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Restoring Comfort and Function After Cancer Treatment

Radiation therapy can be life-saving, but for many patients, its effects last long after treatment ends. One of the most challenging complications is Radiation Fibrosis Syndrome (RFS), the progressive hardening and scarring of tissues caused by radiation exposure. This can lead to pain, stiffness, and reduced head, neck, or jaw movement, making daily activities like eating, speaking, or swallowing difficult.

At AQ Surgery, Dr. Anastasiya Quimby offers an advanced, science-driven approach to help survivors regain mobility, comfort, and confidence through comprehensive care that integrates regenerative medicine, reconstructive surgery, and skin restoration.

What Is Radiation Fibrosis?

Radiation fibrosis occurs when healthy tissue is damaged during radiation therapy, triggering inflammation and the overproduction of collagen. Over time, this leads to scar formation, poor circulation, and tissue rigidity. 

These effects can worsen without treatment, but modern therapies offer solutions to restore tissue flexibility and function.

Patients may describe their symptoms as:

  • “Radiation fibrosis” or “fibrosis after cancer treatment”
  • “Difficulty opening my mouth” (trismus)
  • “Problems swallowing” (dysphagia)
  • “Tightness or pain in the neck”
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Spotlight on Radiation Fibrosis Featuring Dr. Anastasiya Quimby

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Symptoms of Radiation Fibrosis

The symptoms of radiation fibrosis can vary depending on the part of the body affected, but common symptoms include the following:

  • Pain: Scarred tissue can compress nerves, leading to chronic pain or discomfort.
  • Stiffness and tightness: The affected area may feel tight and stiff, limiting mobility and flexibility.
  • Weakness: Muscles affected by fibrosis may become weak and lose function.
  • Difficulty breathing: Fibrosis in the chest or lungs can make it harder to breathe.
  • Swallowing difficulties: Fibrosis in the neck or throat muscles can make swallowing painful or challenging.
  • Lymphedema: Swelling caused by blocked lymphatic drainage is a common symptom, particularly in the arms and legs.

Our Four-Tier Approach to Healing

At AQ Surgery, we treat RFS through a four-tier, evidence-based plan designed to repair tissue at multiple levels while improving long-term outcomes.

1. Regenerative Therapies

Dr. Quimby utilizes cutting-edge options like NanoFat therapy, which harnesses stem-cell-rich adipose tissue to calm inflammation, break down fibrosis, and stimulate new blood vessel formation. These regenerative effects help improve elasticity and restore a more natural tissue environment. Read more about NanoFat for radiation fibrosis here.

2. Reconstructive & Functional Surgery

Dr. Quimby performs microvascular reconstructive surgery for more advanced or structurally complex cases to release dense scar tissue, restore mobility, and rebuild affected anatomy. This precise surgical approach is often combined with regenerative therapies for optimal healing.

3. Skin & Surface Restoration

The skin over irradiated areas often becomes fragile, discolored, and tight. Dr. Quimby incorporates microneedling and biome-restoring skincare to repair this outer layer and support internal recovery.

  • Microneedling promotes collagen remodeling, reduces inflammation, and enhances cellular regeneration, helping the skin recover from the damage caused by radiation-induced oxidative stress.
  • Biojuve, a proprietary microbiome-supportive skincare line, helps rebalance the skin’s ecosystem, strengthen its barrier, and restore hydration while minimizing redness and irritation. Together, these treatments support tissue integrity from the surface, improving comfort and appearance.

4. Supportive Rehabilitation & Long-Term Monitoring

Healing from radiation fibrosis extends beyond one procedure. Speech and swallowing therapy, physiotherapy, and lymphedema management are critical to regaining comfort and confidence in daily life. Dr. Quimby’s team also provides ongoing monitoring to protect long-term results and detect recurrence or new fibrosis early.

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Patient Stories: Life Beyond Fibrosis

Many survivors feel that life after cancer will never return to normal. Yet, we routinely see patients rediscover the ability to smile, eat, and speak without pain, often after years of struggle. These transformations reflect our mission: to treat the condition and restore dignity, comfort, and vitality to those who have already fought so hard.

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Why Choose AQ Surgery?

Dr. Anastasiya Quimby is a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon with specialized fellowship training in head and neck oncology and microvascular reconstruction. She brings world-class expertise to patients affected by radiation fibrosis, focusing on restoring function in addition to aesthetics. Dr. Quimby's comprehensive approach allows her to manage complex conditions, including fibrosis resulting from radiation therapy, with precision and care.

With extensive multi-disciplinary training in oncology, ENT, dentistry, and plastic surgery, Dr. Quimby offers a holistic treatment plan to promote faster recovery and improved outcomes. Her practice emphasizes accurate diagnosis, personalized care, and enhancing her patients' quality of life. Dr. Quimby's specialized focus on treating radiation fibrosis ensures patients receive the highest level of care, combining advanced surgical techniques with compassionate, individualized treatment.

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Enhance Your Quality of Life at AQ Surgery

If you or a loved one is experiencing the debilitating effects of radiation fibrosis, it’s important to seek expert care to manage symptoms and restore your body’s comfortable mobility. Dr. Quimby offers specialized radiation fibrosis treatment in West Palm Beach designed to address the complications caused by radiation therapy. Contact AQ Surgery today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Quimby and take the first step toward enhancing your quality of life.

Radiation Fibrosis Syndrome FAQ

Is radiation fibrosis permanent?

RFS is progressive without treatment, but modern regenerative and surgical therapies can significantly reverse symptoms and improve long-term function.

What areas of the body are affected most?

Fibrosis often affects the jaw, mouth, throat, and neck muscles in head and neck cancer patients, leading to difficulty swallowing, speaking, or opening the mouth.

How do regenerative therapies work?

Treatments like NanoFat use stem-cell-rich tissue to break down scar tissue, reduce inflammation, and stimulate new blood vessels, improving flexibility and mobility.

Will I need multiple treatments?

Treatment plans are individualized. Some patients improve with regenerative therapy alone, while others may need a combination of surgery, therapy, and long-term support.

Can radiation fibrosis affect the skin?

Yes. Skin over the irradiated area may appear tight, thin, or discolored. Treatments like microneedling and Biojuve help restore skin health and resilience.

How long does treatment take?

Because fibrosis is chronic, care is staged over several months, beginning with regenerative and skin-restoring therapies, followed by functional rehabilitation and long-term support.

Why choose AQ Surgery for RFS care?

Dr. Quimby’s rare expertise in oncology, reconstruction, and regenerative therapies allows patients to receive complete care in one place—something few practices can offer.

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Supporting References

Research continues to validate the effectiveness of regenerative approaches like NanoFat for radiation fibrosis:

Kakagia D, et al. Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery. 2020 – Patients treated with ADSC-rich nanofat reported reduced fibrosis and improved mobility.

Tonnard P, et al. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 2013 – Demonstrated the superior healing potential of nanofat compared to traditional fat grafts.

Zhou Y, et al. Biomedicines. 2023 – Showed how adipose-derived stem cells enhance regeneration by reducing inflammation and promoting new blood vessel formation.

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