How long should I wait for a tummy tuck after a hysterectomy?

Question

I am 53 years June 15th I had a robotic assisted laparoscopic total hysterectomy, bilateral salpingectomy how long should I wait for a tummy tuck?

Robert M. Tornambe, MD · Answer

squirt64.  It is best to wait at least six months for complete healing and all swelling from your hysterectomy surgery to resolve. I would also ask the opinion of your gynecologist prior to seeking consultation from a board-certified plastic surgeon. Many times, tummy tuck surgery can be performed at the time of the hysterectomy for those other RealSelf readers observing this reply. Be certain to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon when you are ready to proceed. Good luck.

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.  The
best advice you can receive is from an in-person consultation.  I recommend waiting 3 months after your hysterectomy prior to getting a tummy tuck.  This decision should
be based on a detailed discussion with equal input from both you
and your surgeon.   Make sure you specifically look
at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery
performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results.   The most
important aspect is to find a surgeon you are comfortable with. I recommend
that you seek consultation with a qualified board-certified plastic surgeon who
can evaluate you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.  FACS
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Lawrence Iteld, MD · Answer

Gynecologic surgery can often be combined with aesthetic procedures of the mid-section. The advantage of this is that you have one recovery rather than two. However, due to scheduling issues or medical need, it may not be possible to schedule things to be done at once. In this case, we typically recommend that you wait 6-12 weeks before undergoing the elective, cosmetic procedure to allow the surgical incisions to heal.

Niki Christopoulos, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi and thank you for your question.  After a general anesthesia, it usually advisable to wait 6 weeks before undergoing another general anesthetic.  That being said, it may be advisable to wait a bit longer, like 12 weeks, simply to make your recovery easier.  Meet with a plastic surgeon in person and you can discuss further details.  Best of luck!

Christopher V. Pelletiere, MD · Answer

Since you have already had your surgery, I would give yourself six weeks to heal and recover.  At that point, having an abdominoplasty should be no problem.  The best thing to do is to have a few consultations with board certified plastic surgeons and see what will work best for you.  I hope this helps.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

In general you will want to wait three to six months after your hysterectomy before considering a tummy tuck.  This answer may vary by surgeon and must take into account how you progress through the recovery of your hysterectomy.

David A. Dreyfuss, MD · Answer

In general, we recommend that you wait about 6-8 weeks before proceeding with a cosmetic abdominal procedure.  Make sure you check with your plastic surgeon to confirm his or her plans.  Although you may feel pretty good after a laparoscopic hysterectomy, there is internal healing that needs to take place before tightening the muscles and again limiting your activity.

Karol A. Gutowski, MD, FACS · Answer

Assuming you are healthy and your surgery had no problems, it may be best to wait 3 months, but there are no specific guidelines. See link below for examples.

Daniel Krochmal, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. Most plastic surgeons would recommend waiting at least six weeks, and possibly up to three months to recover fully from your prior procedure before undergoing a tummy tuck.  You will likely need clearance from your gynecological surgeon before proceeding. Best,Dr Dan KrochmalMAE Plastic SurgeryChicago, IL

Nick Masri, MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for your question, squirt64.
Actually, you can get a hysterectomy and tummy tuck at the same time, especially if your diagnosis is benign.
But now that you’ve had your hysterectomy first, I suggest that you wait for about 6-8 weeks before getting a tummy tuck. It’s important that you’ve fully healed from your hysterectomy before getting a tummy tuck. Get clearance from your gynecologist first.
And make sure that you choose a reputable and board-certified plastic surgeon who’s done a tummy tuck after hysterectomy before. You may schedule a free consultation with me on my website.
Best of luck!

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