Implant outcomes following breast conservation therapy in patients with history of augmentation mammoplasty

Background

In women who are eligible, breast conservation therapy (BCT) is often the preferred local treatment for early-stage BC. Concern for implant contracture in patients undergoing BCT including radiation therapy (RT) with prior augmentation mammoplasty has been expressed in several prior studies. The exact incidence of patient dissatisfaction remains unknown.

Methods

A single institution retrospective review was performed for patients with prior augmentation mammoplasty who received BCT for BC between 2010 and 2020. 77 patients met inclusion criteria. Of these, 34 were consented and completed study survey which included validated BREAST-Q modules. Data was reviewed with primarily descriptive analyses. P-values were calculated from Fisher’s exact test and Kruskal-Wallis rank sum test.

Results

34 patients completed study survey, with 55.9 % of patients (n=19) having silicone implants and 44.1 % (n=15) having saline. Most implants (91.1 %, n=31) were retropectoral. Median total dose of RT was 4005 cGy and median age of implants at BC diagnosis was 16 years (range 2, 40). 41 % (n=14) of patients reported dissatisfaction with breast appearance, with median BREAST-Q RASCH score for satisfaction with breasts 48 (range 20–82). No differences in breast satisfaction were seen in patients with silicone implants compared to saline (p= 0.171) although there were improved reported physical well-being chest scores in patients with saline implants (median 100 vs 89; p = 0.039).

Conclusions

A large proportion of women are dissatisfied with implant appearance following BCT with RT. Future larger studies are needed to explore contributing factors for dissatisfaction including implant type, location, RT dosing and fractionation.