Can I get a tummy tuck surgery if I only have 1 kidney?

Question

I am scheduled to donate a kidney soon. I really want to get a tummy tuck done sometime next year. Will a doctor go through with the procedure after learning I only have 1 kidney? Also how long after my kidney transplant should I have to wait to get a tummy tuck?

Richard J. Restifo, MD · Answer

In my experience this is not a problem.  Of course you would have to clear it with your nephrologist, but in general people with only one kidney have no problems with elective surgery.  Best wishes.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear gkritzia,
as long as you are healthy and get a clearance from your doctor, 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
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Michelle Zweifler, MD · Answer

For abdominoplasty, one needs to be in good health and undergo the appropriate preoperative testing ; this would include nephrologist and transplant surgeon clearance.  One should  waits a least six months for healing after previous abdominal surgery prior to tummy tuck. Wishing all the best with the kidney donor and transplant surgery.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

If you are otherwise healthy and your nephrologist and transplant surgeon clear you, you would be a candidate for the TT.  For your safety, select a board certified plastic surgeon who operates in a certified surgery center or hospital. Guidance on when to proceed with the TT following kidney transplant can be obtained from your nephrologist and PS.
Kenneth Hughes, MD, ABPS Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Los Angeles, CA

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

You should be able to proceed with a tummy tuck with one kidney provided you are in otherwise good health and have received clearance from your nephrologist.  You will have to be completely healed from surgery and all lab values at normal levels.  I encourage you to meet with a board certified plastic surgeon near you to learn more.

Matthew A. DelMauro, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello, and thank you for your question. (Keep in mind that an in-person consultation is necessary for the best advice.) As long as you are (otherwise) healthy, have received necessary medical clearance from your primary care physician and specialists, and are an appropriate candidate for tummy tuck surgery, there shouldn't be any reason why you can't undergo a tummy tuck. If you decide to pursue surgery it’s very important that you find a surgeon whom you are comfortable with and trust and who evaluates you in-person and tailors an individualized treatment plan for you and your aesthetic goals. Best of luck! 
Matthew A. DelMauro, M.D.

Tania Medina de Garcia, MD · Answer

Hello dear!!
Thanks for the question and provided information as well. 
You would need clearance from your nephrologist, for plastic surgery and then I suggest you to book a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss the best options for your goals.
Hope this is helpful. Good luck :)

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Yes, you will likely be able to proceed once you have been cleared by the physicians involved with the kidney transplant.   Timing to proceed with surgery will be best determined by the same physicians.At that time, key will be careful selection of plastic surgeon, anesthesiologist, and fully accredited surgical facility.   Best wishes.

Robert L. Kraft, MD, FACS · Answer

That’s quite a selfless and special thing to do. Thank you for saving another person’s life. I would pose this to the nephrologist who can advise as to the potential for surgery as well as the amount of time that should elapse prior to cosmetic surgery. Best wishes.

Jeffrey C. Hamm, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi and welcome to our forum!
I applaud you for your kidney donation. Following removal of a kidney, the opposite kidney usually compensates quite well. However, it is important for you to undergo reevaluation by your nephrologist to ensure you are in optimal health and to obtain surgical clearance for the proposed procedure. Timing of the abdominoplasty will depend upon your nephrologist's clearance (usually 6 mo - one yr after nephrectomy).
Visit a board certified plastic surgeon when ready to proceed.
Best wishes...

Can I get a tummy tuck surgery if I only have 1 kidney?

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