Health factors when considering a tummy tuck and heartburn issues?

Question

I have lost over 60 lbs on my own, I qualified for lap band but decided to do it on my own. my issue is that I have a lot of tummy skin that pushes on my abdomen and causes the fluid and acid to pushed up my esophagus. I have a upper endoscopy with possible biopsy scheduled due to some additional symptoms I have been getting. cough, clearing of my throat , trouble swallowing. will a tummy tuck benefit me..

Harry T. Haramis, MD, FACS · Answer

Removing only the tummy skin (panniculectomy) should not make your heartburn worse.  However, if your muscles are tightened with a full tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), that can put more pressure and make your heartburn worse.After your GI work up and clearance, an exam and consult with a plastic surgeon would be recommended to discuss your options, expectations, and procedure choice if any.

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

I appreciate your question.typically abdominal skin does not cause gastric reflux.Best to discuss this with your primary doctor and maybe see a GI dr.The best way to assess and give true advice would be an in-person exam.Please see a board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative plastic surgery.best of luck!Dr Schwartz

Paul Gill, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question nenanvme.   Congratulations of the weight loss on your own.  In terms of the lap band, many bariatric surgeons are now recommend the sleeve.   If additional weight loss is anticipated, this would be worth exploring.   I would recommend that you get the reflux treated and resolved before a tummy tuck.   The tummy tuck will most likely worsen the reflux because of the raised intraabdominal pressure.   I wish you all the best.Dr. Gill

Sugene Kim, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi, nenanvme.  Congratulations on your weight loss. Please proceed with your upper endoscopy and treat your heart burn/reflux prior to your tummy tuck.  Tummy tuck is a body contouring procedure.  It can give you a good abdominal contour if you are a right candidate for it.  However, it will not improve your reflux.  Once your heartburn is treated, please consult a board-certified plastic surgeon to learn about tummy tuck.  Best regards.

Pedro M. Soler, Jr., MD · Answer

Thank you for the question and congratulations on your weight loss. It is not likely that your loose skin is causing your reflux issues. This was most likely preexisting and need to be worked up prior to the consideration of any cosmetic procedure. I must also note that the tummy tuck will, by its' nature, increase intraabdominal pressure. Therefore even after you have been adequately treated for your reflux, which includes follow up on the biopsies, I would ask for a clearance from your GI physician. I hope this helps. Good luck.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Congratulations on your significant weight loss; you should be very proud of this accomplishment. If I were seeing you in consultation, I would suggest that you complete your G.I. work of prior to undergoing tummy tuck surgery.  In other words, you will want to make sure that the results of the biopsy are benign before contemplating elective surgery. Once the G.I. workup has been completed and hopefully benign, seek consultation with board-certified plastic surgeons to discuss your goals. One issue that should be discussed is the concern that abdominal wall muscle plication ( a part of most tummy tuck procedures) may increase intra abdominal pressure to some degree, potentially exacerbating existing gastroesophageal reflux problems. Communication between your gastrointestinal physician and your plastic surgeon may be helpful at that point. You may find the attached link, dedicated to tummy tuck surgery concerns, helpful to you as you learn more. Best wishes as you work toward your goals.

Health factors when considering a tummy tuck and heartburn issues?

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