Implants after Radiation Therapy

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Anonymous
Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
edited August 2016 in Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After
Implants after Radiation Therapy
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  • DakotaGirl
    DakotaGirl Member Posts: 14
    edited August 2016

    I'm curious if there are any success stories of implant reconstruction after rads. I finished rads March 2015, and my Doctor FINALLY has given the okay to attempt reconstruction. I had previous implants for years prior to diagnosis, and the radiated side is now encapsulated, with fibrosis and very painful.

    I was given the option of relocating my back muscle, but I really don't want to do that because I'm a very active tennis player and I need my back muscle where it is. The other option is to replace my existing implant with a new one.

    Is there any chance this will be successful? Has anyone healed well from this after radiation?

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  • leftduetostupidmods
    leftduetostupidmods Member Posts: 620
    edited August 2016

    Don't do the LD flap. Especially if you are a tennis player. Try finding a surgeon to do the DIEP maybe. How is the skin itself in that area? If the skin is ok and you don't need skin flap, there might be a chance maybe for them to do a one-step implant with alloderm sling?

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  • Meadow
    Meadow Member Posts: 2,007
    edited August 2016

    following this thread, as I had recon with a silicon implant, then rads. I did this because I was rolling the dice, hoping not to have encapsulation. I do have moderate to slight severe encapsulaton, of course. I am wanting to exchange this implant (not soon), hoping the surgeon can break up scar tissue, and I will be happier and more comfortable, and more symmetrical. I seem to be an optimist!

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  • DakotaGirl
    DakotaGirl Member Posts: 14
    edited August 2016

    Thank you. No one anywhere in this region does the DIEP, but I scheduled a consult with Dr in TX. Have you had one?

    I can do the implant again but Onc says not a good chance of success

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  • DakotaGirl
    DakotaGirl Member Posts: 14
    edited August 2016

    It is tempting to just try it and hope for the best, isn't it!? I'm in so much pain that I need to take action. Just can't decide which! I have rules out the back muscle though

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  • BayouBabe
    BayouBabe Member Posts: 2,221
    edited August 2016

    Dakotagirl - be sure to research fat grafting after rads. There are several threads here that discuss it. I had two fat grafting surgeries after rads and it has done wonders to repair my skin.

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