How soon after my last chemo treatment could I get a tummy tuck? Is it possible to do lipo and a tummy tuck together?

Question

I am currently going through treatments (radiation and chemo) for breast cancer. I am within 12 pounds of my ideal weight and my BMI is bordering 26.0 and 26.5.

Farbod Esmailian, MD · Answer

In general liposuction is safe to do at the same time depending on the areas involved and how aggressive the procedure is.  As far as your chemo and surgery, we generally like to wait about 6 weeks prior to undergoing elective surgery after chemo.  However, I would let your oncologist determine when he/she feels it is safe for you to undergo the procedure.I would also want to know where you are at in the breast reconstruction phase.  A tummy tuck will prevent you from using your abdominal tissue for breast reconstruction in the future.  I would recommend discussing this with your oncologist first and once cleared seek out a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your options.Hope that helps.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

I wish you well with your chemo treatment.  I encourage you to discuss your desire for a tummy tuck and liposuction with your oncologist.  You will want to get medical clearance and wait at least 6 weeks from your last treatment.  An exam would need to be done to give you a definitive answer, but often we are able to combine liposuction and a tummy tuck in the same day.  We welcome you to visit us in our Houston office.

Dustin L. Reid, MD · Answer

I hope you're doing well with your treatment and wish you a speedy recovery.  I would recommend that you wait at least 6 weeks after finishing chemotherapy before undergoing surgery.  This also depends on you "numbers" and that you have recovered sufficiently.  Your oncologist will help you determine this along with a board certified plastic surgeon with experience in this type of surgery.  Good luck...you deserve to feel good about your body, and I wish you well.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and best wishes on your treatments.  I would recommend first receiving clearance from your surgical oncologist before pursuing any surgery in the near term.  Stomach tissue can be used in cases of reconstruction and until clearance of all cancer is assured, I would hold off on any elective procedure.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Will you be having any reconstruction surgery as a result of your breast cancer?  Some of the abdominal tissues may be involved in that regard.  An in-office consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon would be required to obtain additional information to answer your questions.Kenneth Hughes, MD, ABPS Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

How soon after my last chemo treatment could I get a tummy tuck? Is it possible to do lipo and a tummy tuck together?

Answers (7)

Answer: How soon after my last chemo treatment could I get a tummy tuck? Is it possible to do lipo and a tummy tuck together?

Answer: How soon after my last chemo treatment could I get a tummy tuck? Is it possible to do lipo and a tummy tuck together?

Answer: How soon after my last chemo treatment could I get a tummy tuck? Is it possible to do lipo and a tummy tuck together?

Answer: How soon after my last chemo treatment could I get a tummy tuck? Is it possible to do lipo and a tummy tuck together?

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How soon after my last chemo treatment could I get a tummy tuck? Is it possible to do lipo and a tummy tuck together?

Answers (7)

Answer: How soon after my last chemo treatment could I get a tummy tuck? Is it possible to do lipo and a tummy tuck together?

Answer: How soon after my last chemo treatment could I get a tummy tuck? Is it possible to do lipo and a tummy tuck together?

Answer: How soon after my last chemo treatment could I get a tummy tuck? Is it possible to do lipo and a tummy tuck together?

Answer: How soon after my last chemo treatment could I get a tummy tuck? Is it possible to do lipo and a tummy tuck together?

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.