I’m having an ovarian cyst removed and mini tummy tuck , is it possible?

Question

Good Evening, I’m scheduled to have a 5cm Ovarian Cyst removal next week, my Surgeon suggested while having the procedure he could remove my fatty hanging skin on my lower belly and this will also lift my saggy vagina. Basically a mini tummy tuck. I’ve had 3 csections and this seems very appealing but I’m a little hesitant. Is this Kind of procedure possible? He is the Chief surgeon of Robotic surgery and Reconstructive surgery for Women’s Health. I would really appreciate any advice? Thank you

Michelle Zweifler, MD · Answer

I am curious why did your gynecologist "suggested while having the procedure he could remove my fatting hanging skin"?  Did you complain of the excess skin?  Benign ovarian cyst excision at times can be performed simultaneously with cosmetic plastic surgery like tummy tucks.

Farhad Rafizadeh, MD · Answer

There is a lot of aesthetic judgement that is involve in doing a mini tummy tuck. This operation only works in carefully selected patients. A gynecologist is not knowledgeable to do plastic surgery. I am board certified in general surgery and plastic surgery, but I would never tell a patient that I would remove their gallbladder white doing a tummy tuck. We often do combined procedures with gynecologists, but we both stick to what we do best. You are much better off seeking a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon to find out if you are a good candidate for a mini tuck and have him suggest and do the procedure in collaboration with a gynecologist who he likes to work with.

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Based on your description, I would recommend re-thinking this plan. A tummy tuck should only be performed by a plastic surgeon who is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. It does not sound like this is the case here. 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. 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

Best wishes and good luck.

Richard G. Reish, M.D. FACS

Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

What he is planning to perform us a pretty simple procedure although it is really in the realm of plastic surgery. Your surgeon may have done this previously and be quite good at it. It is reasonable to have this done at the same time as your other surgery and even though he is not a plastic surgeon it is very low risk.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question.  Both procedures are doable in a single operation but by two surgeons skilled in each aspect.  Hope this helps.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Rales3,
finding the right Dr. is extremely challenging especially with the number of online platforms and resources available. There a lot of great Dr's available. Definitely check to make sure your choice specializes in the procedure you want and spend the time to read through patient testimonials. 
You can always pick up the phone and call around also, find an office you feel comfortable with and set up a few consultations. 
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Adam Tattelbaum, MD · Answer

It is possible that your surgeon is able to do what he says, but is this what he does commonly? There is  a good deal of thinking that goes into a tummy tuck. Most women with three c sections will be better candidates for a full TT. Most will have muscle separation above the umbilicus that mini tt will not address.  If it is just a mini will your OB Gyn tighten only the lower abdominal muscles ? If yes will he balance the top with the bottom -because if not you may get a half flat belly. how low will the scar be placed? below the c/s or two scars? One low is preferable.Without tipping your cards you may wich to consult with a board certified PS who commonly does TT surgery-- get an independant evaluation and see if it meshes with what your OB wants to do. If not consider which makes the most sense. I have included TT faq in the link and I hope that it helps as well.Best wishes

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

The American Board of Plastic Surgery requires a formal residency training in plastic surgery. No other formal training programs address the mini tummy tuck/tummy tuck.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

I encourage you to visit with a board certified plastic surgeon for a consultation.  If you have had three children you may be a better candidate for a standard tummy tuck versus a mini.  A mini tummy tuck does more than remove excess skin.  It can also include repair of the lower abdominal muscle wall. While there are many qualified surgeons there is a difference between those who perform cosmetic surgery and plastic surgeons.  As a double board certified plastic surgeon I have undergone rigorous training and have extensive experience to help my patients achieve their aesthetic goals.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Ideally, you should choose a surgeon who specializes in mini and full tummy tucks to do the procedure. However, the two procedures can be done at the same time. You could also have your gynecologist do the ovarian cyst and have a plastic surgeon do the tuck. Do understand that the mini tuck will not lift your vagina, and does need to be done properly so that there is not excess pulling on your labia.