Before and after bilateral breast reconstruction by the reduction and lift method in a 54-year-old breast cancer survivor. She had recovered from two lumpectomies and radiation therapy which had left her right smaller and misshapen.
Her breast reconstruction involved a local tissue rearrangement of the right radiated breast and a left balancing reduction. Liposuction removed excess fat from her armpits and bra rolls (the axillary rolls).
Radiation actually interferes with collagen deposition and slows wound healing, leading to nicer looking but weaker scars. Radiotherapy also causes the entire breast to shrink and be tighter and firmer than the non-radiated side.
Follow up photos are shown 1 year after surgery. Note the flatter and more faded scars on the right radiated breast – her left breast scars will gradually fade and flatten with time but are unlikely to become as flat as the radiated side.
*All photos are actual patient photographs and are for illustrative purposes only. Individual results may vary.
