It is possible to have radiotherapy following breast reconstruction, but it is not carried out while a tissue expander is being inflated and the shape of the breast is changing. This is because the dose of radiotherapy is very carefully calculated according to the shape of the breast, and if the shape changes it is not possible to give an accurate dose of radiotherapy.

Any necessary radiotherapy is given before inflation or is delayed until the expander has been fully inflated. If radiotherapy is given, it is best not to use an implant/expander reconstruction alone as the skin cannot stretch enough. Usually, a latissimus dorsi or TRAM flap are needed as well.