How Long After Chemotherapy Until You Can Put in the Permanent Implants?

How long after chemo generally can you swap out the expanders for permanent implants? To give you more detail. I had a double mastectomy in April and am currently undergoing chemotherapy. I have 4 rounds of Adriamycin and Cytoxin every other week and then 4 rounds of Taxol every other week. I am due to finish chemo in mid-September. I know the swap cannot happen right away - generally speaking when would be the earliest? Also, do you know when I can have the port removed that I had implanted to aid with the administration of the chemo?

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5 Doctor Answers | Asked by cmpizz in NYC

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Wait after chemotherapy til placements of implants

Really based upon your blood counts (WBC) and the decision of the PS and Oncologist. In most instances the wait is 6 weeks to 3 months. Best of Luck from MIAMI Dr. B

Timing for Implant Exchange after Chemotherapy

It is important to have your oncologist give you the green light to proceed. Your oncologist will tell you if your cell counts have normalized (ie healing potential). Generally, it has been my experience that waiting > 4-6 weeks after chemotherapy is ideal. However, every patient is different. In addition, wrpt your portacath removal...again, you need to get the green light from your oncologist as well. You are almost there to t more

Chemotherapy and implant placement

The problem with chemotherapy is that it can delay wound healing. Intervals between cycles can be used to time surgery. Usually you can do this at the 3 week point if you are on 6 week cycles. If not you may want to wait until you are done with chemo.

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Surgery should wait until your white blood cells have recovered

Following chemotherapy you will need to have time for your white blood cells to return to normal, this will take several weeks to months. You also should feel well and strong before doing the surgery. The swap is not too strenuous but you want to be in good medical condition to avoid complications. The same is also true for the removal of the chemo port. You chemo doctor will be able to give you a better idea on how soon your blood cells will return. Best Wishes.... more

Marcus L. Peterson, MD

4 reviews

Saint George Plastic Surgeon

Permanent Implants after Chemotherapy: Waiting Period

Remember: every patient is different, so don't take this as a precise prescription for your situation. In general, we exchange the tissue expander for permanent implants between 3 to 6 months after the completion of chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy. Your plastic surgeon can evaluate the quality of the skin to determine the right timing for your body. After chemotherapy, both your blood counts and your body's ability to fight infection may be affected. For that reason, we... more