The effect of timing of postmastectomy radiation on implant-based breast reconstruction: a retrospective comparison of complication outcomes.

[BACKGROUND] The optimal timing of postmastectomy radiation for women undergoing delayed permanent implant exchange continues to remain controversial. The objective of our study is to compare complication rates when tissue expanders are exchanged for permanent implants pre- vs postradiation.

[METHODS] A retrospective review of 54 consecutive patients who underwent implant-based breast reconstruction and received postmastectomy radiation was conducted. Complications including infection, implant loss, and capsular contracture (measured in Baker score) were compared between the 2 groups.

[RESULTS] Of the patients studied, 32 patients had radiation before placement of permanent implants, whereas 22 patients received radiation after implant placement. There was no difference in individual complication rates between the 2 groups.

[CONCLUSIONS] In our study of 54 patients, the timing of radiation did not affect individual complication rates for patients who underwent implant-based breast reconstruction after immediate tissue expander placement.