After having thyroid cancer, should I get breast implants before or after my 1 year scan that puts me completely in the clear?

Question

In July 2018 (2 wks after having my son) I was diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer. I had a thyroidectomy Aug 18–radioactive iodine Oct 18. Since then all labs have been normal & my thyroglobulin is undetectable. My endo can’t officially say I am “cancer free” until after my 1 year scan. I would really like to move forward w/ surgery as a “reward” to myself after going through the hardest year of my life. I am trying to decide if I should go for it now or wait until after my scan in October.

Vishnu Rumalla, MD · Answer

Thanks for your inquiry and so glad to hear your labs are normal!  Your question does not have a simple answer and some decisions are not based on science or math or engineering.  It is already mid July, it can take you a couple of months to do your consultations and book surgery making it September before you know it. I am excited for you to reward yourself and be at peace with whatever you decide.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

If your thyroid is functioning normally and your endocrinologist will clear you for breast implant surgery before October 18, you may want to go ahead and reward yourself for prevailing through a tough year.  Otherwise, you may want to spend the time between now and the one year scan in finding the board certified PS you are most comfortable with, come to closure with him/her on your end goals, and prepare to have the surgery the day after the "cancer free" diagnosis.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

I’m with you!  Why not get breast implants?  They will have no effect on the thyroid.  I understand the endocrinologist can’t guarantee you out of the woods as far as the thyroid cancer is concerned.  That is an entirely different matter. It would be nice to have the endocrinologist’s blessing but he or she doesn’t understand how important this is to you.  You should ask the endocrinologist if there is any really good reason not to have breast implants.

Jack Peterson, MD · Answer

As long as your thyroid levels are OK, I see no reason you cannot proceed with breast implants.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

There is no right answer here but, in my opinion, you will be best off waiting until you you have had the one-year scan and "clearance" from your endocrinologist.  Keep in mind, that you are not too far off from your one year anniversary and may be able to see consultations at this point.    In other words, it is not too early to plan ahead and find a board certified plastic surgeon who can demonstrate lots of experience achieving the types of outcomes you would be pleased with. Best wishes for an "all clear" scan and for a breast augmentation outcome that you will be very pleased with.

After having thyroid cancer, should I get breast implants before or after my 1 year scan that puts me completely in the clear?

Answers (5)