Reconstruction- delays & implants

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Hi.

I was told that I couldn’t have reconstruction until 12-15 months following the end of treatment. Was anyone else told this and/or did you manage to get it sooner?

My BCN said it was because radiotherapy still keeps working for up to a year or more and in doing so damages the area.

I do not meet the requirements for a Diep flap reconstruction as I am slim so I have opted for implants. I have had one breast removed and will be having the other one removed after chemotherapy as I am brca2.

I have been told by my consultant that they cannot do reconstruction with implants if I am having radiotherapy. After much research I have found out that this is untrue and you can have a tissue expander (temporary implant) put in have the radiotherapy then a certain period afterwards have the final implants in.

Has anyone had implant reconstruction after radiotherapy?

Pepper79 5 hours ago

Hi - I was originally led to believe what you were told but then my BCN told me to meet with a different surgeon and he offered up the option of the expander which I am going with. I will likely have radiotherapy after the op and understand this may damage the implant and in which case I can have a replacement one put in after about 1 year but he said in some cases people are happy with the temporary expander which can stay in place. I wonder if you should try and get a second option. My op was due to be tomorrow but I have picked up a sickness bug so now moved to next week.

Sparkle498uk 4 hours ago in reply to Pepper79

Hi. Thank you for responding this is very interesting I think I will get a second opinion.

I hope your op goes well next week x

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Reconstruction- delays & implants