, which is a setup for wound healing problems, infections, and nipple loss.    In addition, placement of an implant is associated with an unacceptable rate of capsular contracture/scar tissue.

My recommendation to you would be to reduce and lift your noncancer side to match the radiated breast as a first procedure.   You may find this result very acceptable.   

Dr. GIll

Radiation for the treatment of cancer is a necessary evil.  It is necessary to decrease the risk of your cancer returning, but it can also have long-term effects on your tissues.  Radiation can cause your skin to feel thicker and look darker; it can also decrease the capillary and lymphatic drainage from your tissues by causing fibrosis.  What this means for you is that you can have a higher risk of wound healing complications, wound breakdowns, infections, and nipple loss.  For this reason, operating on a breast with previous radiation can be very tricky and problematic.  I would suggest that you consult with a board certified plastic surgeon who has experience in treating women with breast cancer who have had previous radiation therapy.  Good luck!