How Does Radiation Therapy Affect Breasts?

Question

What exactly does radiation therapy do to breast tissue? What are the long term effects? I am having a lift done and on a second opinion I was reccommended to not have anything done with the breast that had radiation! I have a Lucy scheduled .. One breast is a size C the other a Dd/Ddd but I'm having second thoughts that it maybe a mistake. It has been 5 years since I had cancer and treatment. Please advise!

Paul Gill, MD · Answer

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

Anureet K. Bajaj, MD, FACS · Answer

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!

How Does Radiation Therapy Affect Breasts?

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How Does Radiation Therapy Affect Breasts?

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Everything you need to know about Breast Lift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.