Breast reconstruction after lumpectomy/rads.

Jenny, I had this done about a year after my lumpectomy. It was a successful operation and my breasts look normal, more or less, now. Size and shape are fine but the nipple reconstruction has diminished quite a bit. Also the tattoo did not last,, but those are relatively minor things. When I take off my clothes and look in the mirror, I appear fine. My husband is happy with the results, but he wasn't concerned to begin with. I am very glad I did it. I doubt I will bother with getting another, more prominent nipple constructed, although I could.

The talk about how radiated breasts cannot have successful reconstruction was false, in my case. I did not have any serious problems with radiation, however, so maybe my skin can tolerate radiation more than others. Your plastic surgeon should be able to tell you if your skin is up to the procedure. Best wishes!

You are so welcome jenny!

Jenny,

I think I can probably help. In Dec 2010 I had a breast augmentation & lift. I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2012 in my left breast. Had a lumpectomy and 6 weeks of radiation. Fast forward to Oct 2016. I was diagnosed again. I just had a double mastectomy on 12/14/16. My plastic surgeon placed tissue expanders in during the surgery. He was concerned about the radiated skin and infection but so far everything has been really good. He was also worried about my previous scars. He told me scars and radiated skin doesn't have the blood flow like normal skin so I'd be at a risk for infection and slower heal time. I've gone to him weekly to have them expanded and I'm scheduled for the exchange surgery in March. So far my skin has held up perfectly. He told me I'm out of the woods for any of the major risks. I think it's different with everyone, but I've had wonderful results so far.

I had Lump+rads in 2006. Just Dx with recurrence in same breast and underwent BMX-Nipple and skin sparing on 1/06/17. My PS does above the muscle direct to implant reconstruction usually at the time of the BMX. In my case she chose to wait for 2 weeks after the first surgery to see how my tissue is healing before deciding how to proceed with reconstruction.

Went for follow up appt yesterday and she was satisfied with the current condition of my skin. Both nipples are dark purple but did both bleed when she was cleaning them with an antiseptic-so this was a good sign. So, next Friday she will proceed with the direct to implant pre pectoral implant placement (no tissue expanders).

Though this situation is not the same as a lift/reduction, the risk of skin necrosis and infection because of prior radiation remains similar.

We are cautiously optimistic that things will heal well.

Good luck to you all