Immunosuppressants and tummy tuck?

Thank you for your question regarding undergoing a tummy tuck while on immunosuppressants. While being on medications like Humira can impact wound healing, this doesn’t make surgery impossible. However, it does mean that extra caution and coordination among your medical providers are essential to minimize risks.

Your plastic surgeon would ideally collaborate with your gastroenterologist or the physician managing your ulcerative colitis to determine a safe plan. This may involve a temporary pause or reduction in your immunosuppressant medication leading up to surgery to allow your immune system to support wound healing more effectively. Typically, a carefully managed plan can help reduce the risk of complications while supporting your overall health and preventing flare-ups.

It’s essential to have a thorough discussion with all your doctors to weigh the benefits of surgery against any potential risks and ensure a safe path forward. If carefully managed, this goal may be achievable for you. Good luck, and I hope this helps guide your next steps!

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Taking an immunosuppressant certainly increases surgical risks for any surgery. But, by itself, it doesn't mean that you can't have the surgery. You need to talk to the doctor that prescribes the medicine to see if you can use a different medicine around the time of surgery. Also, your plastic surgeon can talk to your other doctors to determine if you are healthy enough to have the surgery. As long as the risk isn't high, then you may still be a candidate. Hope that helps. Best of luck!

On immunosuppressants, you risk of infection is higher. Most surgeons will want you to be off Humira for 1-2 weeks prior to surgery and a few days after for better results. You might want to discuss this with your medical doctor.

To determine if you are a candidate for a tummy tuck you can begin by talking to the specialist that handles your ulcerative colitis. Be sure to discuss the concerns over your medications. If given surgical clearance you can then schedule a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon near you to learn more about the tummy tuck. Your surgeon may need you to stop your Humira or switch medications around the time of surgery.

Each plastic surgeon will have their own preference and protocols in regards to making an assessment and deciding who is or is not an appropriate candidate for cosmetic surgical procedures.
In the situation like your own it would be very likely that the surgeon would request your rheumatologist or gastroenterologist to give medical clearance and have the prescribing physician Manager medication.
Plastic surgeons are not trained in the complexities of immunosuppressive drugs for gastroenterological conditions.
Some providers may prefer not to do the surgery and others may be willing to do it.
Ideally, this should be a team effort and you need the insight of both your prescribing physician and the plastic surgeon.
You also need to confirm that you’re a good candidate for a tummy tuck in the first place.
I suggest scheduling a few in person consultation and scheduling a visit with your prescribing physician to discuss your desire to have a tummy tuck.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom, MD