I was recently diagnosed with RA & I also have COPD. Can I still have a tummy tuck?

If you can receive clearance from your managing physicians (internist, pulmonologist and/or rheumatologist), the TT can be considered.  In general, rheumatoid arthritis in an otherwise healthy individual does not have much of an impact on the results of the surgery.  The immunosuppressive medications may need to be altered, and your rheumatologist will have to be involved in the decision making process.  It is imperative that your COPD is under control prior to your surgery and any breathing treatments are well-managed by your pulmonologist and that you do NOT smoke.

Hello and thank you for the question. It all depends on the severity of your medical condition and how they have affected your functional capacity (e.g. exercise tolerance). The best advice you can get is from a direct consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. Following the initial evaluation, your plastic surgeon will likely request a medical clearance from your PCP to make sure you are healthy enough to undergo a tummy tuck. Best,

Thank you for sharing your question.  If you can have both issues medically optimized, and surgery cleared by your rheumatologist and pulmonologist, then you should be able to undergo a tummy tuck.  Ultimately your safety is paramount and must be discussed between all your medical providers so that the best decision can be rendered.

Dear sassy148,
As long as your conditions are under control and you get a clearance from your doctor, you might be a candidate for a surgery. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

The short answer is maybe.  Your symptoms will have to be well controlled and you may need to get clearance from your specialists before proceeding with surgery.  In addition, the medications that you take will need to be reviewed as it may be necessary for you to stop certain medications prior to surgery.

Thank you for the question.
 Tummy tuck procedures can be done safely for patients with a variety of different “medical conditions”. Careful evaluation and treatment of the medical condition is necessary prior to determining the appropriate candidates for the tummy tuck procedure.  In your case this would be best done by your internist, pulmonologist and/or rheumatologist.  The physicians who know your situation best would be best suited  to discuss your suitability for the procedure and the potentially increased risks/ complications that you should consider.
This process is called obtaining "medical clearance". These doctors will also be able to communicate with your plastic surgeon in regards to specific pre/intra/post operative considerations (including management of medications…).   
 
Also, please make sure you are seeking consultation with  well experienced board-certified  plastic surgeons who preferably work with board-certified anesthesiologists in fully accredited surgery facilities.
I hope this helps.  Best wishes.

Thank you for your question. You need to be cleared by your physicians(Rheumatology, Pulmonology) before TT. Please see a board certified PS for evaluation and guide you through the process.