Can I get a tummy tuck at the same time as the gastric sleeve?

Question

I qualify for the gastric sleeve surgery but I already have lost some weight and have a lot of excess skin and it makes certain activities difficult.

Babak Moeinolmolki, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,
First of all, congratulations on exercising and considering proactive choices to improve your health. I empathize with the challenges posed by your loose skin. As a combined bariatric and cosmetic surgeon, I strongly encourage you to undergo the tummy tuck when you have achieved your final weight. Obesity causes a higher incidence of wound complications such as poor healing and infection. Losing weight prior to the tummy tuck would improve healing and reduce the likelihood of a complication. Again, I empathize with your challenges and make this recommendation with the goal of you achieving optimal life-long health as well as optimal aesthetic results.
Best wishes,
Dr. Moein

Ali Solmaz, MD · Answer

It is technically possible to have a tummy tuck at the same time as a gastric sleeve, but most surgeons strongly discourage it. The main reason is that the gastric sleeve is a major procedure that affects digestion and nutrient absorption, and your body needs time to heal and adjust to your new way of eating. Combining it with a tummy tuck, which is also a significant surgery, increases the risk of complications, including infections, poor healing, and blood clots. Additionally, after significant weight loss following the sleeve, your body will continue to change, and doing a tummy tuck too early might not give you the best long-term results. Most plastic surgeons recommend waiting until your weight stabilizes, usually 12 to 18 months after surgery, to ensure the best outcome. If your excess skin is truly affecting your mobility and quality of life, you can discuss your concerns with both your bariatric and plastic surgeon to explore the safest approach.

Pablo Garcia, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hello, I hope you are well. Both a gastric sleeve and a tummy tuck are major procedures and it would not be advisable to perform both at the same time. Generally, it is recommended to wait around 6 months in between procedures. It would also be a good idea to concude your weight loss journey before getting plastic surgery. I hope this answer was helpful.

Can I get a tummy tuck at the same time as the gastric sleeve?

Answers (3)

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