Can someone with fibroids get a full tummy tuck?

Question

In my late 40s & have fibroids. Found out I can wait until menopause for fibroids to shrink on their own or get embolization or hysterectomy. Is someone with fibroids a candidate for a tummy tuck? Also, some doctors say their TT patients aren't required to stoop after surgery. Are others pulling too tightly to get the horizontal scar low & avoid the vertical scar, which I was told I might need? Is that a red flag or a preferred technique? I can do w/o the vertical scar but safety is priority

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Recommend that you address the fibroid issue with your gynecologist prior to scheduling a TT.  I make the scar as low as possible so that it can be concealed by a bikini.  The small vertical scar is very, very rarely necessary, but this depends upon the aggressiveness of undermining and removal.You may find yourself hunched over for a few days post op; this can be attributed to a combination of repair and incision.  The muscles have been irritated to a certain extent by plication and the surgery itself.  The abdominal wall may need several months to get accustomed to the changes.  Most patients need 1 to 2 weeks before returning to a sedentary activities and 6 weeks before strenuous activity.Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Lawrence Iteld, MD · Answer

Uterine fibroids are very common and can be treated in
several ways.  These include observation,
embolization, removal, and hysterectomy.  Unto themselves, fibroids should not impact
your ability to have a tummy tuck.
That being said, prior to your tummy tuck, I would encourage
patients to discuss their treatment strategy and plan with their
gynecologist.  If a hysterectomy or
laparoscopic removal is recommended, this may be able to be performed at the
time of your abdominoplasty.  It is a
grade opportunity to do two things at once.  We have collaborated with our gynecologists on
multiple occasions with very high success and satisfaction rates.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your excellent question.  Depending on the extent of your fibroids you can combine a hysterectomy and a tummy tuck in the same procedure to minimize the number of procedures required.  Fibroids in and of themselves do not prevent a patient from obtaining a tummy tuck as the uterus is deep to the muscles of the stomach while a tummy tuck only interacts with the muscles and skin above.  Hope this helps.

Keith Hodge, MD · Answer

Fibroids will not prevent you from having a tummy tuck. However, if you are considering surgery for that, you may want to have that procedure done first. You don't want to alter your cosmetic appearance after the tummy tuck. No one wants a vertical scar if it can be avoided. But, just because you need to bend forward the first few days after surgery, doesn't mean that you have been pulled too tightly. Good luck!

Paul J. Leahy, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. Yes, I think you could likely carry out a combination procedure to have a TT at the same time as surgery for your fibroids. It is not uncommon to do that. It just requires some coordination between the OB/GYN and plastic surgeon in terms of scheduling and post-op care. Best wishes

Can someone with fibroids get a full tummy tuck?

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Answer: Can someone with fibroids get a full tummy tuck?

Answer: Can someone with fibroids get a full tummy tuck?

Answer: Tummy tuck expectations

Answer: Tummy tuck expectations

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Can someone with fibroids get a full tummy tuck?

Answers (8)

Answer: Can someone with fibroids get a full tummy tuck?

Answer: Can someone with fibroids get a full tummy tuck?

Answer: Tummy tuck expectations

Answer: Tummy tuck expectations

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.