I've had radiotherapy and chemotherapy for cervical cancer. Will I be able to have tummy tuck and liposuction?

Question

Oncologist said liposuction was ok, have not asked about tummy tuck yet

Peter D. Geldner, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. I hope that you are doing well. Chemotherapy is seldom an issue for surgical procedures. There are some chemotheraputic drugs that have profound effects on healing directly as well as your heart. You need to know what you received, when you received it, and how much was given. We need to make sure that your health is optimized prior to surgery. As for radiotherapy, it depends. The literature and experience shows that irradiated tissue does not heal well. So the type of radiation, the radiation fields, and dose all matter. Some radiation is delivered in a focused fashion. That can spare the skin to a large degree. So your radiation oncologist really does have those answers. Do not accept a glib response from anyone. Planning such an operation takes research and planning. Best of luck.

N. Bill Aydin, MD · Answer

Hi and thank you for your question. I recommend an in-person examination with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon so that they can examine the quality of your skin post treatment, as well as discuss your situation at greater detail.  It will be necessary to receive medical clearance from your oncologist if the decision is to proceed with surgery. I hope this helped. Best wishes!

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Recommend that you follow up with your oncologist regarding having a TT.  The clinical challenge to optimize wound healing in irradiated patients remains. A physical examination of the pelvic area is required to determine the presence of radiation damage to the abdominal wall skin and tissues.

Stephen T. Greenberg, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question and hope you are feeling well.  The answer to your question depends on several things.  The best suggestion I can offer is to schedule a consultation with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon to evaluate you and discuss your options.  Typically as long as the pt is well, medically cleared and the surgeon is feels ok moving ahead with the surgery then it shouldn't be a problem.  Best of luck to you.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question.  Unfortunately without being able to examine your tissue quality, and without knowing the extent of your radiation therapy, it is difficult to offer definite advice.  The issue with radiation is that it can cause lifelong issues with healing and needs to be respected with a flap procedure like a tummy tuck.  Hope this helps.

Pejman Aflaki, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. You might be able to have a tummy tuck. A physical examination is needed to evaluate the quality of your abdominal skin, any scars or radiation-induced injury. The best advice you can get is from an in-person consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. Best,
Pejman Aflaki, M.D.                                             
Johns
Hopkins-trained double board-certified plastic surgeon

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear spiderlaser,
if you get a clearance from your doctor and if you are healthy, then you can probably be a candidate for a surgery. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Finny George, MD · Answer

Hi, thank you for your question. Radiation & chemotherapy in the area of proposed surgery can sometimes affect the way your skin and soft tissues heal. Generally, this would not have a large impact on liposuction but may cause would healing issues after a tummy tuck. I would recommend that you consult in person with a board certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate your skin and advise you of your options. I hope this helps. Best of luck!

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. The best advice you can receive is from an in-person consultation. It would be important to obtain medical clearance from your oncologist prior to having a tummy tuck. It would also be important to examine the skin quality of your abdomen prior to making a decision about surgery. This decision should be based on a detailed discussion with equal input from both you and your surgeon. Make sure you specifically look at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results. Best wishes and good luck.

Richard G. Reish, M.D. FACS

Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Richard G. Reish, M.D.  FACS

Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

It is best for you to meet with a few board certified plastic surgeons near you to discuss your situation.  The quality of the radiated tissues will need to be addressed to determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure.

I've had radiotherapy and chemotherapy for cervical cancer. Will I be able to have tummy tuck and liposuction?

Answers (14)

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