Is radiation of implants safe?

WIMNGRL

I had a bilateral skin sparing mastectomy on Dec 14th, 2015. I currently have tissue expanders with a metal fill port. Have only filled 200ccs at time of surgery so far. My plastic surgeon wants me to start chemo in a few weeks, filling as I go through chemo, then put in implants before radiation. Is it safe to radiat the implants?

jlstacey

my understanding is that you can do it but it often messes up the appearance and can cause you to need to redo them.

WIMNGRL

Thank you for your reply. Today she now says I can radiate fillers. Before she said no, also said I wouldn't need flap but now today says probably 100 % will need. I'm starting to wonder if I need 2nd opinion. Very nice Dr. but things change each meeting. I feel like choices are being made for me. Only is it when I research more options does she give me choices. Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

muska

They can radiate with expanders in and they can radiate with the permanent implants in. I chose the latter because the skin does not heal well after rads. I am glad with the outcome. PM if you have any particular questions.

Paxton29

I'm glad to hear that, muska. My PS wants to exchange first. I admit I blanked out for a second when he was explaining why. That would still be a few months off so I have time to ask him to explain it again.

WIMNGRL

I saw my oncologist for the 1st time three days ago. He disagrees with the PS on putting in implants before radiation. He said it's a bad idea and that I should leave it up to the radiologist. I'm now more confused than ever. Just want to make right choice but man these doctors sure can make it hard.

edwsmom

My PS said it was fine to do radiation with the implants in. When I asked him about it he said that the medical community was split down the middle about it - half prefer to radiate with the implants in and half prefer to radiate with TE's in. I'm definitely going to ask my MO about it before making a decision.

owlwatcher

Just my experience=My ps said the radiation can mess up expanders so he tells patients to go get treatment then come back for reconstruction.my ps has said stuff at appoinments then after appointment he rethinks it and changes his mind just like we all do.