Radiation affects tissues to a substantial degree. It may cause surgical wounds to heal at a slower rate, or it may cause tissues to contract or shrink in size. This can make the reconstructive process more difficult for the surgeon, regardless of the type of reconstruction chosen by the patient. However, Dr. Duffy gladly struggles with the difficulties of breast reconstruction in the setting of prior irradiation, because he knows radiation may save the lives of many of his patients. The first priority at all times is the treatment of the cancer and the survival of the patient.

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