You may be considering a autologous tissue breast reconstruction if you're thinking about getting a breast-implant after radiation. This procedure involves transferring excess abdominal wall tissue to your chest and utilizing the specialized techniques of microsurgery. This surgeon is fellowship-trained in this field and double-board certified.
Complications that occur
Radiation treatment complications can have a significant impact on the outcome of breast implants surgery. Patients may need to undergo multiple procedures before achieving satisfactory results. Breast implants may need to be removed in severe cases. Other complications can include hematoma, an accumulation of blood near the surgical site. This can cause swelling, bleeding, and pain. If the patient has had a prior infection or seroma, this complication is likely to happen. A doctor may need to perform a reoperation to remove the complication.
Implant contracture, also known simply as asymmetry, can also be a risk when radiation therapy is used. This is a common problem that can be caused by muscle. Revision surgery may be required to correct this condition. Before the surgery, the surgeon will measure the contracted superior contour and the desired superior contour. This is usually two to four centimeters lower than the contracted pole contour. The final breast shape should align with the non-irradiated, contralateral breast.
Impact on quality-of-life
The impact of radiation and breast implants on quality of life is an ongoing topic in breast cancer research. Research is showing that patients are happier with their cosmetic results and have a better quality of lives when they combine the two procedures. The best approach to each procedure is still under debate. Research can help to establish consensus regarding the optimal approaches for patients.
Modern surgery and radiation therapy can reduce the chance of a recurrence of breast cancer. The recurrence rates for modern treatments are 5% to 7% in the first ten years and 6%–7% in the second ten years. Radiation therapy may increase the risk of complications in breast cancer survivors.
Complications
Breast implants or radiation therapy pose a risk to women. There are several risks associated with breast implants and radiation therapy. These include a decrease in breast elasticity, firmness, and flexibility. Radiation also damages the microvascular circulation, which reduces blood flow. These side effects last for a lifetime. Radiation treatment can also cause inflammation of the lungs. This can lead to shortness and dry cough.
Researchers evaluated complication rates at two years for patients who underwent reconstruction with breast implants and radiation. The researchers found that at least 39% of patients treated with radiation or implants were affected by some kind of complications. This rate is much higher than that of patients who received implants only and had to have autologous reconstruction. However, overall complications rates were similar.
The treatment options
Radiation-induced breast carcinoma and breast implants can be treated with autologous tissue transfers and breast reconstruction. The latter involves transferring excess skin or fat from the abdomen and back to your chest. This approach improves the quality of the chest wall tissues and uses the patient's own blood supply. The procedure takes a longer time but may have fewer complications.
Radiation therapy and breast implantation are not without risks. It is important to choose the best treatment option for your comfort and overall health. Radiation can also result in scarring and hardening breast implants. This can make the breasts look less beautiful. It can also cause chronic pain. It is common to recommend breast reconstruction after radiation therapy.