Can I have a tummy tuck if I have rheumatoid arthritis?

If you can receive clearance from your managing physician, the TT can be considered.  In general, rheumatoid arthritis in an otherwise healthy individual does not have much of an impact on the results of the surgery.  The immunosuppressive medications may need to be altered, and your rheumatologist will have to be involved in the decision making process.  Kenneth Hughes, MD, ABPS Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Congratulations on your weight loss!  Rheumatoid arthritis does not prevent a patient from being a good candidate for tummy tuck.  I have had patients with RA go on to have excellent results after cosmetic surgery.  It is important to discuss your complete health history with your board certified plastic surgeon so he or she can work together with your physicians to get all necessary preoperative clearances and plan any adjustments to medications needed before and after surgery.   Best of luck with your procedure!

The procedure may still be able to be done. If you are on steroids, NSAID's, or biologics for treatment then these may have to be stopped or modified prior to surgery and during the recovery period. This should be discussed carefully with your surgeon, and input from your rheumatologist would be needed to clarify length of time to be off of treatment. 

Congratulations on your impressive weight loss! You will first need to speak with your rheumatologist about your interest in plastic surgery. If given clearance you can schedule a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon near you. Depending on what you have prescribed, you may need to be off some of your medications prior to surgery due to bleeding risk.

Whenever we perform elective cosmetic surgery, our number 1 concern is the health of the patient.  Surgery can be successful with Rheumatoid Arthritis, some adjustment of your medications will be needed during the perioperative phase.  Please consult with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who performs body contouring procedures frequently to assure the best possible result.Good Luck!

Dear Fallenangel80, Generally speaking rheumatoid arthritis will not effect the results of tummy tuck surgery and if you are cleared by your treating physician this should not be an issue. The medications that you are taking will have to be reviewed and may need to be changed. Your rheumatologist would be involved in this decision making. See before and after tummy tuck examples in my photo gallery in the link attached. 
Best regards, Tarek Copty, MD FACS

Thank you for the question and congratulations on your successful weight loss! You should be very proud of this accomplishment.
 Yes, tummy tuck procedures can be done safely for patients with a variety of different “medical conditions”. Careful evaluation and treatment of the medical condition is necessary prior to determining the appropriate candidates for the tummy tuck procedure.  In your case this would be best done by your   rheumatologist.  The physicians who know your situation best would be best suited  to discuss your suitability for the procedure and the potentially increased risks/ complications that you should consider.
Also, please make sure you are seeking consultation with  well experienced board-certified  plastic surgeons who preferably work with board-certified anesthesiologists.
I hope this helps.  Best wishes.

Congratulations on your weight loss! That is truly an accomplishment that will derive you great benefits on many levels.Depending on your overall health, you should be a candidate for the procedure. If you are taking any of the newer biologicals that can make you more susceptible to infection or may delay healing, or if you are or have been on long-term steroids, you would want to work closely with your rheumatologist to determine if you have any specific therapies to prepare you for surgery.

Hi, thank you for the question and congratulations for your weight loss! Tummy tuck surgery  is a procedure that removes excess fat and skin and restores weakened or separated muscles creating an abdominal profile that is smoother and firmer and can be performed safely in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis, as long as you have the authorization of your treating doctor. You have provided us with valuable information but to give you an adequate answer would be very helpful if you send us some photos. Make sure to seek the attention of a certified plastic surgeon, you should have a great result and a normal life. So feel free to contact us for further evaluation.   
Thank you again and have a great day