I Would Like a Full TT However I Have an Existing Kocher Gallbladder Scar...

asked 9 months ago by JustGlow in New York & L.A.
Latest answer by Tom J. Pousti, MD
Question viewed 210 times
Tags: candidate, gall bladder, options, scar

I have never had a problem with either. I don't smoke and I'm pretty fit. I have met with several board certified plastic surgeons to mixed reviews. 2 said they could do the procedure, 1 said he would only recommend a mini tuck and one recommended a Fleur de lis (sp). I really want this but not at the risk of my health or life. Is there a board certified surgeon out there who has done this procedure with extensive experience and before and after photos? If so pls send link.

9 answers to I Would Like a Full TT However I Have an Existing Kocher Gallbladder Scar...

Gall bladder scar and tummy tuck. Is it safe?

You know, we tend to be thoughtful about this kind of scar before proceding because it obviously interrupts blood supply on the right side to some extent. But interestingly, the patients I have operated on with this scar, healed normally without any trouble. I think that if the undermining is done carefully, preserving as much of the perforating blood supply below the ribs on each side as possible, and the tension is adjusted conservatively, it should work out well. more

Robert M. Lowen, MD
Bay Area Plastic Surgeon

www.enhanced-you.com

Tummy Tuck And GB Scar

I am glad to hear you are not a smoker. What is your height and weight? Yes I have done tummy tucks on several people with GB scars. There are increased risks of wound healing problems and the surgical scars might be a little higher with a small T. Lipo suction can be helpful to avoid undermining to preserve blood supply. An experienced surgeon would need to examine you and look at your GB scar but I would not give up hope.

Richard Linderman, MD
Indianapolis Plastic Surgeon

Tummy tuck after Kocher gallbladder incision is safe.

With 24 years of cosmetic surgery experience and hundreds of tummy tuck procedures, I have done many with this scar (and other scars). All have done well, as the skin develops collateral circulation in the months and years after the cholecystectomy scar cuts some of the skin circulation. So, while the concern is a legitimate one, and one I still discuss with my patients, I have no reservations about proceeding with a full tummy tuck in a patient with this scar. If they smoke, I will not... more

Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACS
Minneapolis Plastic Surgeon

www.mpsmn.com

Concerns about an old and large gallbladder scar and the performance of a tummy tuck

Though it is often preached that these large scars used in the removal of gallbladders can compromise the blood flow to the tissues as relates to tummy tuck surgery, with proper precautions and the right patient, the risks can be kept low. Smoking does present a high risk for problems (though you are not a smoker). I have performed many tummy tucks in selected patients with these pre-existing incisions and have not experienced tissue loss. Given your history and with the proper... more

Steven Turkeltaub, MD
Scottsdale Plastic Surgeon

www.turkeltaub.com

Tummy tuck, gall bladder scar

I have probably done 30 or more tummy tucks on people with the scar you mentioned with no complications in the wound healing. BUT I do require the patient to be a non-smoker and to have 5 years or more since the gallbladder surgery.

Ronald V. DeMars, MD
Portland Plastic Surgeon

www.drdemarsmd.com

Tummy tucks after previous abdominal surgery

You pose a very good question. Part of your surgeon's job is to examine your body, specifically looking for signs of possible problems. Previous abdominal surgery can result in abdimonal scars being located in areas that can cause increased risks following tummy tuck surgery, The "old fashioned" Kocher (named after a famous German surgeon) is one of those areas. It is typically located below the right side of the ribcage and can extend across the entire right side of the... more

Ronald Schuster, MD
Baltimore Plastic Surgeon

www.drschuster.com

Can a Tummy Tuck be performed on someone with a large gallbladder incision?

Great question, and for those of you reading this who don't know, before laparoscopy was invented we used to take out gallbladders by cutting a large diagonal scar on the right upper abdomen just under the rib margin. Very rarely, general surgeons still have to do this type of procedure even these days for very difficult cases of gallbladder or liver disease. The problem is that this incision cuts some of the major vessels that feed the abdominal skin and... more

Erez Sternberg, MD
Jacksonville Plastic Surgeon

Full Tummy Tuck and Previous Scar?

Thank you for the question. You are correct to be concerned regarding your current scar, however, with limited undermining of the area, you can have a successful tummy tuck surgery. Yes, it is very important to consult with very experienced plastic surgeons who have taken care of complicated cases so that you feel confident that he/she is able to get you through the surgery successfully. Best Wishes!