Before and after breast reconstruction in a 47 year old woman who had previous breast cancer treated with a left lumpectomy and radiation therapy. Prior to her cancer, she “was all nipple” with small breasts, but the cancer treatment left her with asymmetry and a stiff, indented left breast.
She wished to be reconstructed fuller and to make this her “silver lining of having breast cancer”. Smooth round silicone gel implants were placed in the subglandular position to fill out missing tissue on the left and to achieve this patient’s personal aesthetic goal. A larger implant was used on the left side than the right in order to reach symmetry of breast volume and shape.
Follow up images are seen at one year after surgery. Note that the left radiated breast still sits slightly higher than the right – this is a normal consequence of radiation and one that cannot be completely corrected. The left nipple and areola has lost some of its pigment, also from radiation. An attempt at tattoo to fill in the color was not completely successful. This is not bothersome to her.
Radiation is not a “contraindication” (a reason it is not safe to perform) breast implant reconstruction; however, a radiated breast with an implant will always have a slightly higher risk of implant-related complications, such as capsular contracture and infection, even years after surgery. Being fully educated and aware of what is normal (and what is not) is key to maintaining a good result after any Plastic Surgery procedure!
*All photos are actual patient photographs and are for illustrative purposes only. Individual results may vary.
