I'm scheduled for a tummy tuck on Tuesday and I just woke up with a small cold sore on my lip. Will this effect my surgery?

Question

Should I tell my doctor now?

Mansher Singh, MD, FACS · Answer

Please discuss with your doctor. It should be fine since you are not getting a face procedure but you should have an honest discussion with your plastic surgeon

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Yes, it would be a good idea to tell your surgeon now. That way, they can let you know whether it’s best to proceed with your surgery or reschedule.

Jose A. Munoz, MD · Answer

Hi and welcome to our forum!If you have an active herpes lesion on your lips, it is best to wait until the lesion resolves and the skin / mucosa appear normal. Surgery may exacerbate the lesions.Contact your surgeon immediately!Best wishes...

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear ErikaW4,
you should be healthy prior to any elective procedure. Every plastic surgeon has his own preoperative protocol which he recommends to his patients. I would suggest you to discuss this with your plastic surgeon.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

You should be able to proceed as planned with your tummy tuck despite the cold sore.  However it is best that you speak with your surgeon about it.  She/He will advise you what is recommended in your situation.

Andrew T. Cohen, MD, FACS · Answer

I would let them know ..but it should not affect the ability to have a tummy tuck.    You should be fine. 
Good luck!

Andrew Cohen, MD

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

You may want to run this by your plastic surgeon or primary care doctor and consider a course of antivirals since surgery is a pretty stressful thing on your body.
Probably not a big deal but some surgeons may want to treat this.
Check in with your surgeon.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD

I'm scheduled for a tummy tuck on Tuesday and I just woke up with a small cold sore on my lip. Will this effect my surgery?

Answers (7)

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