Implant reconstruction after radiotherapy

Hi Bramble22 and a very warm welcome to the online community

Although I don't have the experience you're looking for I noticed that your post hadn't had any replies yet. This is possibly because this is such an active group that your post has slipped off the first page before someone who can help has seen it. Replying to you will 'bump' it back to the top of the discussion list.

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Hi Bramble22

I have had the experience of attempted implant reconstruction following previous radiotherapy. I wasn't told it was high risk until after surgery.  I am now having to have the implant removed.  The problem has been radiated skin not being strong enough and there not being a good enough blood supply to the skin.  I have had a few different surgeries and it has caused me a lot of anguish. I hesitated before responding to your post as I wouldn't want to put you off but am just being honest about my own personal experience. I wonder if there has been anyone where this has worked for them?  Best of luck for whatever you go ahead with - there's no easy choice and no guarantees.

All the best xx

Thank you so much for your honest answer  The more I’m reading the more I’m wondering if this is possible! Can I ask if you had any problems with your skin during radiotherapy? 

Hi. I had radiotherapy following a lumpectomy 8 years ago. I don't recall having any particular problems with the skin at the time. It's made the skin break down following an implant after mastectomy - I  had a recent recurrence.

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I’m sorry to hear that  but appreciate your reply. I’ve a few weeks until I see my surgeon, still have no idea what to do.

Well have just been to my see my surgeon and she has now said she doesn’t think implant reconstruction is a good idea, not just for me but for everyone unless there is no other option! I had kind of got my hopes up that an implant would have been an option after my last chat with her so feeling a little deflated...excuse the pun!! She is sending me back to have a chat with my plastic surgeon to talk over the DIEP option again. I now know that my OH and the rest of my family don’t want me to go for it so I’m having a rethink. My surgeon has offered to do a reduction on the other side and then I can have more time to think about the DIEP but as the time goes by I’m getting older (61) so not sure what to do as it’s really cosmetic rather than life saving.  Hate having to make these decisions. Not sure about anyone else but it’s all I can think of at the moment, ridiculous isn’t it?!

Having recently had a mastectomy and implant I would like to know why your Surgeon thinks it's such a bad idea for everyone whilst other Surgeons think its a sensible option. DIEP is the gold standard but its much more invasive, much longer operation, involves ICU stay and a longer recovery time. I didn't think the results looked very good either.

I’ve no idea why she has had a change of heart!! Of course in the minute all I could think was that that option was gone. For the first time since this whole rotten saga began I felt she was a bit rushed. Will discuss with my plastic surgeon what the options are but I think if implant reconstruction is off the table I won’t be going for DIEP. Just to add I had my mastectomy in March 2020 so perhaps because it’s a delayed reconstruction after radiotherapy too although she did say the skin was good.