58 y/o with scleroderma and RA, no deformities. Would I still be considered as a candidate for tummy tuck? (photos)

Question

Hi can a person 58 such as myself with limited scleroderma and RA that is under control and have no deformities have a tummy tuck and if so do it have to be fleur de lis. The scar is scary. Thank you in advance.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

You will need medical clearance prior to surgery. The operation will take 3-4 hours. I would recommend a circumferential body lift. This may be done is 2 stages. I believe you can eliminate the fleur de lis by doing a circumferential lift.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear robv23,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. Your conditions should be under control prior to surgery and you might need clearance from your doctor. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

I would first recommend liposuction to remove the excess fat. This will also test how well you do with elective surgery. At 6 months, then consider an extended tummy tuck to remove excess skin.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

There are many factors considered when determining if a patient is a good candidate for a tummy tuck.  For the medical conditions you mentioned it is important that they are well controlled and may require clearance from your specialist.  You will need to understand the increased risk that comes with certain conditions as well.

Olivier Deigni, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your questions and your pictures. Although an in-person examination provides more information, based on your photos, it seems you would benefit from a tummy tuck to remove the excess tissues in your belly area. With your mild disease that is under control, you may be a candidate. A Fleur de Lis does not appear to be necessary. I recommend you consult with a board certified/eligible plastic surgeon who specializes in body contouring and can answer all your questions. Best wishes!

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Plastic surgeons may or may not consider you a candidate for a tummy tuck depending on their own preference, experience and background.
You’re most likely require clearance from your rheumatologist and discussing your interest in cosmetic surgery and they need for medical clearance with your rheumatologist is a good place to start.
Reducing your obesity will make you a far better candidate reducing the chance of complications and giving you a higher quality aesthetic outcome.
Choosing between an extended tummy tuck or fleur-de-lis pattern will vary from provider to provider.
My preference is generally to avoid the fleur-de-lis in favor of a wraparound or extended tummy tuck instead.
There are advantages and disadvantages to both approaches.
I recommend starting with multiple in person consultations with local board-certified plastic surgeons and a discussion with your rheumatologist as well as your primary care physician.
Reducing your obesity will serve in your best interest whether you have surgery or not.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD

58 y/o with scleroderma and RA, no deformities. Would I still be considered as a candidate for tummy tuck? (photos)

Answers (6)

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