I'm 54 with Diastasis Recti, but I Had my Gallbladder out in 1989, the Year Before Laparoscopically. Can I Do TT?

Question

2 plastic surgeons they said can't do a tummy tuck as the blood supply as already been severed and the tissue would die. I had a mastectomy w/reconstruction last year and again was told they could not use my abdominal muscle & tissue for the repair. I'm not fat, I don't have extra skin, but I really NEED my abdominal muscles! I can't lift anything when bent over, and my lower back hurts. But I'm told sit-ups, crunches & leg lift exercises will make it worse. Can anything be done?

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

If you need your muscles tightened and do not have loose skin, this can be done in a straightforward operation with little risk for complication.  You have not found the right surgeon for you.  You have to find a plastic surgeon with ELITE credentials who performs HUNDREDS of tummy tuck procedures each year.  Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

George Bitar, MD · Answer

Tummy tuck after an open gallbladder surgery is riskier.  There can be healing problems below the incision because the blood supply has been divided by the surgery.  The operation can be modified to make it safer but it is not always 100% successful.  A flap delay procedure can also help, but would require multiple operations and increase the cost of sugery.  Best wishes.

Rady Rahban, MD, FACS · Answer

Unfortunately I think the other surgeons are correct.  To be honest there are doctors that will do a tummytuck despite your previous gallbladder surgery but I think it is highly risky and the ramifications if your tissue doesn't heal are very high.  In my opinion its too risky and I don't recommend it.  That being said I have done cases where as a result of the issues with blood supply, I have limited the amount of my undermining (lifting of the tissue off the blood supply) in order to remove some but not all the excess skin.  In your instance it does not seem like this is your problem.  Finally if all you have is diastasis, that is muscle separation and no excess skin, you may be able to use a tummytuck incision to approach and close the muscles and not remove any skin.  In this instance you may not have as much risk of wound healing issues.  An exam is key.  Bottom line make sure if a doctor tells you he can do it, you trust him and he has experience with patients like you.  Hope that helps

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question, but  you are description of your situation does not quite make sense. Patients who have had laparoscopic surgery generally have not had their blood supply “severed”. On the other hand, open  approach cholecystectomy,  involving a much longer incision line, can potentially compromise blood flow important during tummy tuck surgery.

	 Whether or not you are a good candidate for tummy tuck surgery will depend on your physical examination and goals;  you may want to post pictures here for more precise advice online.

	 Best wishes.

Sultan Hassan, MD, FRCS(Plast) · Answer

A picture would be helpful to fully assess your suitability for a tummy tuck. However diastasis rectii may also be repaired endoscopically!

I'm 54 with Diastasis Recti, but I Had my Gallbladder out in 1989, the Year Before Laparoscopically. Can I Do TT?

Answers (8)

Answer: Tummy Tuck Candidate After Previous Laparoscopy?

Answer: Tummy Tuck Candidate After Previous Laparoscopy?

Answer: Diastasis recti and TT

Answer: Diastasis recti and TT

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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I'm 54 with Diastasis Recti, but I Had my Gallbladder out in 1989, the Year Before Laparoscopically. Can I Do TT?

Answers (8)

Answer: Tummy Tuck Candidate After Previous Laparoscopy?

Answer: Tummy Tuck Candidate After Previous Laparoscopy?

Answer: Diastasis recti and TT

Answer: Diastasis recti and TT

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.