Tissue Expanders After Radiation

I had a bmx in July, 2014, as my initial lumpectomy in January, 2014, did not have clear margins & they wanted me to have chemo before another surgery...so that leads me to radiation.

At the time of my bmx, I did not have TEs placed for 2 reasons. 1: my PS said he did not want to place them prior to my radiation because of concerns with skin and tissue breakdown. 2: I had not completely decided what I wanted to do...recon, no recon, lat-flap, etc.

Prior to starting radiation a month later, I met with my PS again. I told him I wanted to try recon with no flaps or other moving of muscles to support the implant. He told he would see me 6 to 9 months after radiation, and we could talk again. I finished radiation October 1. I went and saw him in March, 2015. He agreed my tissue and skin had recovered enough to try placing the expander. I had my surgery April 7. We agreed my fills would be low and slow. Started with 30 ml per week. It worked for a bit, but then was too painful on my radiated side, so we reduced to 15 ml per week. I was able to get to 450 ml each side. Now I am waiting until December, and I will have my exchange.

It wasn't easy, but I am happy with my choices and my surgeon. He was clear with me at the outset it may fail, but we agreed to work together to try to make it work.

Good luck.