Before and after breast reconstruction by breast reduction and lift with liposuction of the axillary rolls after breast-conserving treatment in a 43-year-old woman with right breast cancer. Following a lumpectomy, the Pathology report showed close margins, so radiation therapy was needed.
At the same time as margin re-excision by the breast surgeon, reconstruction by local tissue rearrangement (mastopexy) was performed. Knowing that radiation therapy will shrink a breast by approximately ten to twenty percent, the right breast was kept around that much larger to accommodate for post-radiation changes.
A balancing left breast reduction and lift was performed at the same time, making the left breast the size that the right breast would likely shrink to after radiation. Liposuction removed excess fat from her armpits and bra rolls.
Follow up photos are shown 11 months after surgery and 8 months after radiation was completed. Note that the radiated scars are lighter and that the right breast is still swollen, also effects of radiation. Post-radiation changes can take up to two years to be complete.
*All photos are actual patient photographs and are for illustrative purposes only. Individual results may vary.
