Am I a good candidate for a tummy tuck and lower body list or should I work on my health before moving forward? (photo)

Question

Hi, I sought a quote in Mexico from a board certified plastic doctor but im feeling a lot of anxiety. I have had many surgeries but no plastic. I want a tummy tuck via a 360 lower body lift and breast lift but am hesitant. Here’s my health history, should I wait a year and get healthier? 3 heart attacks after gastric sleeve 2013 Mini bipass 2021 Hysterectomy 2016 Breast reduction 2010 Diagnosis of fibromyalgia, artistis in the spine, and not heart healthy for a year. BMI =31 age 40

Carmina Cardenas, MD · Answer

My honest and ethical recommendation will be to stay where you may be fully covered by your medical insurance. 
Your medical background makes you automatically a high risk patient, all must be under control. Plus you have wonderful opportunity to become better prepared for surgery: 1 hour daily moderate cardio exercise, eat healthier to help your tissues to heal better, prepare mentally to be ready for recovery which it is always challenging. All above will help to have a better outcome. 
Losing some weight will help a lot as well. 
Be encouraged!!
Dr. Cardenas

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Sensible479666,
generally speaking, you want to reach your goal weight before you consider a tummy tuck, otherwise your results will be suboptimal if you continue to lose weight after the surgery.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, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello Sensible479666, and thank you for your question regarding whether you are a good candidate for a tummy tuck and lower body lift given your health history.

Thank you for providing your history and picture. You mentioned that you had three heart attacks after your gastric sleeve and that you were “not heart healthy for one year.” It’s crucial to clarify what “not heart healthy” means in your context. Before you consider any surgery, especially a major one like a 360 circumferential lower body lift combined with a breast lift, it is essential that you consult with your cardiologist.

A 360 circumferential lower body lift is a significant and lengthy procedure, and it is even more extensive when combined with a breast lift. I strongly recommend that you have a thorough discussion with your cardiologist, informing them of your plans to undergo this surgery. Your cardiac workup should include a stress test and a carotid duplex scan to evaluate the vessels in your neck.

If your cardiologist and internist clear you for surgery, and they believe your body can handle the procedure, you can consider moving forward with it. Waiting another year does not necessarily guarantee improved health. Before any surgery, routine tests like blood work, an EKG, and a chest x-ray should be performed.

Most plastic surgeons would advise that if you’re feeling uncertain or anxious about the surgery, it might be best to wait until you feel more confident and ready. Your health and safety should always come first.

Good luck, and I hope I’ve helped answer your question regarding whether you should proceed with a lower body lift and breast lift.

Sincerely,

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FASMBS, FICS

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

This is an excellent question!  Your safety is the number one priority in surgery.  I encourage you to first take control of your health.  You want to work with your primary care doctor and cardiologist to achieve a healthy weight through regular exercise and a balanced diet.  Once you have reached  your goal and are able to maintain it you are ready to consider plastic surgery.  I encourage you to visit with board certified plastic surgeons near you for your health and safety when you have reached this step.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

Considering your general health and extensive procedures that you would like to do, it would be  wise to reconsider doing any of these surgeries abroad. What happens if you develop complications like bleeding, severe infection, skin necrosis, complications that are relatively frequent with these surgeries in candidates which have similar health status like yours. These may require prolonged hospitalizations, specialized and prolonged medical care. Do you think you will get it for free in Mexico? Without trying to be rude, I would strongly advise against doing these surgeries abroad and far from your home. Good luck.

Am I a good candidate for a tummy tuck and lower body list or should I work on my health before moving forward? (photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Timing of surgery

Answer: Timing of surgery

Answer: Multiple, extensive surgeries done abroad?

Answer: Multiple, extensive surgeries done abroad?

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Am I a good candidate for a tummy tuck and lower body list or should I work on my health before moving forward? (photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Timing of surgery

Answer: Timing of surgery

Answer: Multiple, extensive surgeries done abroad?

Answer: Multiple, extensive surgeries done abroad?

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Body Lift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.