one-stage breast reconstruction with implants in previously irradiated patients

Abstract

After a breast conserving treatment for breast cancer, the use of implants is controversial due to radio- therapy damaging effects on soft tissues. A large risk of implant loss; high rates of wound complications; and capsular contracture when radiotherapy is associated with breast reconstruction were reported in a previous series. This study reports three cases of one-stage breast reconstruction in patients that had previously undergone a quadrantectomy followed by radiotherapy, and presented local recurrence. All of them were submitted to skin-sparing mastectomy followed by immediate reconstruction with the anatomic implant Allergan Style 410. After an average follow-up of 16 months, no evidence of capsular contracture was noticed, the aesthetic results were good and stable, and the patients did not present with early or late complications.