How long after radiotherapy can you have breast reconstruction?

This is known as capsular contracture. Capsular contracture can also affect a reconstruction that uses your own tissue, making the breast feel firmer, reducing its size and possibly altering its shape. Because of this, if radiotherapy is a likely treatment you may be advised to delay reconstruction for up to 12 months.

How long does it take to recover from breast reconstruction surgery?

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.

Is a breast reconstruction painful?

After any type of operation, you will have some pain or discomfort. Some women need painkillers for a few weeks after surgery. Make sure you ask for pain-relieving medicines if you need them. This will help you recover more quickly.

How long does pain last after breast reconstruction?

Right after the surgery, you will probably feel weak, and you may feel pain for 2 to 3 weeks. You may have a pulling or stretching feeling in your breast area. You can expect to feel better and stronger each day, although you may need pain medicine for a week or two.

What happens to your breast after radiation?

The main short-term side effects of external beam radiation therapy to the breast are: Swelling in the breast. Skin changes in the treated area similar to a sunburn (redness, skin peeling, darkening of the skin) Fatigue.

Can you have another lumpectomy after radiation?

Women should not have a second lumpectomy in the same breast if they were previously treated with a lumpectomy and radiation, says Mehra Golshan, MD, FACS, director of Breast Surgical Services at the Susan F. Smith Center for Women’s Cancers at Dana-Farber.

How often does breast reconstruction fail?

One in Three Women Undergoing Breast Reconstruction Have Complications. One in five requires more surgery, and in 5 percent of cases, reconstruction fails.

What is the safest breast reconstruction surgery?

Breast implants are a safe and popular choice for breast reconstruction. The main disadvantage of implants compared to free-flap surgery is that implants must be replaced at certain points in life due to age-related body changes, failure of the implant, or age of the implant.

Can I sleep on my side after breast reconstruction?

Sleeping on your side or stomach immediately after breast reconstruction is not permitted. These positions put unnecessary pressure on your healing breast tissue and incisions. If you had implant-based reconstruction, side and back sleeping during recovery may result in malposition.

How long does it take for nerves to heal after breast surgery?

Most loss of feeling will resolve in 2 to 3 months, however, some areas – such as the nipples and the area directly around the scar line – can take up to 2 years to resolve. The last place to regain the sensation will be directly adjacent to the incision, as the nerves make their way from the periphery to the scarline.

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.

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