Is it safe to have a tummy tuck with left ventricular hypertrophy?

Hello and thank you for your question. This is a VERY complicated question and difficult to answer without any other information. However, I can say, that there are people, who have had cardiac issues (ventricular hypertrophy for example) that have had cosmetic surgery. Usually this requires being seen by your cardiologist and for them to give the "ok" for you to have surgery. With previous cardiac history it does put you at increased risk compared to someone that has no cardiac history so you just have to decide, what the risk is, and is it worth the risk. The only way I would do this surgery on someone with cardiac history is with cardiac clearance and do it in a hospital setting. Ankur Mehta MD

It depends on how bad your heart function is.  A little hypertrophy that doesn't affect the overall pump mechanism might be ok and would require cardiac clearance.  Severe LVH that compromises the function would limit your options more.  Either way it's best to discuss with your cardiologist first and get clearance, then proceed.

Dear trenaze1:   The answer to your question would depend on the severity of your left ventricular hypertrophy, cardiac function, and your overall health status and past medical history.   I would first visit with a board certified plastic surgeon for a formal consultation.   I would also advise you get cardiac clearance: visit with your cardiologist to get their OK to proceed before any elective surgery.  You may need a recent EKG, cardiac ultrasound (to measure your heart function), and perhaps a stress test.   Your cardiologist can guide you best on what testing will be needed.   Best wishes,Dr. BasuHouston, TX