Is it safe to have a tummy tuck if you have a vitamin D deficiency?

Vitamin deficiencies can impair healing.  A deficiency in Vitamin A impairs epithelialization. Vitamin C deficiency prevents hydroxylation of prolene and lysine and thereby limits collagen crosslink formation. A deficiency of zinc, magnesium or copper can also decrease the tensile strength of the ultimate scar. The plastic surgeon who will be performing your surgery will determine the required lab work.  My patients are cleared for surgery by their PCP and specialists if necessary.  The tests needed will vary with age, current medical problems, and personal preference to some extent.  If your PS thinks it is unsafe to proceed, his/her office will notify you.Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

It would be extremely difficult for the average person to have enough of a vitamin D deficiency to have it affect your surgery.  However, you should really make your surgeon aware of this.  It's not a dumb question and it will give you some reassurance.  The surgeon may tell you to drink more milk or get vitamin D tablets.  Best of luck on your surgery.

Dear Lennylex,every plastic surgeon has his own preoperative protocol which he recommends to his patients. I would suggest you to discuss this with your plastic surgeon.Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

To be on the safe side, you’ll want to make sure you hear back from your plastic surgeon and are able to discuss this matter before you go in for your tummy tuck. He or she might request lab work or a clearance from your PCP before moving forward. It’s better to err on the side of caution to reduce the risk of complications during surgery, as well as to ensure proper healing and great results afterward. 

Generally speaking I find many people have low vitamin D levels and it is currently recommended that they take daily oral supplementation with readily available and inexpensive pills. I do not personally think a low vitamin D level will influence your healing from plastic surgery but in all fairness you should discuss this with your plastic surgeon in advance of the procedure. His/her opinion will probably be based on the degree of the deficiency and its severity or lack of severity.Best wishes,Jon A. Perlman, M.D., FACSDiplomate, American Board of Plastic SurgeryAssociate Clinical Professor of Plastic Surgery Geffen/UCLA Medical CenterExtreme Makeover, ABC TV plastic surgeonBeverly Hills, Ca.