Can I get breast implant surgery while taking tamoxifen? Can't I just stop taking the medicine 2-3 weeks prior to surgery?

Yes, you can stop tamoxifen for 3 weeks prior to surgery to reduce DVT risk. If you are low risk for DVT or if surgery is less than 1 1/2 hours, you can even continue the therapy. Discuss with your oncologist to see if new recommendations available.

Yes you can get breast surgery while taking tamoxifen. It’s an estrogen receptor blocker which you don’t have to stop for surgery.

Hello,
Thank you for the question.
It is typically recommended to wait a full year prior to undergoing breast implant surgery after lumpectomy with radiation.
Regarding tamoxifen, I would discuss your questions and concerns with you Breast Surgeon, since Tamoxifen is not a direct contraindication for performing breast implant surgery.
In addition, fat grafting may be used to add more upper pole fullness and breast volume.
I hope this helps.Best regards, Dr. Karanetz
Dr. Irena KaranetzBreast Fellowship-TrainedBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon

Dear Beautiful666669,
every plastic surgeon has his own preoperative protocol which he recommends to his patients. I would suggest you to discuss this with your plastic surgeon.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

I advise against the surgery as well. You have to be followed carefully regarding breast cancer. I wouldn’t want breast implants getting in the way of a possible recurrence or new mass somewhere. That’s just my opinion though. Many surgeons would have no problem doing breast implants

Your health and safety is always the priority in surgery. You will need to speak with your oncologist as to when it would be safe for you to consider augmentation. Tamoxifen should not be stopped unless approved by your oncologist.

You will need approval from your oncologist as to when you can move forward with reconstruction. The Tamoxifen is not the issue here.