Patient 59 Gallery

Before and after breast augmentation and lift in a 69-year-old breast cancer survivor. She previously had undergone a lumpectomy and radiation on the left side. After menopause, she noted increasing asymmetry between her breasts as the radiated breast remained smaller and did not accumulate as much fat as the non-radiated side. She found it difficult to fit into a bra properly, and she wanted to finally have breast reconstruction.

Age is just one factor we consider when evaluating patients’ candidacy for surgery, but as long as a patient is healthy, physically fit and able to withstand the trauma of surgery and related downtime, it is reasonable to consider. This particular patient walked several miles a day, took no prescribed mediations and was cleared by her primary care Physician for surgery.

Her breast reconstruction involved placement of a silicone gel breast implant under each breast in the subglandular position, a breast lift to raise both her nipples and create improved symmetry. Liposuction of her axillary rolls and armpit fat removed excess fat from these regions for the best cosmetic results.

Fat was added to her indented left lumpectomy defect in the form of fat grafting, but fat grafting results are usually disappointing, even if fat grafting sessions are performed. Particularly in the face of radiation, very little fat survives, as in this particular case. Her left lumpectomy defect was still indented and stiff, which we agreed to accept as additional surgery would not likely improve this consequence of her breast cancer treatment.

Long-term follow up photos are shown 2 years after surgery. There is still a subtle difference between the radiated left breast and non-radiated right side and some loss of areola pigment (that would ideally be filled in with medical tattoo), but her improvement is noticeable, and she is satisfied – which is the most important outcome!