I am a kidney transplant Patient. Can I have a tummy tuck? (Photo)

Question

35 year old female. Previous abdominal laparotomy. Renal replacement therapy. Planning on having a baby next year. My tummy is very scarred and I have some loose skin from weight loss. I would like a tummy tuck to get rid of scarring tissue and adhesions as well as loose skin.

Howard Webster, MBBS (Hons), FRACS · Answer

Hi there,You ask an interesting question.Firstly, because you mention you're keen on a pregnancy, it is easy to advise you:  You must definitely not have a tummy tuck before your pregnancy. You'll need all the skin you've got, and afterward it will be somewhat stretched and loose - so absolutely no tummy tuck till you've had all your babies.Once that's over with and you're 12 months after your last baby, of course you're a candidate for a tummy tuck if you would like to have one. There is another answer on here about raising your abdominal pressure that I don't think is at all correct. It makes no sense at all to me.For a tummy tuck after after a kidney transplant you'd need:1. To be well with good kidney function and not on excessive doses of immunosuppressants.2. To have the support and approval of your nephrologist.3. To have careful surgery in a facility able to look after your medical needs and by a board certified plastic surgeon experienced in abdominoplasty.4. To take a conservative approach in relation to skin and abdominal wall tension for healing purposes5. To accept you'll be at a slightly higher risk of wound or infective complications because of your immunosuppressive medication.I hope this helps.  All the very best.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.Yes, 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 and nephrologist. These physicians know your situation best and would be best suited to discuss your suitability for the procedure and the potentially increased risks/ complications that you should consider very carefully. Once these doctors provide you "medical clearance", 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. Then, careful communication between all the doctors involved will be helpful when it comes to providing you with optimal care. 
Please make sure that you keep your overall health/safety as the first priority. Best wishes.

Adolfo Sesto, MD · Answer

I would not recommend surgery to you for aesthetic purposes in your abdomen.Your kidney is now placed  in your abdomen and a Tummy Tuck will  raise the pressure in the abdomen and can affect and damage your kidney.Go on with your pregnancy and forget about a Tummy Tuck.

I am a kidney transplant Patient. Can I have a tummy tuck? (Photo)

Answers (3)

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.

I am a kidney transplant Patient. Can I have a tummy tuck? (Photo)

Answers (3)

Browse related questions

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.