Is it okay to have a tummy tuck after a breast reconstruction where tissue expanders and implants were used?

Thank you for your question. While having a breast reconstruction with tissue expanders and implants may affect the elasticity of your skin, it should not necessarily prevent you from having a tummy tuck. However, it is important to have a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate your individual case and determine the best course of action. During the consultation, the surgeon will assess the condition of your skin, abdominal muscles, and the breast reconstruction area to determine the feasibility of a tummy tuck. If deemed appropriate, the surgeon will discuss the specific surgical plan, potential risks and complications, and the recovery process with you.

Regarding your concern about stretching and pain, a tummy tuck does involve some stretching and manipulation of the skin and underlying tissue, which can cause discomfort during the recovery period. However, the extent of this discomfort can vary from person to person and can be managed with medication and proper post-operative care.

Again, it is important to have a consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon to determine the best approach for you. Thank you for reaching out, and I wish you the best of luck with your decision.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Hi eman_resu,
One important consideration in your decision: the lower abdomen is an excellent donor site for breast reconstruction. Specifically, the lower abdominal tissue can be moved with a blood supply (DIEP flap) to reconstruct the breast without implants.
A tummy tuck removes this tissue, and once removed the DIEP flap is no longer an option.
Before having a tummy tuck in the setting of prior breast cancer, please make sure that your existing implant-based reconstruction is perfect, and there are no plans or needs for revision. If there are any concerns with your existing reconstruction, I would suggest meeting with a surgeon who performs DIEP flap reconstruction to understand this option, prior to committing to a tummy tuck.
I will link an educational video that is relevant-an overview of breast reconstruction.
Hope this helps.
Best,Christopher Pannucci MDBoard Certified Plastic SurgeonPlastic Surgery NorthwestSpokane, Washington

Thank you for your question. The only way to answer you specifically is by having you evaluated by a board certified plastic surgeon. Best of luck to you.

Dear eman_resu,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you 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

No there's no problem with TT after breast recon. Just make sure there are no issues with the implants because the belly skin CAN be used to reconstruct the breasts instead of implants. Once you have the TT, that door is closed.

The stretching of the abdominal skin will not be impacted by the previous breast tissue expanders and implants. Be sure to discuss your medical history and any concerns with your surgeon to determine if you are a good candidate for the tummy tuck.

Yes, both of those operations are completely independent of each other and one does not influence the other. If you’re happy with your reconstruction and you want an abdominal plasty by all means seek out a board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss your options. Your question about whether the stretched tissue would influence the abdomen is no. Once you have implants in place the tissue on your chest should be soft and natural and should have no influence on the type of abdominoplasty you choose.Best of luck! Dr. Boschert

Tummy tuck after breast procedure is safe, effective and quite common.
You would likely benefit from a high definition tummy tuck using high definition VASER liposuction. The tummy tuck procedure would comprehensively remove excess skin and fat in the abdominal region. The abdominal muscle would also be 'tightened' to create the appearance of a flatter stomach. A Skype or FaceTime consultation with a tummy tuck specialist will help you get an accurate recommendation and pricing.

Patients with a history of breast cancer need to think carefully before having any abdominal cosmetic procedure.

Implant reconstruction has a large variety of outcomes both long and short term.

Patients should think and be smart about potential future reconstructive needs if the implant reconstruction does not turn out the way they had hoped.

For example, implant reconstruction‘s often develop capsular contractions that can become recurrent eventually creating implant or reconstruction failure. when that’s the case the only alternative is autologous tissue reconstruction of some type.

For patients who are candidates for a tummy tuck using that tissue for breast reconstruction is often ideal and considered the gold standard in breast reconstructive surgery.

The general term for using the skin fat and potentially muscles of the lower abdomen to reconstruct a breast is often referred to as a TRAM flap. Depending on technical detail it can also be referred to as a DIEP flap.

The word TRAM stands for transfers rectus abdominus MyoCataniaus flap.

Patients should have all reconstructive options discussed and have long-term comfort and success with their current ReConstruction before throwing away this tissue that can create spectacular breast reconstruction‘s and is sometimes an ideal option for such procedures.

I suggest you have an in person discussion with the plastic surgeon who did your reconstruction to see how they feel about having a tummy tuck and eliminating this potential reconstructive tissue for potential future use.

When it comes to feeling good about the aesthetics of your body it seems that having a high-quality breast reconstruction would be fairly higher on the agenda.

Plastic surgeons will vary in their approach for reconstruction and not all plastic surgeons are in favor or comfortable doing TRAM flaps especially if done as a free flap requiring micro surgery. In some communities these procedures may be more commonly performed at major medical institutions or academic medical institutions.

At a minimum this should be at least reviewed and current reconstructive options should have had enough time to confirm that long-term issues or dissatisfaction has been ruled out as close as possible.

It’s a fairly complex topic and having a tummy tuck for a breast cancer patient may or may not be a good decision.

Considering that a TRAM flap can create the most natural and ideal breast reconstruction while creating a tummy tuck at the same time it may be wise to consider that reconstructive option.

Having a TRAM flap reconstruction essentially creates a tummy tuck result as part of the procedure.

Breast construction surgery is always covered by medical insurance though each person may have deductibles and cop payments etc.

Consider your options carefully and get expert assistance with decision-making from board-certified plastic surgeon who do both cosmetic and reconstructive surgery.

Good luck with your decision making.

Mats Hagstrom MD