I'm scheduled for a TT and lipo in 2 days. I currently have the flu. Will this be a problem?

Question

I'm scheduled for a TT and lipo in 2 days. I currently have the flu and been on antibiotics for 3 days. Will this be a problem in surgery?

Ankur Mehta, MD · Answer

If you were a patient of mine and were scheduled for such a big surgery and you had the flu, I would not feel comfortable operating on you until you were completely recovered. You should let your surgeon know this information RIGHT away and you should have a note from your physician that diagnosed you and have that note handy to show your surgeon. I wish you a speedy recovery and good luck on your surgery!!!

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

It's iimportant to put health first. I would alert your board certified surgeon that you are sick and they will tell you if you need to reschedule.Surgery is normally not performed until you are completely fine.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Get in touch with your PS ASAP.  He or she will probably recommend that you postpone the surgery until you have recovered from the flu.

Craig S. Rock, MD, FACS · Answer

The flu is a respiratory illness (attacks your lungs) and is caused by a virus that cannot be treated with antibiotics (antibiotics treat bacterial infections).  Since your procedure is elective and requires general anesthesia, in my practice I would postpone your surgery until you have completely recovered.I would recommend that you contact your surgeon as soon as possible to discuss the situation, so that he/she can determine the best way for you to proceed.Best wishes.

Luis M. Rios Jr., MD · Answer

Great question for this time of the year.Tummy tucks and liposuction are elective, not emergency surgeries. Plastic Surgeons like their patients to be completely healthy before these procedure. There is no need to take any risks.During a tummy tuck your muscles are tightened. If your flu produces a cough, this can hurt the muscle repair. In addition, people have trouble taking deep breaths after a tummy tuck due to the upper abdominal muscle tightening. If you are not taking deep breaths, then you may be prone to getting a pneumonia.My advice is to go to a medical doctor and get a flu test to confirm the fact that you have the flu. If you do have the flu, it is best to recuperate and reschedule your surgery.Good Luck!

Miguel Delgado, MD · Answer

This is something your surgeon needs to know about right away and let him or her make the decision if it is safe for you to proceed with your surgery. Good luck.

Ross Blagg, MD · Answer

Hello,If you are getting over the flu this may be okay, but if you currently have symptoms of the flu, it is likely better to postpone surgery until your recovered. I recommend letting your surgeon know so that he/she can make that call with your anesthesia provider.All the best,Dr. BlaggAustin, TX

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

You should contact your surgeon right away to discuss your situation.  It's best to be healthy and free from infection before continuing with surgery.  It may be advisable to postpone.

Ahmed Ali-Khan, FRCS (Plast) · Answer

Hi thank you for your question. It is important to put your health first and minimise risks of surgery where possible. I recommend you contact your surgeon and it is likely best to postpone your operation until you are fully recovered.Best wishes.

Earl E. Ferguson III, MD, FACS · Answer

A tummy tuck is a fairly big operation and requires a lot of energy to heal.  I would not personally proceed under those circumstances since some of your energy is being used to recover from the flu.I would recommend discussing with your plastic surgeon in order to give you the best chance of a flawless recovery.

I'm scheduled for a TT and lipo in 2 days. I currently have the flu. Will this be a problem?

Answers (13)

More Tummy Tuck Questions

Why do I have to have a vertical scar below my naval in addition to the pelvic scar with my abdominoplasty? (photos)

Severe dermatitis (rash) after tummy tuck. Has anyone seen this before? (Photo)

How soon after I quit breastfeeding can I have surgery like Tummy Tuck?

Is it possible to remove 100lbs from my stomach if I weight 300lbs?

What causes a tummy tuck incision to open?

Could my tummy tuck be botched? (Photo)

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS