Can having a previous abdominal surgery prevent you from having a tummy tuck or lipo?

This incision and subsequent surgery let you interfere with you having tummy tuck and liposuction . It really depends on examination of your abdomen. Also may depend on in the radiology findings about how your abdominal wall was closed.

Many of my patients have incisions and scars from previous abdominal surgeries and do very well after their tummy tucks and liposuction.  However, a history of smoking, other medical problems, and the exact location of the scars may affect the approach to the surgery.  During a consultation, I could give you the best advice regarding your aesthetic goals and abdominal surgery.  Thanks for your question!Dr. SchreiberBaltimore plastic surgeon

Thanks for this great question.With respect to liposuction a surgeon must always be careful when suctioning near a scar. There can be a higher risk of winding up inside the abdomen because the normal tissue anatomy is altered. Your surgeon should also check to make sure there are no hernias in the scar.With respect to Tummy tuck horizontal or oblique scars particularly in the upper abdomen can inhibit the normal blood supply to the skin making tissue loss more likely. Scars in the lower abdomen may not be a great concern because the tissue can be thrown out with the tummy tuck skin.The scar you are describing in the upper midline is likely ok for tummy tuck. The blood supply for the skin comes in from the sides of the abdomen and the scar in the middle should not diminish it. However, it may be of benefit to cut out and revise your upper midline scar because it will hinder pulling down and out the extra skin.When my own patients have this kind of scar  we often use it as an opportunity to pull skin not only down, but in from the sides as well. This is called a fleur de lis tummy tuck.Your plastic surgeon will be able to evaluate you and assess the impact of the scar for either liposuction or tummy tuck.I hope this has helped.