Is it safe to have Tummy Tuck and Liposuction after Breast Cancer?

Question

I had Breast Cancer 6 years ago, have been on Tamoxifen for over 5 years will be for 10 years. I got Chemo and radiation. I had a Lumpectomy with immediate reconstruction. Have not had any other health problems.

Andrew T. Lyos, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello Myrna and thank-you for your question.Congratulations on successfully beating breast cancer!  Many of our patients successfully treated for breast cancer go on to have elective cosmetic surgery.  I would recommend a consultation visit which would include a physical examination.  A Tummy Tuck is a procedure to correct the effects of pregnancy or weight loss. A tummy tuck is frequently combined with liposuction of the abdomen and waist.  A tummy tuck will correct:	1. Loose skin and stretch marks of the lower abdomen	2. Abdominal bulge resulting from separation of the abdominal muscle (diastasis recti)	3. Localized fat deposits of the abdomen and waist I would recommend a consultation with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon.	Best regards,	Andrew Lyos, MD, FACS

Jeffrey G. Lind II, MD · Answer

Thank you for your excellent question and congratulations on beating breast cancer!  In my practice, this history would not rule you out as a candidate for a tummy tuck/liposuction.  I recommend seeing a qualified plastic surgeon to make sure you are a good candidate for these procedures.  If you are deemed to be a good candidate, you would then need to have clearance from your medical/oncology physicians along with peri-operative management of your tamoxifen.    Best of luck to you.

Alex Campbell, MD · Answer

Congratulations.  There should be no contraindication for these procedures.  As part of your medical evaluation with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, he/she will go through your medical history and confirm the you are a great candidate for surgery.  Best of luck!

Ira H. Rex III, MD · Answer

If you are in good health, this should not be a problem at all. You should see a board-certified plastic surgeon and they could make the assessment whether it is important for them to talk to your medical doctor prior to surgery.

Suresh Koneru, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question.  Congratulations on your successful treatment of Breast Cancer.  From what you have described, you do not seem to have any contradictions to either TT or Lipo.  In my San Antonio Plastic Surgery office, we operate on patients who have had Breast Cancer almost weekly.  I would recommend you see a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon in your area who has experience with fat transfer as some of your radiation effects can be improved with fat grafting.

Vasdev Rai, MD · Answer

There should be no problems with abdominoplasty and liposuction after successful cancer treatment.  See a qualified plastic surgeon.

J. Garrett Harper, MD · Answer

You definitely don't need to worry about your history of breast cancer precluding you from cosmetic surgery now.  If you are a great candidate for surgery, my recommendation is to find a plastic surgeon you trust and are impressed with and I wish you all the luck!! Cheers!-JGH

Sugene Kim, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi, myrna867Having had breast cancer and breast cancer treatment (chemo, radiation, reconstruction) are not contra-indication for tummy tuck.As long as you are healthy and are a good candidate for tummy tuck, you can undergo the procedure.A good candidate for tummy tuck is someone who has reached his/her goal weight, medically optimized, and has excess lower abdominal skin and fat without excessive intra-abdominal fat. Please consult a board-certified plastic surgeon to be examined in-person.Best regards.

C. Bob Basu, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

Dear myrna867:Congratulations on beating cancer!  Your cancer history alone will not impact your candidacy for cosmetic surgery.   I would need to evaluate your overall health status to make sure you are a good candidate for elective tummy tuck surgery.  In addition, if you are on Tamoxifen, I would likely recommend Lovenox to prevent blood clots after surgery.  Tamoxifen does slightly increase your risk of blood clots.   Otherwise, if you are healthy and are cleared from your oncologist to proceed, you could be a great candidate for a tummy tuck. Of course, a physical exam and formal consultation is required to make any recommendations.  Please visit with a board certified PS to learn more about your options.  Best wishes,Dr. BasuHouston, TX

Ven Erella, MD · Answer

hank you for your question. It can be done and it depends on your overall health and not breast cancer treated 6 yrs ago. If you need any further breast reconstruction your belly will not be the source

Is it safe to have Tummy Tuck and Liposuction after Breast Cancer?

Answers (15)

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