Corrective surgery after radiation?

LotusMama

Hi all,

I was treated for Her2+ BC in 2012--chemo, lumpectomy, radiation. Grateful to have be cancer-free for many years now, and to this community that offered so much support during that time.

I have asymmetrical breasts due to the lumpectomy and am now considering corrective surgery. I'd like to do a lift and reduction, but my surgeon has told me there's a higher risk of complication due to radiation.

If you've had corrective or reconstructive surgery after radiation therapy, I'd appreciate hearing about your experience.

Thank you!

Lesley

Moderators

Hi LotusMama, it's nice to "see" you again, despite the troubles you're having!

While you wait for responses from our amazing members, we wanted to point you to this page on the main Breastcancer.org site on Reconstruction After Lumpectomy, which you may find helpful.

We hope this helps and that you get responses soon!

--The Mods

Cowgirl13

LotusMama, I had a lumpectomy in 2009 and just this year have been wondering about some reconstructive surgery. I have a big divot in my breast since the lumpectomy and my breasts are quite asymmetrical also. I too, had radiation.

LotusMama

Hi Cowgirl13,

I've been meaning to get back to you... I had corrective surgery about a month ago, and so far am very happy with my results! My surgeon was quite conservative, so I didn't get as much reduction as I'd hoped, lol--I went from an E-cup to a C+. The girls are now pretty symmetrical and, I'll add, quite buoyant for this 56-year-old mom 😉

My surgeon worked with my insurance company, so my out-of-pocket cost wasn't too bad. Insurance covered about 75%.

If you pursue this, be sure to work with a surgeon who does reconstructive breast surgery. Most plastic surgeons have not been trained to address post-radiated boobs.

Good luck!