Cosmetic Surgery After Cancer?

I am 34 years old and 10 years ago I had a ovarian cancer followed by a complete hysterectomy I also suffered a pulmonary embolism. I am not currently on any medications and am completely cured of my cancer. However from the surgury,scars, and chemo it has left my body in ruins. And now I am considering a tummy tuck and breast enlargement. However people have told me because of my history I would not be able to get this done. Is this true?

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13 Doctor Answers | Asked by Trudy6592

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Pulmonary embolism history and cosmetic surgery

With the limited information in your post it is impossible to completely answer your questions. Cancer alone does not preclude the surgery you are contemplating, especially since you are cured and not on any medications. Safety should be your first priority followed by results of your cosmetic surgery. The history of pulmonary embolism is of particular concern since you are at risk of having another. Surviving cancer, especially one as deadly as ovarian cancer, only to die from a... more

Cosmetic Surgery after Cancer and Pulmonary Embolus History

Congratulations on being cancer free and healthy! As long as you are cleared by your oncologist to proceed with elective surgery, then you are a candidate. But big concern would be your history of a pulmonary embolus. I would recommend you visit with your hematologist to make sure you do not have a hypercoagulable state (a condition where your blood tends to clot and increase your risk for DVT/PE). In addition, I would likely recommend Lovenox (blood thinner) to... more

Mommy Makeover after Cancer

Thank you for your question. Based on your history, I think you are a candidate for a breast lift and tummy tuck. I do recommend that you visit with your medical oncologist to ensure you are cleared for a cosmetic procedure. They will also be able to provide evaluation and clearance in regards to your previous pulmonary embolism. You will most likely be provided with an anticoagulant in the peri-operative period along with leg compression devices to minimize your risk... more

A history of cancer does not mean that you cannot have cosmetic surgery.

Thank you for your question. A history of cancer does not mean that you cannot have cosmetic surgery. Your doctors will have to take your medical history into consideration when recommending safety precautions for you to minimize the chances of complications including DVT/PE. To be sure, see two or more board-certified plastic surgeons in your area for a full and complete evaluation to make sure you are a good candidate and that it is safe for you to have surgery... more

Cosmetic surgery after cancer.

Cosmetic surgery is possible as long as you are healthy now. However, you are at a higher risk for DVT/PE given your previous history of cancer and PE. Before any elective (cosmetic) surgery, you want to be evaluated and cleared by your medical physician as well as hematologist. Good luck to you.

Cosmetic surgery is indeed possible after cancer!

Everything in life has risks, even driving our car to the grocery store. Heavens forbid that we consider it an "unnecessary risk" to take a ride through a scenic countryside. Or cross a street to visit a flower garden! So too with your cancer history, pulmonary embolism, and (somewhat) increased risks for elective "unnecessary" cosmetic surgery. Who gets to decide what risks you consider worthwhile, and just what are those risks? Certainly, you need clearance from a general medical... more

Cosmetic surgery

You need to know thatyou are at a higher risk for deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary emboli. That is because you have a history of cancer, and a history of pulmonary emboli, that will put you at a high risk. In my practice we will need a medical clearance and preferably a hematology clearance and a hypercoaguability blood work. Plus any other special work ups needed as per your history and physical exam. Then you need to discuss the medication used to thin the blood after surgery, when it... more

Cosmetic Surgery after Cancer

Your medical doctor will need to do a thorough evaluation to determine whether you can have clearance for surgery, particularly with regards to your history of pulmonary embolism. A consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon will help decide which operations may be appropriate for you.

TT + Breast Aug post-cancer / Abdomen + Implantes post-cancer

Thank you for your question, and I'm happy for your success in your fight against cancer. If you've been 10 years without disease, you can enjoy a normal life. Even though a through examination by a board certified plastic surgeon is mandatory for yours, or any case; I'd say that if you get all your pre-op evaluations done, and you pass all the pre-op evaluations needed from other fellow physicians, then you should be good to go. You just have to make sure that you don't rush anything, and... more

Mommy Makeover after Complicated History

Thank you for your question. Your history does not necessarily exclude you from being able to have elective cosmetic surgery. Prior to surgery, it would be important to be seen by your hematologist to evaluate the risk of thromboembolic phenomena. Visit with well experienced plastic surgeons and make sure they are comfortable with your history. As to see lots of examples of their work. Best Wishes.

Cosmetic Surgery After Cancer

I think it is perfectly appropriate to consider the procedures you have in mind, and to discuss the pros and cons with both a plastic surgeon and with your oncologist or general physician. I don't know the timing of the pulmonary embolism, but if the cancer is gone, so is a major risk factor. However, the risk factor of history of previous blood clots is present if diminished. There are things that your doctors can do the minimize the risk of recurrence. Keeping the... more

Mommy Makeover After Pulmonary Embolism

Your history of a pulmonary embolism is a serious issue. While you may find some surgeons who are willing to take your case, the embolism greatly increases the risk of complications during surgery and I recommend against surgery for a cosmetic procedure in your case. Jaime Perez, MD Mommy Makeover Specialist Plastic Surgery Center of Tampa

Tummy Tuck Years After Cancer Surgery

It is certainly possible for you to have a tummy tuck after your cancer surgery. The pulmonary embolus is more of a concern actually. Take your time and find a good experienced surgeon. You might also need some additional testing in order to determine whether there are any other hidden issues. It's impossible to tell just from your description.