Would it be safe to get the flu shot or should I wait a week or two after my tummy tuck?

Question

My employer just informed us that we need to get our annual flu shots in by the 6th of November. I have an Abdominoplasty scheduled a little over 4 weeks from now. I do get a minor cold whenever I get these shots, so my question is. Would it be safe to get the shot this week or next and be ready for my surgery, or should I wait a week or two after surgery? I would think getting it out of the way beforehand would be best, but I'm clearly no doctor.

Ricardo L. Rodriguez, MD · Answer

Hi Carroyo,The best suggestion is to ask your surgeon for his specific recommendation.  If you were my patient I would suggest to have the flu shot sooner (exactly what you are thinking ) rather than later.  I also do not think that having the shot 2-3 weeks after surgery would be an issue. But I do not know your whole health history.Good luck on your surgery and take care!Ricardo L Rodriguez MD

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Please talk to your PS about it. Some PSs may be fine with proceeding with taking the flu shot now; others may prefer that you wait until after surgery.  You and your PS can figure out which would be best for you and the type of TT you are having.Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Michele A. Shermak, MD · Answer

Hello! You should be alright doing this 4 weeks prior to surgery. You should discuss this with your plastic surgeon to get the most important "ok" as he/she may feel differently. Best of luck!

Anoush Hadaegh, MD · Answer

Probably, it is a good idea to have it at least 2-3 weeks before the operation or 6 weeks after the operation. I suggest that you speak to your plastic surgeon first. Good Luck.

Stephen T. Greenberg, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question and congratulations on your upcoming surgery.  I would recommend getting the flu shot a minimum of 4 weeks before surgery or 4-6 weeks after surgery. I would also double check with your surgeon and follow their recommendations.  Best of luck.

Adolfo Sesto, MD · Answer

Hi. Is not advisable to get the flu shot before the procedure, and after it it will be better to wait at least a month. But talk to your PS before taken any decision.
International Member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)
Member of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS)
Member of the International Confedaration of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery (IPRAS)

Douglas Taranow, DO, FACOS · Answer

Dear Carroyo,I feel that there is no issues with getting the flu shot before or after your abdominoplasty.  If I had a choice, the further before or after your surgery the better.  I would of course discuss this with your prospective surgeon to get their blessing as well.Good luck with your planned procedure.Dr T

David A. Robinson, MD · Answer

I do not think it would make a significant difference when you get your flu shot in relation to your tummy tuck surgery. Having said that though, I would recommend doing it sooner than later. I say this because getting the flu shot will ideally prevent, or at least decrease the likelihood of,your contracting the flu prior to your surgery.

Would it be safe to get the flu shot or should I wait a week or two after my tummy tuck?

Answers (8)