What Type of Heart Problem Could Prevent Me from Getting a Safe Tummy Tuck?

asked 3 years ago by KOrtega1983 in Oneida,NY
Latest answer by Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Question viewed 497 times
Tags: candidate, heart, safety

I am a 25 year old married mother of five beautiful children. My children were all around 10 pounds at birth and left me with very droopy skin under my belly button. I am considering a tummy tuck. The only problem is that I have a history of Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation and SVTs. I also have hypothyroidism which is managed with hormone replacement. The A-Fib/SVTs happen a few times a year, but its more of the heart palpitations that I deal with. My cardiologist told me they are not deadly to me. I'm just wondering if this could create a complication during surgery?

5 answers to What Type of Heart Problem Could Prevent Me from Getting a Safe Tummy Tuck?

Need careful perioperative management

Intermittent cardiac arrhythmias vary greatly in severity and importance during surgery. While it does not sound like it would be a prohibitive risk, this type of anomaly does increase your risk for perioperative complications. Anesthetic management will be of great importance in mitigating these risks. I would suggest discussing your planned surgery with your cardiologist to determine if any measures need to be taken to minimize these risks and to determine if the risks posed by your... more

Mitchel Krieger, MD
Fairfax Plastic Surgeon

Heart problems and Tummy Tuck Surgery

Clearly your cardiologist should be involved in the decision making process. You may want to consider the surgery in a hospital setting. However, Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation with SVT is not a contra-indication to surgery. Concerns may be reaised for those primarly in A-Fib who are thne converted. see video

Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Cardiac arrhythmias and cosmetic surgery

Cardiac arrhythmias are not an absolute contraindication for cosmetic surgery. Obviously you would have to go through a thorough work-up by yoru cardiologist before being cleared for cosmetic surgery. Remember cosmetic surgery is not for everyone, if there are significant risks, then I would not recommend it.

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Heart disease in patients for tummy tucks

Tummy tucks are an extremely popular and effective way to contour the abdomen. Like all aesthetic surgery, your health and well-being must be the first priority. If you have concerns about your heart, it is essential that you receive a medical and cardiac clearance before your aesthetic surgery. Your primary care physician and your cardiologist will help determine if you are healthy enough to withstand the surgery. In patients who have a controllable cardiac condition, anesthesia may be... more

B. Pat Pazmino, MD
Miami Plastic Surgeon

www.miamiaesthetic.com

Heart problems and tummy tuck safety

A few points. 1. Cosmetic surgery is "I WANT surgery" NOT "I NEED surgery". I am sure that had you God forbid presented to the ER with a gunshot wound to the chest or other emergent surgical condition, you would be taken to the OR despite your history of Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation, SVTs and hypothyroidism. But - there it is hard to justify risking anyone's life if such conditions are not fully evaluated BEFORE undertaking an elective surgery. 3. Medications... more

Peter A. Aldea, MD
Memphis Plastic Surgeon

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