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Scleroderma interferes with implants?

Page last modified on: September 30, 2008
Question from Wendy: Does having the CREST variety of scleroderma interfere with the success of a saline/silicone breast implant, post-breast cancer and chemotherapy?
Answer —Carolyn Chang, M.D.: Anybody who has any collagen vascular disease, be it scleroderma or more commonly lupus, is at higher risk for circulatory problems because the disease usually interferes with the fine blood vessels in the body. If the patient had the mastectomy before and wants to do the implants in a delayed fashion, then she will have a higher success rate because the skin will have had time to get a lot stronger.

On Wednesday, April 20, 2005, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Reconstruction and Safe, Sexy Cosmetics. Carolyn C. Chang, M.D., Anna-Dee Rinehart, S.C.S., and moderator Lillie Shockney, R.N., B.S., M.A.S. answered your questions about reconstructive surgery and safe, sexy cosmetics.

The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.

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Meet the Experts

Carolyn C. Chang, M.D. is a board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in breast reconstruction after mastectomy, TRAM flap reconstruction, and implant reconstruction.

Anna-Dee Rinehart S.C.S. is a nurse-aesthetician, aesthetic instructor, and director of education for Austin Medical Aesthetics in Austin, Texas.

Lillie Shockney, RN., BS., M.A.S.Lillie Shockney, R.N., B.S., M.A.S. is the administrative director of the Johns Hopkins Avon Foundation Breast Center.

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