You can do it, but don't count on the insurance company to pay for it

Babybelly,

Performing an abdominoplasty after a hysterectomy is common, however there is often a misconception by the patient that they will not have to pay for the operating room time for that portion of the procedure since they are having and "insurance approved procedure anyway." However, most hospitals will calculate the time required for the hysterectomy and charge that to the insurance company and then you are responsible for the remainder of the time.

Also, the surgeon who performs the hysterectomy is not the same surgeon as the one who performs the abdominoplasty. It will take coordination between your plastic surgeon and your GYN surgeon. Some plastic surgeons do not like to do a combined case like this, since they end up having to wait around to do their portion of the procedure.

So, in the end, it will be beneficial in term of only having one recovery. However, financially, it will likely make no difference if you have the procedures together or at separate times. I hope this is helpful.

Babybelly,

Any time you combine procedures as complex as hysterectomy and abdominoplasty, your surgical risks increase. This being known, the risks are still low, and I have performed many such combined surgeries safely. Ask your gynecologist if there is a plastic surgeon that he works with or can recommend for a dual surgery. Good luck!

The only way to know if this is an option for you is to discuss this option with your gynecologist. If it is an option it combines surgeries and reduces cost.

To babybelly,

Hi! If you are in good health, this can be a safe and cost effective combination. We have done this a number of times.

It is good when the gynecologist and the plastic surgeon are used to working together. I start the operation by making the incision and raising the lower part of the abdominal skin.

Then it is very important that the gynecologist expose the uterus by cutting the fascia in the midline between the rectus muscles (the linea alba). This is NOT how gynecologists usually do it, so it has to be discussed in advance.

After the hysterectomy is completed, then I finish the tummy tuck.

During this kind of surgery, a number of steps are taken to prevent blood clots in the legs.

This combination of procedures can be safely done and may also save you some money, especially with some of the anesthesia and operating room fees. If the hysterectomy is being done because of excessive bleeding you need to be sure that you are not anemic. Such risks as DVT, and wound infections maybe slightly increased, but not to a level that would prevent the surgery.

If the hysterectomy is for benign disease, than it is probably OK to both together. Just remember, there is definitely an increased risk of complications from combining these procedures as it has been reported in the medical literature.