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Mini Tummy Tuck Possible if Full TT out Due to Gall Bladder Surgery?

asked 2 years ago by ZOLMO1 in JERSEY CITY, NJ
Latest answer by Tom J. Pousti, MD
Question viewed 3,403 times
Tags: abdomen, gall bladder, surgery scar

I had my Gallbladder removed several years back after 3 c-sections. Anyway, I tried to get a TT but I was told a full tummy tuck wasn't for me due to a previous surgery (Gallbladder). What other options do I have? A mini tummy tuck perhaps? I'm worried about the shape of my b-button after the surgery. Although, is the pouch of skin I really want to get rid of. Please advise, thanks.

20 answers to Mini Tummy Tuck Possible if Full TT out Due to Gall Bladder Surgery?

+2

Tummy tuck after gallbladder surgery

Your surgery can most likely be performed by a very experienced cautious surgeon. You will have to accept that your complication rate might be higher than in a patient who has never had surgery before. You will benefit most from a version of the full tummy tuck.
Brent Moelleken, MD

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

www.drbrent.com

+2

Gall blddder scar and tummy tuck

Based upon your photo, you probably willneed some form of  full tummy tuck even possibly a modifed full where the area round the gall bladder incision is not undermined.  Some surgeons would perform a full tummy tuck even with a gall bladder incision.
Steven Wallach, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+2

Full tummy tuck safe with minimal undermining.

Hi. We have done several tummy tuck in women with this scar. It is safe with the right technique, namely minimal undermining to protect the blood supply. I don't think you will get good result with mini.
George J. Beraka, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+2

Full tummy tuck after gall bladder surgery

Either you inadvertantly flipped your picture over or you have situs inversus (Reversal of organ position) because the gall bladder scar is almost always on the right side. Anyway, I have done full tummy tucks with classical gall bladder incisions IN an appropriate clinical setting, with the patient understanding that there may be additional risk factors. Recent literature has borne this out.
Barry H. Dolich, MD

Bronx Plastic Surgeon
+2

Open GallBladder (Kocher) Scar and Tummy Tuck Surgery

Your open gallbladder surgery (Kocher) scar would severely decrease the blood flow to the lower tummy skin if you had a traditional, full tummy tuck. OPTIONS1. Liposuction only - From your photographs, you appear to have residual fat deposits of the front of the tummy as well as the hips. These areas would be greatly improved with liposuction. You could get a nice contour with liposuction only that would look nice in clothes but the front would probably display significant hanging, loose... more
Peter A. Aldea, MD

Memphis Plastic Surgeon
+1

Tummy Tuck Surgery after Abdominal Surgery

Thank you for the question and picture. Based on your picture I knew not believe you will have a good result with mini tummy tuck surgery. A full tummy tuck can be performed with special care taken to limit undermining of the tissues in the area of the previous gallbladder scar. Although the risks of wound healing problems is still increased this procedure can be done safely/ without complications for most patients. The mini tummy talk is an operation... more
Tom J. Pousti, MD

San Diego Plastic Surgeon
+1

Yes, mini tummy tuck is possible

You need an abdominoplasty, even with you previous upper abdomen scar, a TT is possible, however you will have an increase risks of having complications. Your surgeon needs to take specific steps to increase your chances of a good outcome. Again experience and training are important. If the surgeon tells you he has not done this procedure go with another surgeon, get several consultations and ask the surgeon to show you pictures of previous patients with the scar. The most important factor... more
Victor Manuel Perez, MD

Kansas City Plastic Surgeon
+1

Old style Gall bladder scars can make tummy tucks risky

I would definitely recommend a mini tummy tuck with liposuction of your waistline (ie abdomen, waist and flank regions) The majority of your skin laxity appears to be below your umbilicus and therefore a mini tummytuck (although this will still require a scar as long as a full tummytuck) will give you a very nice result with very little risk of having any healing problems. I have done this many times for patients with situations like yours, with excellent results. Good Luck...
Daniel P. Markmann, MD

Baltimore Plastic Surgeon
+1

Tummy tuck can be done with previous gallbladder incision, but carefully

Given your photos, you would likely benefit from a full tummy tuck. I don't think that a mini tuck or liposuction will be enough to give you a satisfying result. The gallbladder scar makes it riskier to do a classical full tummy tuck, but modifications to the procedure can be made such that you may get a good result with slightly increased risk relative to patients without this surgical scar. Make sure you are see an experienced board certified plastic surgeon.
Elizabeth Lee, MD

Bay Area Plastic Surgeon
+1

Full Tummy Tuck after Gallbladder Surgery

I would recommend seeing another plastic surgeon. Someone who is board certified and has done plenty of tummy tucks. I have not had any issues performing a full tummy tuck on patients with gallbladder (Kocher) incisions. You should be fine in experienced hands. I would find a plastic surgeon that feels comfortable performing this type of surgery. Do your research, you should be able to achieve the results you desire. Good luck.
Farbod Esmailian, MD

Orange County Plastic Surgeon
+1

Modified Tummy Tuck techniques would provide you reasonable options

Hi there- A traditional tummy tuck technique would indeed be a problem for you because of your gallbladder scar... However, modified or marriage abdominoplasty techniques would be a good option for you. Find a surgeon certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery experienced in these techniques and visit for a consultation. How to find one you like and can trust? Read this:
Armando Soto, MD

Orlando Plastic Surgeon
+1

A tummy tuck after gallbladder surgery may have to be modified

Hello - In order to address your aesthetic goals, I would recommend a mini-tummy tuck as the first operation to remove the pouch of skin and to re-shape your belly button. At the second stage, I would recommend liposuction for the upper part of your abdomen and hips. It's great that you're doing so well after your gallbladder removal, but it might takes several steps to reshape your abdomen to your liking.
Jeffrey E. Schreiber, MD

Baltimore Plastic Surgeon
+1

A tummy tuck is possible

I have done a number of full tummy tucks with old gall bladder scars. It is hard to see it well but an evaluation with a skilled plastic surgeon should give you a better idea of what can be done.
William B. Rosenblatt, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon
+1

Tummy tuck after gallbladder surgery

A full tummy tuck is quite possible after a sub-costal incision gallbladder removal. I have done it many times with minimal problems. The technique has to be modified some and you have to understand the increased risks. You, also, cannot smoke for two months before or after the surgery as this markedly further increases the risks.
Robert T. Buchanan, MD

Highlands Plastic Surgeon
+1

Full tummy tuck possible after gallbladder removal

The previous posts have explained the issue of compromised blood supply from the scar, which does make a full tummy tuck riskier. However, I have done it several times and if done cautiously it should be OK as long as you are not a smoker. I use the Progressive Tension Suture method, which can be very helpful by minimizing tension on the flap, one of the things that contributes to blood flow problems. Your result from a mini would not be what you want.
Richard Baxter, MD

Seattle Plastic Surgeon
+1

Tummy tuck and prior abdominal surgery

This will be a trade-off either way; you will get the best result with a full tummy tuck, but you are at risk for loss of the abdominal skin based on your prior gallbladder surgery. Liposuction and/or a mini-tuck will be safe, but you may not be satisfied with your results if the overhanging skin is what really bothers you. I suggest seeing a plastic surgeon in your area who can exmaine you and fully discuss both options with you. Good luck, /nsn.
Nina S. Naidu, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon
+1

Abdominal contouring after gallbladder surgery

I would agree that a full abdominoplasty is risky. Most of your laxity appears to be below the belly button with some immediately around it. It also appears as if you are not optimally toned. I would suggest if you are not in an exercising and toning program that you do that first and incorporate that into your weekly activities. Your surgery will be more accurate, predictable, and optimal. You could then entertain the option of liposuction and a modified-type abdominoplasty where the... more
Robin T.W. Yuan, MD

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon
+1

Mini tummy tuck possible if full TT out due to gall bladder surgery.

I agree with Dr Aldea. Do a two staged surgery. The first stage is to delay the abdominal flap and cut the lower inferior epigastric vessels on the right side in order to "train" the abdominal flap to live on the superior blood flow. Than after 2 months proceed with the "FULL" tummy tuck. Good luck from MIAMI.
Darryl J. Blinski, MD

Miami Plastic Surgeon
+1

Tummy tuck after gall bladder removal

As you know, your gall bladder scar poses a problem because of its blocking of blood flow to the tissue after the TT.  I personally limit the width of undermining in the upper abdomen to limit numbness and based on doing this I would be willing to do a full TT on you especially since that is what you need for your best result.
Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS

Seattle Plastic Surgeon
+1

Full versus mini tummy tuck in previous open gallbladder surgery

Using a modified marriage abdominoplasty or possible two stage approach to "delay" and enhance the blood supply to the upper abdominal skin may be your best option.
Otto Joseph Placik, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

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