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7 days ago
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A MyBCTeam Member

@A MyBCTeam Member

Before the lumpectomy, I asked my breast surgeon if the lumpectomy breast could have an implant. He said that they never do that.
If anything, my lumpectomy breast got bigger recently on me as did the other breast. Sometimes this happens. I did not gain weight. Sometimes the radiation therapy may make the breast bigger later on???
I wear a silicone liner on the lumpectomy breast.

I am 4 years past radiation.

7 days ago (edited)
A MyBCTeam Member

@A MyBCTeam Member

You did not say what size each breast is.

If you are larger breasted, a reduction and lift of the other breast would not have any radiation tissue impacted problems. The AI suggested this above. This is the first that I have seen this idea.

Read up on this topic in general.

Please keep us posted.

7 days ago
MyBCTeam

It's completely understandable to feel concerned about breast asymmetry after a lumpectomy and radiation. Many people experience this, and yes, a breast implant or reconstruction surgery is absolutely an option worth exploring!

A plastic surgeon can help assess what's possible based on your specific situation. Here are some Show Full Answer

It's completely understandable to feel concerned about breast asymmetry after a lumpectomy and radiation. Many people experience this, and yes, a breast implant or reconstruction surgery is absolutely an option worth exploring!

A plastic surgeon can help assess what's possible based on your specific situation. Here are some things to keep in mind: Things to discuss with your surgeon:
- How radiation may have affected your skin and tissue, as this can impact implant options
- Implant size, shape, and projection to best match your other breast
- Whether a lift or reduction on the untreated breast might help achieve better symmetry
- The timing of surgery, since radiated tissue needs to be fully healed first

Potential risks to be aware of:
- Infection
- Scarring
- Blood clots
- Changes in sensation
- Tissue complications from previously radiated skin

Maintaining a stable weight is also helpful, as radiation can cause breast tissue to respond differently to weight changes compared to the untreated breast.

A MyBCTeam member offered this reassurance to someone in a similar situation: *"Please don't worry. This is a very common problem after surgery, especially with radiotherapy."*

Talking to a breast reconstruction specialist is the best first step to understanding what options are right for you. 💛

7 days ago
A MyBCTeam Member

Hi Sue thank you for responding. I’m a 36 C and now on the other breast I’m a 36 B.. I do wear a padded sports bra usually. I know other women have it worse, but it’s starting to bother me. I feel like my breast will keep shrinking. I’m only 5 1/2 months radiation. Part of me feels that I should just be grateful that I had a lumpectomy and not a mastectomy and leave it at that.

7 days ago (edited)

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