Ankylosing spondylitis. Would this be a problem if I want to get a tummy tuck?

Question

I have Ankylosing Spondylitis and was wondering if that would be a problem with getting a Tummy Tuck. I don't have fusion, but have spurs on my T3,4 and 5. I am also taking a Biologic. Thanks.

Dallas Buchanan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your questions. Just having AS should not exclude you from having a tummy tuck as long as you are healthy otherwise. You should get a full medical clearance from your AS specialist or your general doctor prior to surgery and you should discuss any medications you take for AS with your surgeon as some of these medications can cause problems with wound healing. Make sure you see a plastic surgeon who is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.Hope this helps!

Thomas S. Taylor, FACS · Answer

A tummy tuck with ankylosing spondylitis should not be a problem assuming your condition is stable and that you obtain medical clearance from your physician. Schedule a few consultations with board-certified plastic surgeons for definitive evaluation and recommendations. I hope this was helpful!Thomas Taylor, MD, FACS

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Ellij63,as long as you are in good shape, tummy tuck surgery should not be a problem. Your therapy might be a problem for wound healing so you should check is there an option to pause the treatment for a few weeks until you are healed. You will need to get a clearance from your doctor.  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, MHA, MS 
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery  
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Aldo Guerra, MD · Answer

I appreciate your question.Generally speaking, as long as you're overall healthy tummy tuck is not a problem in patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis. However, you should get a full medical clearance from your regular doctor, including laboratory examinations if something is discovered, and lung or heart tests if you have advanced disease that is affecting your lung function.Biologic agents can have effects which suppress your immune system to control your AS symptoms, so a discussion on potential wound healing effects of your biologic and whether it can be temporarily stopped is another important consideration.Always see 3 board certified plastic surgeons before moving forward with surgery.Good luck.Dr. ALDO

Johnson C. Lee, MD · Answer

Ankylosing Spondylitis itself is not a contraindication for a tummy tuck however you will have to be able to tolerate lying flat for several hours for the surgery and then staying in a slightly flexed position for several weeks as you heal. You should undergo a full medical examination as well as medical clearance from your rhuematologist or general practitioner or the physician managing your medical treatment with biologics. Some biologics can hinder wound healing and may need to be stopped for a period prior and after to your surgery. Once these plans are in place, you can undergo a safe procedure. Hope this helps!Johnson C. Lee, MDBoard-Certified Plastic Surgeon@drjohnsonlee

Ankylosing spondylitis. Would this be a problem if I want to get a tummy tuck?

Answers (5)

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