Plastic Surgery for Patient with an Enlarged Heart?

asked 2 years ago by Denise1971 in Los Angeles
Latest answer by Peter A. Aldea, MD
Question viewed 667 times
Tags: complication, plastic surgery

Would a patient with an enlarged heart be able to have cosmetic surgery? Liposuction and Brazilian Butt lift or a Tummy Tuck?

The formal diagnosis is Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. The diagnosis was 7 years ago with no major setbacks.

9 answers to Plastic Surgery for Patient with an Enlarged Heart?

Get evaluated by a cardiologist first if you have an enlarged heart

Denise, Allow me to add my voice the uniform opinion expressed so far. No surgeon that I know would intentionally want to risk the life of his/her patient. I would recommend that you be evaluated by a cardiologist hand have a stress test BEFORE seriously considering having any cosmetic surgery. If your stress test is negative AND your cardiologist feels you could tolerate such procedures and "clears" you, most plastic surgeons and anesthesiologists would proceed. Personally,... more

Peter A. Aldea, MD
Memphis Plastic Surgeon

Surgery for enlarged heart

If you have cardiomyopathy, it has to be evaluated by your cardiologist. Plastic surgery is elective, and unless you are very healthy I would not recommend it. You would have to get a clean bill of health from your cardiologist first.

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Cosmetic Surgery for Patient With an Enlarged Heart

All patients considering surgery, whether cosmetic surgery or otherwise, must be fully evaluated in terms of their health. There are numerous accounts of patients dying at out patients surgery centers or even hospitals because they failed to inform their plastic surgeon of previous or ongoing medical problems. In my practice if there are any medical issues that might cause concern I have the patient evaluated by the appropriate physician. For a patient with an enlarged heart the patient... more

Christopher L. Hess, MD
Fairfax Plastic Surgeon

Possibly

Denise, Your question is impossible to answer without knowing more about your cardiac physiology. Consultation with a cardiologist, who may recommend EKG, echocardiogram or other tests, is the only way to know the risks that your cardiomyopathy creates. Good luck!

Kenneth R. Francis, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Definitely a team issue

Dear Denise1971 It is great to hear that you are doing so well with your condition. It is not impossible for you to have surgery. However, provided you cardiologist, surgeon , and anesthesiologist are all on the same page, consider doing smaller procedures. For example it is possible to have liposuction and the fat transfer needed as part of the Brazilian butt lift all under local anesthesia. Because you live in Los Angeles, you have access to excellent Cardiology. UCLA, Cedars, and USC... more

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD
Los Angeles Oculoplastic Surgeon

You Need A Cardiologist to Clear You

Your condition is one that can get worse, or better, depending on your blood pressure control in the time since your diagnosis. So an updated exam, chest x-ray, and EKG would be needed. Also, your internist/cardiologist may recommend some different medications to control your blood pressure in the immediate postop period. Some consideration may also be given to doing your case in a facility equipped for good monitoring and an overnight stay.

John LoMonaco, MD
Houston Plastic Surgeon

You need to have clearance from the cardiologist.

Your surgeon should speak to your cardiologist to make sure it will be safe. It will depend on the type of anesthesia as well, so the anesthetist should be involved as well.

Toby Mayer, MD
Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

Medical clearance for plastic surgery

Plastic / Cosmetic surgery is elective. So, if you have any medical condition it is very important for you to seek the treatment and clearance of a medical doctor prior to any surgery. You will need to see your cardiologist and also medical doctor. Even after all of this, they may tell you that you are not fit for surgery. It really would be a shame if you had a medical complication during an elective case. So, please to not rush and do not pressure your surgeon to go forward... more