How do you counsel patients who want breast augmentation following breast conserving surgery and whole breast radiation?
Answer from: Radiation Oncologist at Academic Institution
I usually start by trying to better understand why they want to do this. I try to reinforce that the majority of patients have good to excellent cosmetic results (by both the patient and provider assessments). I emphasize that there will be continued anatomic changes in the breast post-RT (likely fr...
Answer from: Radiation Oncologist at Academic Institution
I counsel patients that they may be at higher risk of breast reconstruction/augmentation complications following BCS with whole breast including wound complications, need for revision/replacement, and loss. I do recommend waiting at least 6-12 months post-RT.