Mommy Makeover with High Blood Pressure (Controlled W/meds)

Hello! Thank you for your question! There are a few medical comorbidities that contribute to a higher risk during any surgical procedure including infections, wound complications, delayed wound healing, bleeding, anesthetic risks, etc. Hypertension is one that is known to have an increased risk during a procedure. There are a number of both systemic and local host factors that can contribute to high blood pressure. Hypertension itself is not a true contraindication to having any surgical procedure, but it should always be controlled. Risks that coincide with high blood pressure, such as coronary artery disease, pulmonary issues, varicosities, etc. can certainly be worrisome as the risk for other issues including MI, stroke, etc. can be severe. Complications such as bleeding and postoperative hematomas may be increased and hemostasis obtained well. That being said, well-controlled high blood pressure should equate a minimal increased risk for the above and surgical procedures still safe and a reasonable decision. You should ensure adequate blood pressure control always, but also obtain medical clearance from your primary care physician that you are at an acceptable risk for undergoing a surgical procedure. For elective or aesthetic procedures, your surgeon may want to get you to a baseline level prior to consideration for a procedure. Discuss all of your medical comorbidities and medication with your surgeon prior and discuss these risks. Also, discuss this with your anesthesiologist as proper monitoring and medications will be watched closely. This procedure should still be very safe for you and hope for an uncomplicated course with an excellent result! Hope that this helps! Best wishes!

Thanks for your question!
You can have surgery as long as your HBP is controlled. You will need to take a few weeks off from work. No lifting greater than 10 pounds for 6 weeks. No vigorous exercise for 6 weeks. You may return to a desk job 2 weeks. Schedule a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your options. Best wishes!

I have performed many procedures on patients with hypertension, as long as it is under control at the time of surgery.  Be sure to ask your surgeon if you should take your blood pressure medication on the mirnng if surgery.

Patients who have a history of elevated blood pressure are commonly seen in cosmetic surgery practices. If your blood pressure is adequately treated and you’re in good health otherwise, there’s no reason not to have a mommy makeover. When a history of hypertension is present, we prefer that patients be cleared by their primary care physicians before we proceed with surgery. In some cases, your internist may order an EKG or lab work.

With regard to your employment, we recommend gradual resumption of light activities starting at about two weeks following surgery. Strenuous activities can be resumed after six weeks. As a prison guard, you might be able to return to light restricted duty at two weeks’ but the return to full strenuous activity might require six weeks.

If your hbp is controlled you should get clearance from your primary care physician before you proceed with the procedure. I recommend patients to take 2 full weeks off of work post mommy makeover. If your job requires heavy lifting or strenuous activity, I would recommend 6 weeks off of work for best results. Good luck.

If your blood pressure is under good control with your medications, and you have NO other health issues, your risk of anesthesia is only slightly higher than a healthy person.  You should be able to proceed with your surgery successfully.  In our practice, we would also get a medical clearance, EKG and labwork on you.

If your blood pressure is under good control you should not have  a problem with your surgery. Your general health needs to be factored into the equation also; so it is always a good idea to discuss the surgery with your regular family physician to get a clearance. I would anticipate that you would be able to return to office work in 2-3 weeks but would not recommend you attempting strenuous activity for six weeks. You will not have the same level of strength you had before surgery for three months.

First, "Mommy makeover" could mean a few things.  Breast lift, with our without augmentation.  Abdomen lipo or tummy tuck.  this will determine how long your operation will be.

Second:  Your personal risk.  Are you well controlled on meds?  What other medical problems do you have?

All of this information needs to be taken in to see what your operative plan should be.  Most of the time, Mommy Makeovers work well in well prepared, healthy patients.

Most patients with hypertension can be successfully treated with medications or even just diet. Hypertension disease is not a contraindication for surgery.  Once the pressure is stabilized it is OK to proceed with surgery.

This is usually best accomplished by your primary care physician.

Well controlled high blood pressure is not a problem usually for surgery but an evaluation would be needed by your primary care doctor should be performed prior to your anticipated surgery. This evaluation will determine your risk for surgery.

Dr. ES