Radiation Skin Discoloration

[ladysmith105]

I am 3 mos. post radiation treatment.  Can a cream be used to fade the skin darkening at the boost site now or at some time in the future?

Can supplements like Alpha Lipoic Acid help?

Also, I have a depression at the site of the lumpectomy and am considering fat implants ( liposuction, then fat injection to the breast) to restore the fullness.  Do you recommend this procedure?  I have looked into fat stem cell implant clinical trials but I must first be 1 year from surgery date and a T2.  I am a T1 and 5 mos from surgery date.

I would love to return my skin and breast to the most normal shape possible.  Then I will feel I am really finished with treatment.

Many thanks.  I love this site.

[SueYoung55]

Liposuction can be done and the fat injected but you stand a 50/50 chance of the fat being absorbed by your body and the depression in your breast still there.

Best wishes

[Cleveland Clinic]

Dear ladysmith105:  During and immediately after radiation therapy, there are certain “creams” that should be used and others that should not.  These would be recommended by the radiation oncology staff.  Regarding creams to fade darkening, the radiation oncology staff may be best equipped to make a recommendation regarding whether any of these remedies may be helpful or whether you would be wasting your money.  I am not aware of any supplements being used for this purpose.  

You should discuss the breast reconstruction (fat implants) issues with a breast reconstruction plastic surgeon.  Make sure it is someone who is well experienced in reconstruction post cancer removal as this may impact the options that are appropriate.  We would defer our recommendation to the plastic surgeon who has examined you and can make appropriate recommendations.