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Can the Same Surgeon Perform Hysterectomy and Abdominoplasty?

I have had 2 consults with a cosmetic surgeon, but recently found that I will need a hysterectomy.

Is there a simple way to find a doctor who will do both a hysterectomy on a healthy (fibroid only) woman with abdominoplasty?

Do the Drs have to work together? I am unclear which way to pursue or how to go about it.

Asked 27 months ago by jenigirl in California
Sort 18 expert answers by:
+2

Combined hysterectomy and tummy tuck

It is possible to have these done together BUT you need 2 surgeons - one who is a board certified gynecologist and one who is a board certified plastic (not "cosmetic") surgeon. Only then will you be having the best surgery and get the safest and highest quality result. Unfortunately, there are gynecologists who think they can do a tummy tuck, but fortunately no plastic surgeons I know would ever consider doing a hysterectomy on you.
Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS
Seattle Plastic Surgeon
+1

Tummy tuck

Unfortunately, there are many non-plastic surgeons performing cosmetic procedures today.  Be aware.  Board certification is there for a reason.  I would not have a member of my family go to an obstetrician to have a tummy tuck.
Shahin Javaheri, MD
San Francisco Plastic Surgeon
+1

Combined Abdominoplasty Hysterectomy

Absolutely NOT!...These are two different procedures, entirely. There are DOUBLE Board Certified Plastic Surgeons (like myself) who completed full General Surgery training and feel very comfortable inside a patient's abdomen, and who perform a significant number of abdominoplasties. Hysterectomies are NOT within the usual and customary scope of a plastic surgeon's practice (make sure you are speaking with a PLASTIC surgeon who has full general surgery training and not a cosmetic surgeon with les more
John Philip Connors III, MD
Atlanta Plastic Surgeon
+1

Hysterectomy and Abdominoplasty Together

It's common to combine a hysterectomy and abdominoplasty. I doubt that you'll find a plastic surgeon who will do both. And frankly Gynecologists are not cosmetic/plastic surgeons. Plastic surgeons spend years training to perform cosmetic surgery well. The Gynecologists that might perform a tummy tuck take a weekend course to learn the procedure-hardly adequate training. So find a good Gynecologist and a good Plastic Surgeon and have each do their respective procedures well.... more
Christopher L. Hess, MD
Fairfax Plastic Surgeon
+1

Two boarded surgeons for two surgeries

As many before have replied, You need two different boarded surgeons to preform these 2 operations in one surgery event. But you must be sure of the realistic expectations of doing these combination cases. What are the reasons for doing these combination of 2 differing surgeries? 1. To get 2 issues solved at one operation. This seems reasonable, but there is a higher risk/complication rate when combining 2 operations. Higher incidence of pulmonary embolism, infection, necrosis of the skin... more
Darryl J. Blinski, MD
Miami Plastic Surgeon
+1

Combing abdominoplasty with hysterectomy

It is very common for these 2 procedures to be performed together. The hysterectomy will be performed by the gynecologist and the abdominoplasty by the plastic surgeon. The only stumbling block can be getting everyone's schedule in sync. Ask your gynecologist for names of plastic surgeons he/she has worked with. Alternatively, if you have a plastic in mind, you need to find out if both doctors work at the same hospital. Hope this helps. Tracy M. Pfeifer, MD, MS
Tracy Pfeifer, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Cosmetic Surgery

By saying you have seen a cosmetic surgeon I hope and assume you mean a board certified plastic surgeon. Make sure that is who you are seeing. Secondly, a gynecologist will perform the hysterectomy and your plastic surgeon should perform the abdominoplasty. The two surgeons will arrange the timing for the surgery. You would have to find the surgeons in the same area so that they have operating priviledges at the same hospital. Having said that, some hospitals charge an enormous price... more
Farbod Esmailian, MD
Orange County Plastic Surgeon
+1

Tummy tucks and hysterectomies: 2 procedures, 2 surgeons

It's important for a gynecologist to perform the hysterectomy and a plastic surgeon to perform the tummy tuck. While you may find a gyn that says he or she can do the tummy tuck at the same time, I would strongly advise against this-- both procedures require specific expertise, and unless the surgeon has had a full residency and board certification in both (which is extremely rare) they cannot be fully qualified to do both-- it's your body, so be careful with your choice....
Shahram Salemy, MD
Seattle Plastic Surgeon
+1

Unusual

Both hysterectomy and abdominoplasty quite often are done the same time. However, I feel that both procedures should be done by different surgeons, and should be approached as a team effort. the objectives of each procedure are very different. The training and extensive experience of a board certified Plastic Surgeon that has an interest in aesthetic surgery would be the best person to discuss the options available for abdominal/ trunkal rejuvenation. Often abdominoplasty consists not only... more
Wilfred Brown, MD
Fairfield Plastic Surgeon
+1

Hysterectomy and abdominoplasty can be done at the same time but by two different specialists.

Hi! You want a board certified gynecologist to do your hysterectomy, and a board certified plastic surgeon to do your tummy tuck. This is pretty common, and in New York we are used to working together with gynecologists. Your plastic surgeon can refer you to a gynecologist that he is used to working with.
George J. Beraka, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Together YES, same doctor NO

There is no plastic surgeon who would offer to do the hysterectomy himself/herself, but you may find a gynecologist who this he/she can do the abdominoplasty too. Run, don't walk, away from any gynecologist who says they can do both parts. These need to be done by different doctors specialized in the two areas if you want to have the best results possible (and also for your safety).
Robert B. Pollack, MD
La Jolla Plastic Surgeon
+1

Hysterectomy and tummy tuck

Thesse two surgeries are often performed together and best performed by 2 different doctors, an gynecologist and a plastic surgeon. Be careful because some gynecologics fancy themselves as able to perform tummy tucks without the training of a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon.
John P. Stratis, MD
Harrisburg Plastic Surgeon
+1

I would recommend two different surgeons for your concerns of hysterectomy & abdominoplasty (tummy)

I agree with Dr. Aldea's comments. Generally speaking you may be able to find a surgeon who can do both but I don't believe it would be in your best interests. Suffice it to say, these physician's priorities are very different.
Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+1

Only use the most trained surgeon for the procedure that matters to you

I would simply ask you, of the two procedures you'll be undergoing, which one of them isn't really that important to you. That way, you can pick one surgeon who is the best trained in the important procedure, and he or she can just "wing it" on the the other one. Okay, so that was all tongue in cheek: my clear advice to you is this - - pick the most qualified surgeon for each of these procedures. That means two surgeons. You should be able to find a couple that work together on... more
Brian K. Brzowski, MD
Salt Lake City Plastic Surgeon
+1

Hysterectomy and Abdominoplasty commonly done together

Both operations ARE commonly done together. But - they are done as a team effort. In the interest of YOUR safety you should have each procedure be done by an appropriately trained and Board certified surgeon. Although as broadly-trained surgeons ALL Plastic surgeons were trained in some gynecologic surgery - were it me I would NOT allow one of my Plastic surgery colleagues do any of these procedures on my wife. This goes double the other way, I would NEVER allow a Family Practice or... more
Peter A. Aldea, MD
Memphis Plastic Surgeon
+1

Gynecological and aesthetic procedure

The most important thing is for your plastic surgeon and gynecologist to communicate and to, hopefully, have worked together. Do not have one surgeon perform both procedures.The surgeons will need to coordinate incisions, operating room scheduling, possible complications, contingency plans if something unexpected is found, post-op management such as ambulation schedule and pain control, prophylaxis against deep vein thrombosis and respiratory compromise if indicated among other things. There... more
Robin T.W. Yuan, MD
Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon
+1

Hysterectomy and Abdominoplasty

Many women have an abdominoplasty performed at the time of their hysterectomy.  However, you will need a gynecologist for the hysterectomy and a plastic surgeon for the tummy tuck.  There are minimal savings some savings with having the procedures performed together.
John Whitt, MD
Louisville Plastic Surgeon
+1

Hysterectomy and Tummy Tuck

You should select an OB/GYN to perform your hysterectomy and select a board certified plastic surgeon (credentialed with the American Board of Plastic Surgery) to perform your tummy tuck. Find a plastic surgeon with privileges at the hospitals where your OB/GYN works. It is very common to have these two procedures together. In fact, I have another one (combo hysterectomy and tummy tuck) scheduled for tomorrow AM. Best of luck.
C. Bob Basu, MD
Houston Plastic Surgeon
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