How Soon After Broken Leg/ankle Can I Have Tummy Tuck?

Question

Mid May I broke my leg and ankle (sports injury) and underwent Orif surgery next day. I was splinted for two weeks and now I am in a walking boot. I am scheduled for a tummy tuck mid July and my ortho and Pcp feel i will be ok for surgery by then. I am not on any pain pills and will be gradually working on walking full weight bearing prior to surgery. If I am still walking with limp or assistance with a cane would that or any other factors stop me from having surgery?

J. Jason Wendel, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  I recommend that you listen to your orthopedic surgeon, PCP, and Plastic Surgeon.

	 

	Tummy tuck is an elective procedure.  If you do not feel that you have sufficiently regained your strength as the day of surgery nears, discuss with your plastic surgeon the possibility of postponing and rescheduling.

	 

	I hope this helps.

Antoine A. Hallak, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi, it is better to be fully ambulatory at the time of a tummy tuck to decrease the risk of blood clot complications. if 8 weeks after an ankle orif you are still not fully ambulatory without assistance, i would postpone the tummy tuck until you are back to normal. it is best to consult with a qualified plastic surgeon to assess your overall risk and possibly other risk factors for deep vein thrombosis and decide accordingly.

Ali Sajjadian, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear Supreme6,

	 

	Tummy Tuck has a considerable impact on the blood circulation in general.

	Therefore, not being able to move around and walk close to "normal" will decrease your deep venous return hence will increase your risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (blood clot in a deep vein).

	 

	Your surgeon could recommend venous imaging studies and/or prescribe you blood thinners in case you could not develop the ability to walk almost normally.

	 

	Thank you for your inquiry and the best of luck to you.

	
	Dr. Sajjadian

Steve Laverson, MD, FACS · Answer

OK for tummy tuck before complete recovery from leg injury, but would consider venous doppler studies pre-surgery to be sure there's no lurking deep venous thrombosis. Tummy tuck transiently increases deep venous pressure, and perhaps stasis.

Larry Fan, MD · Answer

Dear Supreme 6,

	 

	Safety should always be a first priority for elective procedures such as a tummy tuck. I would seek medical opinions from your physicians regarding this issue. Please be sure that you have kept your plastic surgeon informed about your recent injuries, treatment, and recovery. If you are concerned about your recovery and readiness to undergo a second procedure, I would discuss with your plastic about the possibility of rescheduling and postponing your procedure. As others have indicated, blood clots are always a concern.

	 

	Warmest wishes,

	Larry Fan, MD

How Soon After Broken Leg/ankle Can I Have Tummy Tuck?

Answers (5)