How Long After Radiation Should I Wait for Breast Reconstruction?

I’m waiting a year without expander. They rarely make it without infection or complications with radiation.

I had the implants put in 4 months after the mastectomy/expanders were done. They were done at the same time!

My surgeon told me I would have to wait 9-12 months with expanders after radiation was completed to make sure my skin was healthy enough for the implants.

Yes wait. Your skin needs to heal from the radiation.

The 6-month waiting period your plastic surgeon recommended is actually quite common and is based on allowing your body proper time to heal from radiation treatment. Many patients in this community have shared similar experiences with waiting periods between radiation and reconstruction surgery. While the timeline can feel frustrating when you're eager to move forward, this waiting period helps ensure the best possible outcome for your reconstruction and reduces the risk of complications.