Can Radiation Be Used with Implant Reconstruction?

There is something about the radiation that damages the skin tissue even months later. So as a rule if a woman is going to get implants it is done several months later. The surgeons know this. My reconstructive doctor said no way to radiation with my current implants. I was going to need to have my implants removed before radiation. (But I ended in a study and had only one highly focused and high level of radiation. My tumor was in such a spot that the radiation did not hit where my implants are). My surgery for tumor removal is this fall and they will remove my implants at that time (they are really old and need to be taken out). My understanding is if a woman has typical radiation that covers the while breast this can increase complications with implants, even months later. I would think that how much radiation and where on the breast weeks play a factor but I haven't looked into that myself

I had a Lympectomy in April and they had to go back because they found more cancer in my left breast. So now I just had a double mastectomy. They’ve started the process of reproduction. I have to have radiation and chemotherapy. My plastic surgeon said that they will start injecting the Celine next week but once I start with the chemo and radiation, they may have to pause until that part is over

Caitlin- getting radiation with implants in will cause encapsulation. If you need radiation on your natural breast you need to wait a while before the implants can be placed. I have had two friends whose tissue has failed due to radiation. 🥴

I have an incapacitated right breast! Had DMX with expanders and chemo & then exchange for implants. Unfortunately my cancer reoccurred & I had surgery to remove 17 lymph nodes & then radiation. My breast is hard as a rock and is painful. I have been looking into “flap” surgery, as my skin radiated is not sufficient to hold a new implant. The flap is actual skin taken from your abdomen ( DIEP flap) or from your back (ld flap) I’m leaning toward the back flap as the recovery time is weeks less than the “tummy tuck” procedure. ( which can be a 5 hour ordeal!) I have the option to go flat on both breasts. But I think I will be preparing for August LD flap!

Radiation therapy with implant reconstruction can be challenging, and it's completely understandable to feel frustrated when trying to get clear answers about your options. Many patients find that seeking a second opinion from a plastic surgeon who specializes in post-radiation reconstruction can provide more specific guidance about techniques and approaches that might work best for your particular situation. The community here has many members who have navigated similar decisions, so sharing your experience might help connect you with others who understand exactly what you're going through.