Can the tummy tuck surgery throw off the menstrual cycle?

Question

I had my tummy tuck performed on April 4th and I was also menstruating on the day of surgery(my period showed up the day before surgery). I woke up this morning and I have my period again which makes it 16 days apart and also means that I've gotten it twice this month.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and I am sorry to hear of your menstrual irregularities.  The stress of surgery can cause your hormones to be thrown off cycle, resulting in irregular, increased, or decreased periods.  I would allow your body time to heal and you should see your cycle return to its previous timing.  Hope that this helps.

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD · Answer

Thank you very much for sharing your concerns with us.At this point (2 weeks post-po) the swelling is minimal.To reduce it, I recommend you perform daily lymphatic drainage massage therapy over the abdomen and wear a postoperative girdle from thigh to the breasts.If the fter six months post-op, I recommend you send us your photos again, to give you more information about how we can solve this problem.Kind regards,Dr. Emmanuel Mallol Cotes.-

Marwan R. Khalifeh, MD · Answer

the stress of surgery can often cause that.  But If you continue to have spotting, a visit to the OBGYN is needed.  good luck with your recovery.

Michael M. Omidi, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for the question.  Since you are fresh from surgery, it is not uncommon to have irregular menstrual cycle.  The stress that the surgery leaves on your body can disrupt your hormone flow and lead to what you are experiencing now.  This should get better and your cycle should return to normal as your body continues to heal.  Best of luck. Dr. Michael Omidi.
An in-person exam with a board-certified plastic
surgeon is the best way to assess your needs and provide true medical advice.

Anthony J. Taglienti, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Yes, it absolutely can. Surgery is a stress on the body - some women will get their period again in a brief amount of time (like you), while others will go months after surgery without getting it. As your body heals, things will normalize again. It will just take time. Of course, if the bleeding is excessive, or you are concerned, then you should speak with your physician. Best of luck!

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question. Your plastic surgeon and/or GYN physician will always be your best resource. Having said that, any surgical procedure can cause alteration of the menstrual cycle.   Your cycles should return to normal within a few months;  if not,  consultation with your OB/GYN may be necessary.Best wishes.

Vincent D. Lepore, MD (retired) · Answer

Any stress, including tummy tuck surgery, can alter the menstrual cycle.  In most cases this will resolve with your next period.  If the cycle is unusually heavy or if the variation continues you should let your OB-GYN doctor know.   Best wishes, Dr. Lepore.

Can the tummy tuck surgery throw off the menstrual cycle?

Answers (7)

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