Uterine fibroids and a tummy tuck, should I get a hysterectomy first?

Question

I am 53 years old I have uterine fibroids which causes heavy menstrual bleeding, I was told my uterus is the size of a 6 month pregnancy my stomach does not protrude whereas the size of my uterus is visible to anyone's eyes, I want my tummy as flat as possible when I get my tummy tuck, should I take care of getting a hysterectomy first (recommended)?Will two different board certified surgeons work together to do both at the same time?

W. John Bull, MD · Answer

While it is possible to do these 2 procedures together, the risks may not be worth it. It depends on how the procedures are being done and exactly what is being done. I think with a large uterus I would plan to do them at different operations to be safe.

Jonathan Amspacher, MD · Answer

The two surgeries can be combined under certain conditions if both physicians feel it is safe for the patient. However, the situation that you describe makes me think that it would be safer to split up the procedures if at all possible. If you have a really large uterus as you describe then you may require a more extensive dissection to remove the uterus and this will make more intra-abdominal swelling which could compromise the results of your tummy tuck. If you are going to make a mistake it is always better to err on the side of caution. Best of luck on your journey.

Gregory T. Lynam, MD · Answer

I have  performed a tummy tuck at the same time as a hysterectomy on a nurse who worked for me and on a doctors wife. The key is for both doctors to agree on the combination procedure. It may be possible but a lot of factors come into play. The risk of a complication is greater if they are done at the same time so this is why many will not do together. Talk to both of  your surgeons please! Good Luck!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear squirt64,it would be the best and safest to do this as two separate surgeries. You should do the hysterectomy first and once you are fully healed do the tummy tuck. I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. You will get the best recommendations after a thorough examination.Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS 
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery  
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

I would recommend that you address the uterine fibroids first and then address the tummy tuck in the future.

Paul C. Dillon, MD · Answer

Although you may certainly have both procedure done together, you increase the risk of post operative issues in doing so.  If your uterus is that large, certainly you have stretched the abdominal muscles and created some additional laxity.  I would recommend that you consider delaying the tummy tuck for 6 months so as to allow some normalization of the abdominal muscles.  Your Plastic Surgeon can help you make the choice that is best for you.

Robert D. Wilcox, MD · Answer

Dear Squirt64,
  
If your OB/GYN is experienced and comfortable with a combination procedure and has a plastic surgeon he or she likes to work with, there is no reason why this cannot be done at a single setting and save you time, money, and recovery.  I hope this has been helpful.
Robert D. Wilcox, M.D.

Karol A. Gutowski, MD, FACS · Answer

It may be best to individualize this to your specific needs. There is a bit more risk with combined procedures such as this so depending on your overall medical condition, it may be better to do the hysterectomy first (and not have to worry about low blood counts due to the heavy bleeding), then the tummy tuck once you are fully recovered. See link below for examples.

Vasdev Rai, MD · Answer

It is desirable and recommended that hysterectomy and tummy tuck is done at same surgical setting.  You should be able to find surgeons willing to work with each other.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

It is certainly possible to perform a hysterectomy and a tummy tuck together in the right patient. Best to review with your surgeons.

Uterine fibroids and a tummy tuck, should I get a hysterectomy first?

Answers (12)

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