Tummy Tuck Q&A
94%
WORTH IT RATING
"Worth It Rating" shows the % of consumer reviewers that stated the procedure was "Worth It" or not. See more RealSelf Worth It Ratings or Add Your Review
2,305 Reviews
Tummy Tuckbefore & after photos
View Before and Afters

Average Tummy Tuck Cost: $7,950

Learn about Tummy Tuck

7,757 people and 865 doctors are talking about Tummy Tuck

Get Free Email Updates

Possible to Have Tummy Tuck After Laparatomy?

asked 3 years ago by Rolo in UK
Latest answer by W. Tracy Hankins, MD
Question viewed 878 times
Tags: abdomen

I had a laparatomy 13 years ago, and am now considering having a Tummy Tuck. What are the risks?

8 answers to Possible to Have Tummy Tuck After Laparatomy?

+1

Laparotomy usually involves a vertical midline scar

As laparotomy usually involves a vertical midline scar and this area is undermined to tighten the rectus fascia, there is minimal increased risk to the procedure.  That said, there is sometimes a need to revise the vertical scar if it tethers when the skin is pulled inferiorly.
W. Tracy Hankins, MD

Las Vegas Plastic Surgeon
+1

Risks and benefits

Rolo, The risks of abdominoplasty surgery in the face of previous laparotomy may be slightly higher than if you had a virgin abdomen, but they are still low.  The benefits that you appreciate in body contour and scar improvement will be great, making the risk to benefit ration relatively low.  Good luck!
Kenneth R. Francis, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Should be fine!

You have the normal risks of tummy tuck. Depending on the scar orientation, you may or may not be at increased risk for tissue loss or wound healing problems. Your doctor can tell you more on exam. The thing you need to know is that many people have surgical abdominal scars, and they do fine with tummy tuck. Be sure to optimize your risks by quitting smoking, get in good health, etc. sek
Scott E. Kasden, MD

Dallas Plastic Surgeon
+1

Added risk but easily managed

You can certainly have a tummy tuck after a laparotomy and depending on the placement of you incision you may be able to remove most if not all of the scar.The main concern for the plastic surgeon will be the possibility of small hernias which may have developed in the muscle closure from the laparotomy. Blood supply of the skin is also a concern as it has been altered by your previous surgery. Each of these can be dealt with easily by a board certified plastic surgeon Good luck and enjoy... more
Robert W. Kessler, MD

Orange County Plastic Surgeon

www.drrobkessler.com

+1

Tummy Tuck after other Abdominal Surgery

Hi there- As long as you don't have any hernias, or your plastic surgeon is comfortable repairing any hernias you have, your previous history of abdominal surgery should not prevent you from having a tummy tuck. It is very important that you find a surgeon certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery- after a review of your goals, an exam, and a discussion of your options, they'll be able to best advise you on the procedure of choice for you.
Armando Soto, MD

Orlando Plastic Surgeon

www.DrArmandoSoto.com

+1

You can have a tummy tuck after a laparotomy.

Hi! In New York City, we have seen this situation a number of times, and it is entirely safe to do an abdominoplasty after a laparotomy. You can often remove all or most of the laparotomy scar in the process. We use a minimal undermining technique for the tummy tuck, which preserves the lymphatics, protects the blood supply to the skin, and minimizes the risk of seroma (fluid collection).
George J. Beraka, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Yes, you can have this procedure

You can have a tummy tuck after a laparotomy, however, you need a physical exam done by your plastic surgeon to determine if there are any hernias present. These can be fixed at the time of the tummy tuck if necessary. A significant portion of your scars can actually be removed during your surgery and any muscle herniation/laxity can be fixed. I really like treating patients that have had prior surgery because often times the results are outstanding.
David Rankin, MD

Jupiter Plastic Surgeon
+1

Possible, but many factors must be analyzed

The answer to your question lies in the available blood supply to the abdominal flap as well other factors like smoking ,diabetes etc. Assuming that you are a non-smoker, etc., abdominoplasty could be perfomed. Sound surgical principles must be followed with limited underming and presrvation of the blood supply. Best of luck!
Hisham Seify, MD, PhD

Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon

Ask a question