Can I Combine my Pacemaker Replacement with a Tummy Tuck to Save Money? I Am 38 and Otherwise Healthy.

I am 38 years old, and desperately need a tummy tuck. I feel great, and if I could, I would skip the pacemaker replacement and do the tummy tuck instead. I would like to find doctors who would be willing to work with me to do both near kansas city, mo. I do not have a current ps or cardiologist. I would like to combine the surgeries to save money, pain, and fit the procedures into my few vacation and sick days from work.

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7 Doctor Answers | Asked by gdreamgirl72

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Tummy Tuck - Can I Combine my Pacemaker Replacement with a Tummy Tuck to Save Money? I Am 38 and Otherwise Healthy.

Uh, this does not sound like a good idea. Although you state that you are otherwise healthy, it is not normal for a 38 year old to have a pacemaker. And saving money is not the best (however understandable) motivation when you're talking about a pacemaker and a tummy tuck in the same breath. Here's what I would advise: 1) See your cardiologist first. You most likely won't have ANY surgery without that. Find out exactly what has to be done, and how... more

Pacemaker replacement and abdominoplasty

I would not combine these procedures and I would be quite surprised if your cardiologist signed off on this. Your question hasn't clarified the reason for the pacemaker. Abdominoplasty, which is performed under general anesthesia, requires medical clearance so step one should be a serious discussion with your cardiologist about whether he would sign a medical clearance for the procedure. Also, while pacemaker replacement is covered by health insurance, abdominoplasty is generally... more

Combining Pacemaker Replacement with a Tummy Tuck to Save Money?

There are not a lot of 38 year old women out there with pacemakers. You have not shaed with us your full medical history including WHY you have a pacemaker, why with a pacemaker you do not have a cardiologist to check on it nor why the pacemaker needs to be changed. I seriously doubt that any ethical Plastic surgeon would be willing to take you to the operating room for a cosmetic operation without knowing the answer to these questions. In addition, we would need to know that cosmetic... more

Combined medical and cosmetic procedures

Although combining surgeries is done on occasion, in general it is not always a good thing. In your specific case, I think your pacemaker takes precedence and should be done first Medically needed procedures take precedence. As to saving money, there likely will be none as your insurance will only cover the medically indicated portion and you will still have to pay all the expenses for the cosmetic portion. On top of that, fees for cosmetic procedures are typically higher in a hospital... more

Heart before Tummy

It suspect that your cardiologist would not be very excited with that approach. I can understand you rationale however your health should come before finances. It is unlikely that you would save any money, as you will be charged for anesthesia and operating room expenses regardless for the tummy tuck.

Tummy Tuck And A Pacemaker Replacement Should Not Be Done Together

I do not think most plastic surgeons nor your cardiologist would feel comfortable combining these two procedures. These should be done separately with a pacemaker replacement and then a tummy tuck at least 3 months later. In addition, you would not save money contrary to many patient's perception. You would still have to pay for the full operating room and anesthesia time for the tummy tuck, which would be the same whether it is done with an insurance procedure or as a stand alone tummy... more

Tummy Tuck Surgery and Pacemaker?

Thank you for the question. You should know that there is no standard answer for this unusual combination of procedures. I can tell you that I would personally not feel comfortable doing the 2 procedures at the same time. I would suggest that you have the pacemaker procedure done first and go at least 6 months before you proceed with the tummy tuck surgery. Full cardiology workup prior to the tummy tuck surgery would also be indicated. Although your desire to... more