Timing of Reconstructive Surgery with radiation

barbara0806

My cancer treatment includes:

step 1: chemo (will end october 6)

step 2: mastectomy (unilateral)

step 3: radiation

My breast surgeon and plastic surgeon recommends that I have the reconstructive surgery (flap tissue) done immediately (at the time of surgery); however, I understand that radiation can have a negative impact (skin look and shrinkage) on the final reconstruction if done this way.

Is it better to have reconstruction delayed because of radiation? Why or why not?