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Anyone who had radiotherapy after implant and reconstruction

Susz
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Hi all I know this may be a rare situation but I had LD reconstruction with implant in 2004. Recurrence grade 2,  in 2025. So lumpectomy, capsulectomy and replacement of silicone implant last July, radiotherapy 15 fractions in October 2025. 

Recently my reconstruction has shrunk, is harder and lumpy. Pulling in along top flap scar and lumpectomy area. Its sitting much higher than remaining breast. I saw my consultant in November and had an ultrasound, which showed post operative changes. Its much worse now. 

Just wondering if this is expected changes when radiotherapy is done on a new implant and old recon. Has anyone had a similar experience? 

Im back for annual check up 6th next month. Xx

  • Hi  

    I am one of the Community Champions on this forum and whilst I haven’t had a reconstruction, I didn’t want your post to go unanswered. Radiotherapy has caused my breast to develop hard ridges so I can understand what it might do to an implant. I hope they have some suggestions on how to improve things at your appointment on the 6th. 

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  • in reply to Coddfish

    Hi coddfish thankyou fir your reply and info. I,m guessing there arent so many folks who have had an implant radiated. My was a difficult decision as my recon & original implant were  old and the surgeon thought a new implant would stand upto radiotherapy better. Ive noticed that most people seem to have their implants fitted further down the line, after radiotherapy. Im not sure why this wasnt possible for me really. Im guessing he didnt want to be doing more than one surgery on an old LD flap. 

  • in reply to Susz

    Hi Susz, I had a mastectomy with implant reconstruction back in 2021, then found I needed to have radiotherapy.

    I still have the original implant and had no problems after radiotherapy. x

  • in reply to Gilliebean

    Just remembered I had 15 sessions of radiotherapy instead of the 5 as it was thought to be kinder to the implant x

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