Do you recommend removing a lapband before having a tummy tuck? Will there be a bulge from the port in the stomach area?

I do not recommend that my patients who have had a lap band have it removed before a tummy tuck.  It typically is not visible after tummy tuck.

  The port is usually left undisturbed.   The port is usually not visible unless you are thin already.Kenneth Hughes, MDLos Angeles, CA

Thanks for your question.  I have performed many tummy tucks in patients who have had a lap band.  The surgeon has to be careful when lifting the skin around and over the port, but I have not had issues postoperatively with a visible bulge.  Generally, most patients will have enough skin/fat thickness to hide the port.  Discuss with your surgeon prior to surgery. Good luck. 

It should not be a problem having the tummy tuck surgery with a lap band port in place. The more information you are able to provide to your plastic surgeon the better. The position of the port often needs to be adjusted during the procedure; sometimes the port is more palpable after the tummy tuck procedure than prior.Best wishes for an outcome that you will be very pleased with.

Generally it is not necessary to remove the lap band port for a tummy tuck. It will definitely be seen during the procedure and may have some impact on how high up the rectus fascial plication can be done. But usually it does not cause  a visible bulge after having had a tummy tuck.