If you are looking to have a breast implant placed after radiation treatment, it may be worth considering an autologous tissues breast reconstruction. This involves the transfer of excess abdominal tissue to your chest using microsurgery. This surgery is performed by a surgeon who is both double-board-certified and fellowship trained.
Complications that occur
Radiation treatment complications can have a significant impact on the outcome of breast implants surgery. Sometimes, patients may need multiple procedures to achieve satisfactory results. In severe cases, breast implants may be removed. Other complications can include hematoma, an accumulation of blood near the surgical site. This can lead to swelling and bruising as well as pain. This complication is more likely if there has been a previous infection. To remove the complication, a doctor might need to perform a second operation.
Implant contracture (or asymmetry) is another danger associated with radiation treatment. This is usually caused by muscle and may require revision surgery to correct. The surgeon will measure your contracted superior pole contour prior to the surgery. He or she will also measure your desired superior pole contour, which is approximately two to four cm below the contracted pole contour. The final breast shape should be in line with the contralateral, non-irradiated breast.
Impact on quality and life
Breast cancer research is still focusing on the impact of radiation and breast implant placements on quality of life. There is increasing evidence that combining the two procedures improves patients' quality of life, as well as their satisfaction with the cosmetic result. It is still a matter of debate which method is best. Research can help establish consensus about the best options for patients.
Radiation therapy and modern surgery can help reduce the risk of breast cancer recurrence. 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 can increase the chance of complications for breast cancer survivors.
Complications
Breast implants and radiation therapy can pose risks to women who have had them. These include a loss of breast firmness and elasticity. Radiation also damages the microvascular circulation, which reduces blood flow. These side effects are permanent. Radiation therapy can also cause inflammation in your lungs. This can lead to dry coughing and shortness in breath.
Researchers looked at the complications rates of patients who received breast implant and radiation reconstructions. The researchers found that at least 39% of patients treated with radiation or implants were affected by some kind of complications. This is higher than the rate for patients who had implants only and underwent autologous reconstruction. The overall complication rate was comparable.
Options for treatment
Radiation-induced breast carcinoma and breast implants can be treated with autologous tissue transfers and breast reconstruction. The second involves transferring fat and excess skin from the abdomen back to the chest. This approach improves quality of the chest walls tissues and uses patient's own blood supply. Although the procedure may take longer, it can have fewer complications.
There are several risks associated with breast implantation surgery and radiation therapy. You must choose the right treatment option to ensure your comfort, overall health, and well-being. Radiation can also result in scarring and hardening breast implants. This can make the breasts look less beautiful. Radiation can also cause chronic pain. It is common to recommend breast reconstruction after radiation therapy.