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Is it Possible to Have a Tummy Tuck if I Have an Arrhythmia?

asked 1 year ago by Saint Louis2873 in Saint Louis
Latest answer by Tom J. Pousti, MD
Question viewed 539 times
Tags: age 35-44, female, risk

I'm 35 years and scheduled to have a TT in 8 days, but, I keep having these weird sinking feelings in my chest as if my heart has skipped a beat, when I take my pulse and that feeling happens while I'm taking my pulse, my pulse skips! I am not a physician but this sounds like Arrhythmia, I told the Nurse and she thinks its just anxiety, BUT this has been happening for 3 months, I am going to my PCP to get an EKG, but time is winding down before my surgery and I'd like to if this will pose a risk

14 answers to Is it Possible to Have a Tummy Tuck if I Have an Arrhythmia?

Yes if cleared by your physicians

Many patients who are preparing for procedures under general anesthesia have some health issues, including heart conditions or even arrhytmias. In that case your surgeon should probably ask you to see your primary physician for surgery clearance. Usually that requires blood test and EKG done within 6 months before the surgery. Your primary physician will decide if you can undergo general anesthesia surgery based on your overall health history and results of the performed tests. Or even... more

Gregory Turowski, MD, PhD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Tummy tuck with an irregular heart beat

Your instincts are correct, and the only sensible alternative is to contact your primary doctor and have the EKG to confirm that everything is a go for surgery. It may be anxiety, but best practice tells us we need to know. If the time pressure is concerning you, reschedule your procedure. Best of luck, peterejohnsonmd

Peter E. Johnson, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

3 month history of irregular heart beats and scheduled tummy tuck in one week

Since a tummy tuck is elective surgery, you will most probably need to cancel your surgery until a diagnosis can be made of your arrhythmia. You don't want to take major risks particularly if the rhythm is not a very benign one. Notify your plastic surgeon of this issue immediately. Your PCP may find something on your EKG but ultimately you may even require a monitor being placed for a day or 2 to track these abnormal beats. They could represent what is called a PVC or even a PAC.... more

Steven Turkeltaub, MD
Scottsdale Plastic Surgeon

www.turkeltaub.com

Irregular heart beat and tummy tuck

If you have an irregular heart beat that is happening with regular frequency you really to have an evaluation by a cardiologist PRIOR to surgery. Many patients have extra heart beats that are normal, these are called PVCs. They occur at unpredictable times and most patients do not know they have happened. They are harmless, however, there are other causes and patterns of irregular heart beat that must be addressed and evaluated. Listen to that inner voice and have it... more

Delio Ortegon, MD
San Antonio Plastic Surgeon

www.sacs-sa.com

Cardiac Arrythmia & Tummy Tuck

The arrythmia which you sense may or may not be related to anxiety as suggested by your plastic surgeon's nurse. However, since your tummy tuck is an entirely elective procedure which certainly can be postponed, I would strongly recommend a Cardiology consult prior to surgery. The Cardiologist may require that wear a monitoring device for a 24-hour period before clearing you for sugery.

John Whitt, MD
Louisville Plastic Surgeon

Tummy Tuck and Arrythmias

SInce your tummy-tuck is elective surgery, it would definitely be in your best interest to address any underlying issues prior to proceding with the surgery. You are absolutely correct in pursuing the issue with your PCP and this should be done before your procedure. It seems very unlikey that pre-opertive anxiety would cause this to persist for three months. Good luck and remember, safety first.

Theodore Diktaban, MD
Manhattan Facial Plastic Surgeon

Pre op arrythmia

This certainly does sound like anxiety, particularly in a 35 year old who has given no prior cardiac history. It is best however to have this completely checked out before surgery. Good Luck

Beverly Friedlander, MD
Short Hills Plastic Surgeon

Plastic surgery and cardiac issues

The gold standard of arrhythmia diagnosis is an EKG. "Sinking feelings" in the chest may or may not be related to the heart rhythm. At 35, cardiac issues are unlikely. But it is wise to sort these issues out prior to surgery. Even if your surgery must be delayed, I would attain a thorough workup. Because this surgery is elective, risks should be absolutely minimized. Good luck!!

Jason R. Hess, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon

Skipped heart beats. What do they mean?

The most likely cause of your irregular heart beat is PVC's (premature ventricular contractions) which is benign and should not interfere with surgery. To know for sure this is the cause a work-up is necessary. A visit with your PCP is an excellent idea and good planning on your part. If he determines there is something more serious going on you may need to postpone your surgery. Your surgeon should be made aware of the situation. Don't assume the nurse... more

Lori H. Saltz, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon

www.ljcsc.com

Arrhythmia before tummy tuck

You are correct to go to your PCP for a workup. It is also important that your surgeon knows of your situation. Make sure you have an adequate workup. Any elective surgery can always be postponed.

Lawrence C. Lin, MD
Long Island Plastic Surgeon

Heart rhythm and tummy tuck

I have had a few patients with arrhythmia who had their hearts checked out before surgery and not had problems with them, so long as the rhythm is normal at the time of surgery, or the arrhythmia is benign. You would need medical clearance before the procedure for sure.

Victor Au, MD
Chapel Hill Plastic Surgeon

PVC's

Anxiety would not be causing an abnormal rythm for three months. You may be having PVC's and it would be best to have your PCP evaluate the situation. Make sure your surgeon (not just the nurse) knows of your situation.

Marc Schneider, MD
Fort Myers Plastic Surgeon

Safe Tummy Tuck?

Thank you for the question. Yes, tummy tuck procedures can be done safely for patients with a variety of different “medical conditions”. Careful evaluation and treatment of the medical condition is necessary prior to determining the appropriate candidates for the tummy tuck procedure. In your case this would be best done by a cardiologist. Also, please make sure you are seeking consultation with well experienced board-certified plastic surgeons who... more

Tom J. Pousti, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon

www.poustiplasticsurgery.com

Tummy tuck with ongoing arrhythmia - Is it safe?

Tummy tucks can be performed on patients with arrhythmia, but it is extremely important to determine the cause, severity, and treatment of the arrhythmia first. Make sure your PS knows about this condition and he/she will surely encourage you to have a full workup by a cardiologist. There are many reasons why people develop these abnormal heart rythms and most can be treated medically. Once you know more about your specific type of arrhthmia the cardiologist can discuss any... more