Can I have large fibroid removed during tummy tuck?

Your two doctors (gynecologist, plastic surgeon) should be able to determine this for you. It may be a coordination nightmare even if the two of them operate at the same surgery center/hospital.

Hi, thank you for sharing your question. Fibroid surgery can be combined with a tummy tuck as long as your medical doctor and gynecologist feel that it is safe to do so. Consult with your board certified plastic surgeon to discuss options. I hope this helps.

Hi, Thank you for the question.
Often, plastic surgeons would work together with an OBGYN in order to address the large fibroid, while performing tummy tuck at the same time. Sometimes additional imaging such as CT scan may be needed before the surgery.
I would recommend an in person evaluation by the plastic surgeon to further evaluate the thickness of your skin and status of your muscles, as well as evaluation of the hernia by the OBGYN for possible simultaneous procedure.
I hope this helps.Best regards, Dr. Karanetz
Dr. Irena KaranetzFellowship-TrainedBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon

Dear Hasnia,
I understand your concern. It is best however that you consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to determine whether you can have several aesthetic surgeries in one session, as this would depend on various factors including but not limited to your general health condition, the type of anesthesia that will be used, and the type of surgeries that will be performed among others.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

These days, if permissible, a fibroid tumor is usually removed laparoscopically. During laparoscopic surgery your tummy is filled with CO2 like a balloon, to allow for your gyn to perform the surgery. That "air" doesn't always go away immediately entirely after the completion of the laprascopic surgery such that proceeding with the tummy tuck might be a bit more challenging. Alternatively, if the fibroid is large enough to warrant an open procedure (non-laparoscopic) this can indeed possibly be performed simultaneously with your tummy tuck surgery.

It is best to have a good coordination between your plastic surgeon and gyn and together they will decide which technique is best for you. If a laparoscopic procedure is planned it is also advisable to have your plastic surgeon coordinate with your gyn to plan the incisions such that they are all able to be removed with your tummy tuck if possible, thus leaving you with no additional scars on your tummy other than the hidden one beneath your panty line. Do your research and find the best team of doctors to help you meet your goals. Best of luck to you.

Technically it is possible to have both procedures done at the same time. However the logistics can become complicated. I recommend having the fibroid taken care of first which can probably be done laparoscopically.

Thank you for sharing your question. A combination of plastic surgery and ob/gyn procedures is not uncommon and once treatment of your fibroid is known, the best advice can be rendered.

Depending upon the comfort level of your plastic surgeon and your gynecologist, it is possible that you could have the fibroid tumor removed at the same time as a abdominoplasty procedure. This would be something that would have to be discussed with both doctors to be sure they are comfortable. It may be that neither would feel comfortable doing their portion of the procedure with the other, then the question would be which to do first. More than likely they would having the fibroid tumor removed first. There is no real right answer here

The answer is that it depends. Often times your gynecologist and plastic surgeon can work together so that the fibroid is removed and then the tummy tuck can be performed. I encourage you to talk to your gynecologist about your desire to combine the surgery and make an appointment for a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon near you.

Tough question....with multiple answers.
During a normal tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), the abdominal cavity is not entered.
Many fibroids may be treated with minimally invasive procedures such as embolization under local anesthesia (performed by a radiologist or vascular surgeon) without opening the abdomen.

Lastly, if it is not feasible to do embolization, search for a hospital based Plastic Surgeon who may employ the help of a gynecologist to remove your fibroid, then the plastic surgeon may continue with the abdominoplasty portion of the procedure.
Best wishes.
Dr. Taranow