Can I have breast reconstruction after radiation?

Can I have breast reconstruction after radiation?

Some surgeons advise patients to wait until after radiation and chemotherapy are finished before having reconstruction. This means reconstruction might be done 6 to 12 months after mastectomy or lumpectomy. Reconstruction also can be done years later if desired.

Will my breast be deformed after lumpectomy?

The amount of breast tissue removed during a lumpectomy can vary widely. Therefore, the results after lumpectomy are often unpredictable. This can leave a woman with a contour abnormality, deformity or asymmetry. This is especially true when radiation is part of the treatment plan.

How long does it take to recover from breast reconstruction?

Most women can start to get back to normal activities within 6 to 8 weeks. If implants are used without flaps, your recovery time may be shorter. Some things to keep in mind: Reconstruction does not restore normal feeling to your breast, but some feeling may return over a period of years.

Does insurance pay for breast reduction after lumpectomy?

If a patient has been diagnosed with breast cancer that has been treated by mastectomy (either complete or by lumpectomy), breast reduction of the non-affected breast to restore symmetry is considered medically necessary and covered by insurance.

Do you need a special bra after lumpectomy?

If you had a lumpectomy, we recommend that you wear a wireless bra 24 hours a day for the first week or two. If you had a mastectomy, it is up to you if you’d like to wear a bra or camisole unless otherwise told by your surgical team. Some bras are more comfortable than others to wear during this time.

How long is lumpectomy recovery?

Healing time after surgery can range anywhere from a few days to a week. After a lumpectomy without a lymph node biopsy, you’re likely to feel well enough to return to work after two or three days. You can usually resume normal physical activities, like going to the gym, after one week.

Is reconstruction necessary after lumpectomy?

Most plastic surgeons recommend that you wait at least 6 months to 1 year after lumpectomy before having any surgical reconstruction. This allows your tissues to heal and allows any distortion or asymmetry to stabilize.

Does breast really fill in after a lumpectomy?

Initially after a lumpectomy of that size, the defect may fill in with fluid, which initially may give your breast a normal contour.

What results should I expect after breast reconstruction?

The final results of breast reconstruction following mastectomy can help lessen the physical and emotional impact of mastectomy. Over time, some breast skin sensation may return, and scar lines will improve, although they will never disappear completely.

What does a breast look like after a lumpectomy?

After a lumpectomy the breast should look very similar to how it started in shape and size. There can be some loss of contour or fullness where the tumor was and after radiation, which causes some retraction.

What to expect after breast reconstruction?

If implants are used without flaps, your recovery time may be shorter. Some things to keep in mind: Reconstruction does not restore normal feeling to your breast, but some feeling may return over a period of years. It may take up to about 8 weeks for bruising and swelling to go away.

Can I have breast reconstruction after radiation? Some surgeons advise patients to wait until after radiation and chemotherapy are finished before having reconstruction. This means reconstruction might be done 6 to 12 months after mastectomy or lumpectomy. Reconstruction also can be done years later if desired. Will my breast be deformed after lumpectomy? The amount…