Am I candidate for lipo or tummy tuck?

Thank you for your question regarding a tummy tuck after breast cancer. Before any plastic surgery is contemplated, it will be important for you to consult with your internist regarding the safety of you undergoing an elective tummy tuck. If you are medically cleared for this procedure, I believe you can proceed. Generally, in the hands of an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon, the risks of a tummy tuck are low. Certain precautions need to be taken like compression garments, sequential compression devices on your calves to minimize blood clots, blood thinner injections, antibiotics, etc. Your plastic surgeon will discuss these necessary precautions. in regards to the scarring and feeling better about your body, those are questions that only you can answer for yourself. There’s no tummy tuck that can be performed without a scar so you need to understand that to achieve a better body, a scar will be necessary. If you accept the fact that there will be a scar to make a better body and you are realistic about the expectations of a tummy tuck, I would certainly suggest that you proceed. When looking for a plastic surgeon, please seek an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon who has done hundreds of
tummy tucks.

Sincerely, Dr. Katzen. (“Verified” Plastic Surgeon, President of the American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American College of Surgery, and International College of Surgery, and member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and RealSelf Hall of Fame.)

Hi Forceful2775,
A personal history of breast cancer four years ago, with no active disease, does not preclude you from having elective cosmetic surgery.
For all patients having elective surgery, it's best to have surgery at your goal weight, and when you are at your baseline activity level.
I'd suggest meeting with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss options for abdominal contouring. Full disclosure: you mention you are "terrified of more scarring and any complications"--a tummy tuck will 100% create scars on your body, and no surgery is without risk of complications.
Meeting with a plastic surgeon can help better define your goals, and allow a real time discussion of the risks, benefits, and scar patterns of the proposed operation.
Hope this helps!
Best,Christopher Pannucci MDBoard Certified Plastic SurgeonPlastic Surgery NorthwestSpokane, Washington

I agree with you that surgery to treat the appearance of the tummy can make you feel better about yourself. Having had cancer in the past, even with ongoing challenges related to that does not mean you can't have more surgery.
An in person consultation regarding abdominal body contouring will be helpful for you to explore whether you are a good candidate at the present time, based on a review of your health status and a physical exam.
All the best to you,
Dr. Nancy de Kleer