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snolan · 07-12-2013, 07:53 AM

Some surgeons will do implants with radiation but the skin does not form well and the breast may take on funny shapes when you raise your arm, or may sage a different way compared to the other side. That is why some will only do flap reconstruction after radation the flap skin holds its shape better. I did the latissimus flap, I didn't have enought fat on my tummy (I tend to disagree

I also didn't want the DIEP due to the fact that I am very active and would have a weaker stomach which helps with core strenth with lifing etc. I have a friend who had an implant before radiation and I did it after we both have issues with how the breast is shaped when whe lie down or raise our arms so either way it can come out a little different.
If you have any more questions don't hesistate to ask.
Suzanne

07-12-2013, 07:53 AM	#4
snolan Senior Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: El Paso ,Tx Posts: 436	Re: Need Reconstruction Advice Some surgeons will do implants with radiation but the skin does not form well and the breast may take on funny shapes when you raise your arm, or may sage a different way compared to the other side. That is why some will only do flap reconstruction after radation the flap skin holds its shape better. I did the latissimus flap, I didn't have enought fat on my tummy (I tend to disagree I also didn't want the DIEP due to the fact that I am very active and would have a weaker stomach which helps with core strenth with lifing etc. I have a friend who had an implant before radiation and I did it after we both have issues with how the breast is shaped when whe lie down or raise our arms so either way it can come out a little different. If you have any more questions don't hesistate to ask. Suzanne __________________ dx: DCIS 6/8/10, HER 2+ 7/26/10; Stage I Age 41 Double mast w reconstruction 6 TCH w 1yr herceptin Tamox. 25 radiation tx Removal of expander on L due to infection. Tried to save it had 3 bouts of antibiotics and went to see plastic surgeon 2-3x wk to get drained. Saving it was my idea not his. But lost it anyway. Reconstruction set for December 21st,2011 Finished chemo 12/2010 Finished Herceptin 8/26/11 Reconstruction 12/21/11 Expanders exchanged for silicon 3/19/12 Nipple reconstruction 5/18/12 Nipple tatooing- 7/9/12- All done yay! 11/22/12-Went back to get scar tissue stretched to even the outside of breast, didn't work due to it being radiated skin.