skin changes after rads and mastectomy

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lg10
lg10 Member Posts: 71
edited June 2019 in Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After

I am 9 months post radiation. I had 33 treatments after chemo and a double mastectomy. I still have my expanders in and they are over-filled. I will have my exchange surgery in July. My question is about skin sensitivity especially around my scar. I healed well from radiation/surgery, but I've noticed that I still get scabs and red skin (especially around my scar) whenever I wear a tighter bra. I have very light, sensitive skin and it seems like tight clothing rubs this "new" skin and makes it raw. My plastic surgeon has seen this and told me not to worry and that it was normal--the skin is just really thin there. But of course I am worried about every little thing and wanted to see if anyone else had experienced this. Sometimes my radiated skin just seems "angry" and then the redness heals and goes away...

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  • macb04
    macb04 Member Posts: 1,433
    edited June 2019

    Ig10, a large part of the damage from rads is associated with decreased blood circulation to the microvascular small vessels in the radiated area. Then when your skin is stretched out by the TE, and perhaps a tight bra, it compresses the blood flow even more temporarily. I am on Pentoxifylline 400mg three times per day and Vitamin E 400IU per capsule three times per day to help with circulation to that radiated area after Prepectoral Implant Reconstruction.

    Topic: TE/Implant OVER pectoral Can exercise, comfortable &NO RIPPLES!

    Forum: Breast Reconstruction — Is it right for you? Discuss timing and various procedures and techniques.

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