Can high cholesterol impact my tummy tuck?

Question

I’m 48...very active fitness instructor, mother of 4! Scheduled for TT 8/23! Very scared, mostly of anesthesia:-( My Cholesterol is 240...it’s hereditary, I work out 5/6 days a week...about 10lbs overweight. Concerned my cholesterol will affect surgery?

Michele A. Shermak, MD · Answer

Hello! Heredity high cholesterol typically medically treated with prescription meds.As long as you are healthy and your doctor thinks you are fine for surgery you should be ok.Best of luck!

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

If you are otherwise healthy, the surgery would likely be appropriate; and your cholesterol level would not impact results. The American Heart Association considers 200 to 239 borderline high risk and a total cholesterol level of 240 or higher very high risk. You are doing the right things to keep it in check by exercising and maintaining your weight.  Look forward to the results and continue exercising to lower your anxiety level!Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

As long as you are in otherwise general good health your current cholesterol level is not of great concern.  Your surgeon will review your lab values and advise if there are results that would place you in a high risk category or postpone your procedure.

Cara Downey, MD · Answer

As long as your cholesterol is not causing blockage of you coronary arteries and putting you at risk for a cardiovascular event under anesthesia, I would not be too concerned. I would get a stress echo and if that is normal, proceed. Your cholesterol should not affect your ability to heal.

Christine Blaine, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi and thank you for your question cp0920.  In and of itself, high cholesterol should not impact your candidacy for a tummy tuck or your cosmetic results. With that said, your medical doctor from whom you will be obtaining medical clearance prior to your surgery will take into consideration your entire medical health profile and make their decision after considering any and all risk factors.  I hope this answer has been helpful!

George Lefkovits, MD · Answer

An elevated cholesterol by itself without any medical problems should not interfere with your upcoming TT. But this is something you should discuss with you PS.

Maakan Taghizadeh, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. High cholesterol alone should not be a contraindication nor effect your result from a tummy tuck. Please see a board certified plastic surgeon to review your entire medical history to ensure you are able to safely have the procedure done. Best, Dr. Tag

Evan Sorokin, MD · Answer

While you should definitely let your surgeon know all of your medical history and medications that you take an isolated elevated cholesterol in an otherwise overall fit fitness instructor should not cause a problem for your abdominoplasty.  Best of luck!

David E. Berman, MD (retired) · Answer

There is no reason why your elevated cholesterol level should affect your TT results. make sure you see a board certified plastic surgeon, so that you are in good hands.david berman md

Can high cholesterol impact my tummy tuck?

Answers (9)