I have a large gall bladder incision and was told that a tummy tuck would not be good in my case

Tummy tuck surgery can be altered for patients who have a large gallbladder scar to decrease the risk of complications.  However, only a plastic surgeon who has examined your abdomen can give you a good idea of the options, and the risks and benefits of surgery.

Examination, pictures, and history are all indicated for a detailed answer to this question. Your tummy tuck will need to be tailored to you.  I have personally performed tummy tucks on patients as yourself as is described, so it can be done, but seek out an expert for your concern.

I have done tummy tucks many times in situations like this without complications, but an exam or pictures and discussion would be helpful.   I
would search for the board certified plastic surgeon who you feel is
most likely to give you the best results and who performs hundreds of
these procedures each year. I would look at patient reviews as well as
before and after photos on that surgeon's website.Kenneth Hughes, MDLos Angeles, CA

Thank you for your question.  While your surgeon is correct that the large Kocher incision used in a open gallbladder surgery does compromise some of the blood vessels to the abdominal tissue, this scar is not an absolute contraindication to a tummy tuck.  The procedure does need to be modified to keep it safe.  The safety consideration is the healing of the central part of the skin flap.  Modifications need to be made to keep the blood supply intact to ensure healing without a wound complication.  Hope this helps. Best wishes!

Your Doctor is correct.Long gall bladder surgery scars increase the risk of tummy tuck surgery. Because the blood flow is interrupted by the scar, the circulation of the skin between the scar and the midline is compromised. This may lead to complications of skin death and wound healing. A modified tummy tuck can be performed where the abdominal skin is not elevated and amount of skin removed in minimal.All the best

The open gall bladder scar (sub costal) disrupts the blood supply to the skin flap of an abdominoplasty.  An abdominoplasty can still be performed, but the skin cannot be elevated (freed up) as much and other technique compromises may be necessary.  The patient also needs to accept that there may be a higher chance of healing difficulty.

Your physician is absolutely correct. If you have a large scar across your abdomen the blood flow to your abdominal skin has now been redirected and undergoing an abdominoplasty may result in loss of the skin below the scar so be very cautious. 

Prior scarring needs to be considered when planning a tummy tuck.  Your doctor is worried about the blood supply to the abdominal wall. Adjustments to your surgery may need to be done to prevent any wound healing complications or skin loss at the time of surgery.   

Hello, thanks for share your case, but  it is necessary that you send some pictures of the anatomical area with your medical history and details of your weight and height to give an adequate answer.Best wishes:Dr. Eugenio Lapaix

You need to be examined in person by a PS who can assess you with a medical history and physical examination.  I personally have performed tummy tucks on patients with your type of scars and my patients have done well.