Success stories of rec with implants after radiation

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Tunik
Tunik Member Posts: 21
edited May 2020 in Breast Reconstruction

Ladies,

There are so many horror stories about reconstruction with implants after radiation. Can you please share your positive experiences to stay motivated?

I had BMX in March with TEs. The right side was expanded by 15% more than the left side. The radiation will be on the right side.

Did you notice significant shrinkage? Did you do anything to prevent it? Was there anything that helped you protect the radiated side and avoid capsule contraction? Any stretch exercises?

Are you happy with how your implants look now?


Thank you!

Tunik

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited May 2020

    I can speak to this question. I had radiation April-May 2012. After that ended, I saw my PS. He examined my skin, said it seemed it recon would be successful, and told me to wait a year. I had my recon July 2013-I am small breasted and stayed small, so it was a one-and-done surgery. I did have to have some fat grafting in May 2014, because I noticed a bit of asymmetry in the right (radiated) breast compared to the left and that was also a non-event. I'm happy with what I wound up with.

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  • Tunik
    Tunik Member Posts: 21
    edited May 2020

    Thank you, Claireinaz. Glad it all went well for you! Did you do anything special during radiation? How was radiation for you? Why did your PS want to wait a year before the exchange?

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  • sunnyjay
    sunnyjay Member Posts: 238
    edited May 2020

    Great topic! I am actually scheduled for recon in 2 weeks. I've had an expander for 3 yrs now and although I'm looking forward to getting the exchange, I keep wondering if this is the best decision given the media about the complications with implants. So I would love to hear some positive stories right now.

    I delayed this long because my PS wanted to wait a year after radiation to make sure the skin was healed. After that first year, my husband had a kidney transplant and I had to care for him. so I couldn't have surgery while he was recovering. It's been a year since his transplant and everything's going well so I'm ready to get this done. I've been in touch with my PS throughout these years so she's been guiding me through the process.

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