Tummy tuck after emergency gallbladder removal?

The prior surgery will place you at greater risk for problems with healing as well as the potential for tissue necrosis. As the surgery was done 12 years ago, the risks are not a great as a more recent procedure. There are techniques and procedures that can mitigate these risks. Most experienced board-certified plastic surgeons would feel comfortable performing the procedure using these mitigating maneuvers.

Thank you for your question regarding a tummy tuck after having an emergency gallbladder removal. Given that you have a 12-inch scar across your abdomen, this can affect the approach to your tummy tuck surgery, but it’s still possible to achieve excellent results with the right surgical plan.

Risks and Considerations:
When there is a significant scar across the abdomen, like yours from gallbladder removal, it’s essential to consider how the scar has impacted the blood supply in the area. Scars can disrupt the natural blood flow to the tissues, and this needs to be taken into account during surgery to avoid complications. To protect the blood supply, your surgeon may need to take an unconventional approach when performing the tummy tuck. This could involve modifying the incision or adjusting the extent of tissue removal to ensure proper healing and minimize the risk of complications such as delayed wound healing or tissue loss.

Extended Tummy Tuck Possibility:
An extended tummy tuck, which addresses the flanks and lower abdomen, can still be an option. Your surgeon may be able to incorporate your existing scar into the new incision line, reducing the overall scarring. However, careful planning will be necessary to work around the scar tissue to maintain healthy blood flow to the skin and tissues.

Case Example - Liver Donor Scar:
In cases like yours, we have successfully performed tummy tucks on patients with large scars. For example, we recently operated on a patient with a liver donor scar, which posed similar challenges due to disrupted blood supply. By carefully planning the procedure, we were able to achieve a smooth and natural result while protecting the healing process. Please refer to the video below to see how we handled a similar situation with a liver donor scar.

It’s crucial to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon experienced in managing cases with significant scarring. They will assess your situation and develop a customized surgical plan to ensure the best results while minimizing risks.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Having a previous large abdominal scar increases your risk of complications. Blood supply could be compromised leading to poor healing of the tummy tuck or even necrosis. I encourage you to meet with a board certified plastic surgeon near you who can determine if you are a candidate after an exam.