Breast Reconstruction After Radiation: What's Your Experience?

Radiation does pose risks. My plastic surgeon warned me of this but still said it was worth a try to put in the expander and then implant. My radiation side rejected the expander right away. I tried again for an expander after the infection cleared and went all the way to implant surgery and it too failed. I have an implant on one side and am soon going to try the litissumus back flap surgery. Hopefully this will work. I really trust my plastic surgeon and his team and am keeping my fingers crossed and praying this works.

I had radiation 6 wks after a DIEP flap. I’m very happy with the radiated breast. But, now my breasts are noticeably asymmetrical. Heading back for phase 3 in June.

I had reconstruction done at the same time of my mastectomy. I found out after that I had IDC (originally diagnosed with DCIS only, after 3 biopsies). This news was upsetting bc I ended having sentinel node biopsy done and it came back positive with a micromet. I then needed radiation. I was very upset because I read a lot about reconstruction becoming demolished after radiation. My plastic surgeon said it’s a 50-50 chance. I did the radiation therapy last July and I’ve had no issues with my reconstruction. It is a bit tighter on the right side where the cancer was, but it’s not a very noticeable difference. I used Mepitel film during radiation. You can buy it from the Mayo Clinic, it’s a skin protectant. I think it helped, no burning, etc. just a bit of dermatitis after treatment was completed.

Don't place all your eggs in one basket. Sometimes reconstruction doesn't turn out how you would like. You might have complications during the change.

I was told no radiation since it would damage the skin and I am having reconstruction done. As for chemo they told me once they biopsy the lymph nodes we'd know if chemo was needed. My cancer was caught early, stage 2, but I had 3 masses: two were cancerous and one was , as my dr put it, ready to become cancerous. I love baseball, so I said it was in the bullpen and winding up and getting ready to mount the plate. I had to joke or go insane.

This is such an important question about reconstruction timing and outcomes after radiation treatment. Many community members have shared their experiences with both immediate and delayed reconstruction options, and the results can vary significantly based on individual healing and radiation effects. The uncertainty around reconstruction possibilities can feel overwhelming during an already challenging treatment journey, but connecting with others who've navigated similar decisions often provides valuable insights and emotional support.