What Should I Expect from Radiation After Breast Implants?

I had radiation with tissue expanders in, 5 weeks last October-Nov. The radiated side changed shape a bit so a little lopsided look. Used the skin film, huge help, but radiation def changed that side - skin color and how it sits. A friend of mine did the implants first and radiated, also had asymmetry after radiation. I’ll end up with tissue expanders in over a year, timing has to do with a summer bike trip and not missing important training time this spring.

Thanks Suzanne. Just had my follow-up with the plastic surgeon today. Got a few tips on trying to prevent capsular contracture so gonna work on that. Also looking to get a prescription for Accolate.

Susan, My recent radiation treatments this February and March 2025, due to node metastasis a year post op, were 3 weeks of 15 tx, and I had double mastectomies with saline implants 2023. Radiation followed a year of aggressively dose chemotherapy. I had the severe radiation rash and feel small areas of implant contracture that get painful. I’m careful as I massage areas that seem to help, and steroid ointments and Aquaphor healing ointment cleared up the painful rash. I have following ups with radiation and plastics soon 🙏.

It's encouraging that both specialists agreed this approach would be safe for your situation. Many people do successfully complete radiation treatment with implants already in place, though experiences can vary from person to person. You might find it helpful to ask others in this community about their specific experiences with this treatment path, as hearing directly from those who've been through it could provide valuable insights about what to expect during the process.