Are tissue expanders a good choice 3yrs post radiation?

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rds123
rds123 Member Posts: 5
edited September 2014 in Breast Reconstruction


In 2009, I had double mastectomy, 14 chemo rx and a month of radiation therapy (bolus + cone).. I am considering tissue expanders for reconstruction. I have heard encapsulation stories. Are there any success stories after radiation w/ te???

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  • dayzoo
    dayzoo Member Posts: 55
    edited November 2013


    I had radiation in 2009 after a lumpectomy.


    Recurrence in 2012, followed by a MX (Dec 2012) Lat Dorsi Flap with expander done Sept 2013. 8 weeks out, and all is good! Looking forward to my exchange surgery in January!

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  • quiltrunner
    quiltrunner Member Posts: 101
    edited November 2013


    rds123, I finished rads in April and next Thursday I'm having the first of three fat grafts done to help 'rejuvenate' the radiated tissue. After the fat is obtained (through liposuction) it is spun down to a liquid which is rich in stem cells and injected in the rad side. Studies are showing that the stem cells are helping the damaged rads tissue and increasing the acceptance of the TE. With really slow fills there is a chance it will work. I'm very very excited to try it!


    I found an excellent article that explains it much better. I'll try and find it and post the link.

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  • quiltrunner
    quiltrunner Member Posts: 101
    edited November 2013


    rds123,


    Here's the article. I found it to be really promising and worth the risk for me to try it. I really don't feel like I have that much to lose to at least give it a shot. Hopefully this helps with your decision making.


    http://www.plasticsurgery.org/news-and-resources/press-release-archives/2012-press-release-archives/technique-provides-new-option-for-breast-reconstruction-after-radiation-therapy.html

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  • Sherryc
    Sherryc Member Posts: 5,938
    edited December 2013


    I finished rads in Jan 2011. Had a BMX in March 2012 using TE's and then implants in Aug 2012. I had some minor problems but did have to have the implants redone in Nov 2012. Since then all is well. My rads side has dropped more than the non rads side but I think it is going to be OK. I have had no encapsulation problems. I am happy with my implants.

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  • rds123
    rds123 Member Posts: 5
    edited September 2014

    Thank you.  I hope all is still going well.  I still haven't had reconstruction.  Doctor advised me to lose weight.  I've gained ten since then, ugh!  It is good to hear a positive result.   I believe I will try TE's first.  The less invasive the better.  I also have lymphedema, do you?  If so how did it affect surgery and the healing process?

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  • rds123
    rds123 Member Posts: 5
    edited September 2014

    Thank you for the article.  I will ask my plastic surgeon about fat grafting.  Did all go well for you?  I was advised to lose weight before reconstruction, that part is not going so well.  My self discipline is a tad subpar, lol.  God Bless and wishing you all the best!

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