Am I able to have a tummy tuck if I have a pacemaker?

Question

I am 56 I do have pacemaker for 15 years I'm ready to live I'm I able to get lipo tummy tuck 250lbs 5,7inc tall

Harry T. Haramis, MD, FACS · Answer

Liposuction would be an easier procedure and recovery. Vaser will offer skin tightening as well.A tummy tuck is a bigger surgery and recovery plus the pacemaker needs to be deactivated by a/your cardiologist so the electric cautery doesn't interfere with it.Either is possible if safely planned with cardiology and medical clearance.An exam and consultation with a plastic surgeon is recommended to discuss your options and expectations.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear jsnet reliiford,as long as you get a clearance from your cardiologist, you might be a candidate for a surgery. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS 
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery  
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Vishnu Rumalla, MD · Answer

Thanks for your inquiry, I want to focus on the pacemaker and will leave to someone who examines you in person if you are a good candidate for a tummy tuck itself.  The pacemaker itself is not a concern to have surgery, but rather your health.  You should get a clearance from your cardiologist that your heart and rhythm of your heart are stable for surgery.  I also would recommend you have your surgery at a hospital with cardiac services if needed, good luck.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question, yes you can have a tummy tuck with a pacemaker in place, as you doctor clears you for surgery. Always see a board certified PS.

Aldo Guerra, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. Generally speaking, yes a tummy tuck can be performed in patients with pacemakers. However, your cardiologist will have to be sure surgery and anesthesia are safe for you depending on the heart conditions being treated. The pacemaker will also have to be turned off during the operation and your cardiologist may even have to be present for part of the surgery. This may depend on how comfortable your plastic surgeon is with pacemaker management .Good luck. Dr. ALDO

David Finkle, MD · Answer

There are many variables to consider when we are talking about elective cosmetic surgery.  The most important element is the health of the patient, if the risk of the surgery is too high for the reward obtained, then the surgery should not be performed.Without an in person consultation; you obviously have a heart condition, a BMI around 40 and at age 56, your risk of significant complications from a tummy tuck procedure, which is a big operation, is extremely high.  I would NOT RECOMMEND this procedure for you.Good Luck!

Samir Shureih, MD · Answer

This question is too complex to answer on the internet.There are many issues to consider, general health, reason for the pacemaker, any other medical conditions and medications. opinion of the cardiologist and your risk factors.Your BMI is 39., pacemaker Then you are not a candidate for a major surgery.Safety of the patient is priority

Matthew H. Steele, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Yes, it is possible to have a tummy tuck with a pacemaker, however your cardiologist would have to examine you and sign off ahead of time.  In order to avoid damaging the pacemaker, it would have to be turned off during surgery because the electro-cautery used to stop bleeding can damage the pacemaker.  Also would make sure that you have the surgery in a hospital setting in the event there is a cardiac emergency.Best wishes.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.
 Tummy tuck procedures can be done safely for patients with a variety of different “medical conditions” including patients with a history of cardiac arrhythmias (and the presence of a pacemaker) . 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 a cardiologist.  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. You will also be best off achieving your long-term stable weight (if you are not there already) prior to proceeding.
 
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.

Charles R. Nathan, MD, FACS · Answer

If you heart doctor clears you for the actual surgical procedure and anesthesia, it can be safe to turn the pacemaker off for surgery so electrocautery can be used to seal the blood vessels when cutting.  Usually the pacemaker rep is present with a special magnet that can turn on and off the pacemaker.

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