Will I Still Benefit from Tummy Tuck?

I am considering having a Tummy Tuck due to loosing approx. 70 lbs. over the past 2-3 years. The only concern I have is had 5 hernia repairs in the past, and recently diagnosed as a diabetic but manage on this with only the pills. I had a major hysterectomy 2 years ago and 3 weeks later developed a major infection that ended me up on a pick-line giving myself IV antibiotics at home for about 3 months to prevent my side to side mesh from having to be removed. What is your opinion? Will I still benefit from this procedure?

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8 Doctor Answers | Asked by Hernia repeat in FORT MILL SC

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I don't think you are a good candidate for tummy tuck

Safety always comes first! Unfortunately, you have many risk factors against you stemming from multiple abdominal surgical procedures/complications and your overall medical health which is compromised by your diabetes. I think that an abdominoplasty is too risky. Keep it simple and rejoice with your new figure that you earned from your weight loss. I hope this helps!

It complicated but possible

So the issue is that you have all this extra skin but an abdominal wall that has been operated on multiple times, diabetes, mesh and previous infections. "Well other than that Mrs. Lincoln how was the show?" Yes, you have many issues but nothing that can't be fixed with the appropriate planning. First, your health has to be as close to perfect as it can for you. Meaning your HgA1C has to be normal as well has all of your lab work. Next you will need the abdominal skin flap... more

You need abdominal wall reconstruction and not necessarily a tummy tuck

Your situation is more consistent with abdominal wall recosntruction rather than a traditional tummy tuck. You are at a higher than average risk for wound healing problems, infection, multiple procedures, and complications. I would strongly advise that you consider having this procedure in a hospital and possibly an inpatient setting.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

32 reviews

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

I wouldn't do an abdominoplasty or tummy tuck with your history

It is wonderful that you have lost 70 pounds! Congratulations. Unfortunately you have a very complex history. With mesh in your abdomen from previous hernia repairs and the history of infection following the hysterectomy, my personal opinion is that the risk of an infection and wound healing problems following a tummy tuck or abdominoplasty is too high. There is also the problem of previous scars on your abdomen which could interfere with wound healing. I recommend that you be happy and... more

Yours is a very complex situation

As you can see from the other excellent answers, your's is absolutely not a straight forward situaiton and there are many issues to consider. You need the very best plastic surgeon to evaluate you and tell you the honest truth about your risk to benefit ratio here. I would strongly recommend that you visit Dr. Barry Bishop in Greenville, SC and ask him his opinion. He is an outstanding plastic surgeon with vast experience. Good luck!

Not a simple question...

FIrst of all, congratulations on your weight loss. Losing 70 lbs will undoubtedly make some of your problems (diabetes) easier to deal with. As for a tummy tuck, there are a number of issues which must be sorted out. You might be well served by a panniculectomy rather than a full tummy tuck. This would take away your apron of skin but not relocate your belly button. The procedure isn't necessarily cosmetic but would accomplish removing this extra skin while subjecting you to limited risk... more

Tummy Tuck after prior surgeries

You have a compicated history. IF you are to have a tummy tuck your surgeon must coordinate your care and get lots of information from the gynecologist, the general surgeon (if he was the one who repaired your hernias), the infectious disease physician, the endocrinologist or family doctor, as well as any hospital records to review exactly what was done at the time of the surgeries. You should only go to a surgeon with a vast experience in reconstructive surgery and this is usually a... more

Benefits of elective tummy tuck

Given your history of multiple hernia repairs, diabetes, persistent abdominal wall mesh, and major infection after previous abdominal surgery, my initial impression is that abdominoplasty, should complications arise, could lead to catastrophic problems. If you develop wound healing problems, which are more common in diabetics and patients with previous abdominal surgery, it could lead to infection, loss of the mesh, and possible recurrent hernia. If you have a significant amount of loose... more