Rads with saline implants

LMGLMT

 5 years ago I had saline implants put in.   Last month I was diagnosed with DCIS stage 0.The first surgeon I consulted with said that I should opt for mastectomy because implants and rads don't mix- it will make them hardened and deformed.   

I got a 2nd opinion from another surgeon and consulted a rad oncologist. Both happened to be women and both said they didn't believe that I would necessarily have a problem if I chose lumpectomy and rads. I understand that the surgery and rads will make my breast smaller and there is a chance of scar tissue developing but I want to know what will happen to the implant itself.

Wondering if anyone has had rads with implants and what your experience was?

merebarb

Hey! Thanks for posting this question. I'm in the same delimma. I had implants 10 years go. My doctor gave me two options: mastectomy or lumpectomy with radiation. I don't want to go the mastectomy route. Everything I've read and the two plastic surgeons I consulted said the chances of capsular contracture are almost guaranteed. I'm considering a bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction using the S-GAP flap procedure. I really don't want to go through the lumpectomy and radiation only to have to have my implants removed. Replacing the implants is not a good idea because the reoccurrence of capsular contracture in the radiated breast is a given. I really look forward to the responses you receive.

Janina95570

Wow, I was going to ask the same question.  I had implants put in 10 yrs ago. Already had lumpectomy.  Went to Rad dr today and he said could have problems with implant.  I will take the chances and just have smaller ones put in later if that is to happen.

AsiaYM

Hi, Ladies,

I had my implants put in 13 years ago.  Went through lumpectomy and radiation with no problem.  Had  33 Rads. 

 My radiation doc told me that I would get burned in the most possible way since I had chemo.  I was braced up for it and expecting the worse.   I am happy to report after finishing rad in March 2010, I don't  have any issue now, not with implants nor skin.    All I had was that my skin got tanned, not burned then peeled off naturally, that's it! ( knocked on wood !!!)  

My experience:

Felt slight tightness from my implants during radiation sessions.  I  did arm stretching in a big circle motion right after first and each radiation session in the dressing room and through out the day.

Only used 99% organic aloe Vera twice during the day and Aquaphor twice at night.  I cut off an old T shirt and made me a washing cloth for washing off the old aloe Vera and Aquaphor before applying fresh ones by using only room temperature tap water.  Wiped it off gently.  When my skin felt warm , I applied fresh aloe right away, only had to do it once.  Used Dove soap for sensitive skin and unscented.

Took one multi-vitamin a day and plenty fruits, vegetables and water to speed up healing process.

I hope this will help you and just as luck as I am.

Hugs,

Karen

Paulla

Good question, but everyone has said that, huh?  I would think that it would depend on the Dr.  I would think that it wouldn't be too much different from what I did with the expanders during radiation.  They are filled with saline and the only difference is the thickness of the casing of the implant.  Expanders are thicker but basically the same.  Everyone reacts differently physically to radiation, but I didn't have too bad of a reaction either.  Dark skin, no blistering, hot to touch.  Always ask for a second opinion, on anything.  You wouldn't buy the first car you saw, right?  Good luck!

merebarb

Hey Janina!  Did your doctor say anything to you about the replacement implants having capsular contracture too?  I was told when this happens once it will probably keep happening.  Just curious as to what they told you.  Thanks!!!