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Will Moderate Lymphodema Jeopardise Lipo or Mini Tummy Tuck?

asked 2 years ago by Jay-Jay in Los Angeles California
Latest answer by George J. Beraka, MD
Question viewed 656 times
Tags: abdomen, belly, fat reduction

I would like to consider having the right procedure to remove belly fat. Since having a hysterectomy over 5 years ago I was left with an overhanging belly which I'd like to have removed. However, is having moderate lymphodema following breast cancer 7 years ago going to jeopardise any liposuction or mini tummy tuck procedures?

9 answers to Will Moderate Lymphodema Jeopardise Lipo or Mini Tummy Tuck?

+2

Belly fat may come in handy

Jay-Jay, Before doing anything have a consultation with a local board certified plastic surgeon and a discussion with your breast/general surgeon. The presence of lymphedema in your arm will not affect the ability to perform abdominal liposuction or a tummy tuck and vice versa. However, the fact that you needed a lymph node dissection for the breast cancer may have some bearing on your chances of breast cancer recurrence, or an occurence in your other breast. It used to be said that... more
Kenneth R. Francis, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+2

I Would Expect No Major Problems

As already stated, I think other than the usual swelling all patients have after surgery, you will be fine.  Lymphatic massage after surgery and a compression garment (if you ever wore one) may behelpful during recovery if your arm swells. 
John LoMonaco, MD

Houston Plastic Surgeon
+2

It all depends on your lymphodema

 Where is your lymphodema?  In your arms?  In her abdomen?  If it is in the areas to be operating on, it may lead to healing difficulties.  However, if you are just having liposuction, it should be fine.  However, you should discuss all this with your doctors prior to surgery.
David Shafer, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon

www.ShaferPlasticSurgery.com

+2

Abdominal procedures following breast cancer treatment

As long as you have not had any TRAM Flap procedures or regional radiation therapy. lymphedema of the arm following breast cancer treatment should not interfere with abdominal liposuction or mini-tummy tuck procedures.
Otto Joseph Placik, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+1

Liposuction or tummy tuck OK with lymphedema of arm.

Hi. Your arm problem is strictly a local issue caused by previous surgery, and does not affect your general health or ability to have cosmetic surgery at all.
George J. Beraka, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Moderate lymphodema and liposuction or mini tummy tuck

Dear Jay-Jay, 2 key questions to consider; First, WHERE is the lymphedema (arm(s), or lower abdomen)? and What is the status of your breast cancer and opposite breast? If the abdomen is NOT involved by the lymphedema, I would still not rush in and do liposuction or a tummy tuck UNLESS I was certain that this area will never need to be used to reconstruct one of your breasts. Doing these procedures will effectively remove tissue which could potentially be very useful in breast reconstruction... more
Peter A. Aldea, MD

Memphis Plastic Surgeon
+1

Lymphedema and liposuction/ tummy tuck

 The lymphedema that you developed in your arm as a result of breast cancer surgery should in now way affect liposuction of your abdomen or your tummy tuck.
Steven Wallach, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Lymphedema is a well described consequence of the breast surgery

Dear Jay Jay Typically, a lymph node dissection is performed with many types of breast cancer surgery to facilitate staging of the cancer. The number of lymph node that are positive or negative for containing breast cancer relate to the long term prognosis. The removal and disruption of the lymphatic drainage system that occurs with the removal to the lymph nodes accounts for the lymphedema. This can eventually resolve but can also persist in a certain percentage of individuals. While there... more
Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD

Los Angeles Oculoplastic Surgeon

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