White coat hypertension and surgery. Will I be safe?

Worst case scenario your surgeon would recommend you see a Cardiologist to obtain Cardiac Clearance prior to the procedure. Of course your blood pressure and other vital signs are monitored constantly throughout the procedure. From the information you have given, it sounds like you would be safe to move forward with a tummy tuck.

White coat hypertension is a phenomenon where a person's blood pressure readings are higher when taken in a medical setting, such as a doctor's office, compared to when taken outside of a medical setting. It is called "white coat" because it is thought to be related to the anxiety or stress of being in a clinical setting and encountering a healthcare provider wearing a white coat.

If you have been diagnosed with white coat hypertension, it is important to take steps to manage your blood pressure and reduce the risk of developing long-term hypertension. Here are some strategies that may be helpful:

Monitor your blood pressure at home: Measure your blood pressure at home using a reliable blood pressure monitor. This can help you get a more accurate picture of your blood pressure outside of the medical setting.

Relax before taking readings: Take a few deep breaths and relax for a few minutes before taking your blood pressure readings.

Consider ambulatory blood pressure monitoring: Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring involves wearing a portable blood pressure monitor for 24 hours while you go about your usual daily activities. This can provide a more accurate and comprehensive picture of your blood pressure throughout the day.

Lifestyle changes: Making lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, limiting alcohol and sodium intake, and reducing stress levels can help to lower blood pressure.

Medications: In some cases, medication may be prescribed to manage high blood pressure, especially if lifestyle changes are not enough to control blood pressure. Alternatively, you may just need medication to help you relax.

It is important to work with your healthcare provider to determine the best treatment plan for your individual needs, especially if you have a history of high blood pressure or other cardiovascular risk factors.

If your hypertension is controlled, you may still be allowed to have plastic surgery. However, I would discuss your white coat hypertension with your internist, cardiologist, and plastic surgeon.

You did not say how high your blood pressure went, but if it goes too high, you will need to be treated. Otherwise, your surgeon could prescribe a couple of doses of something like Clonidine so on the day of surgery your blood pressure is reasonable.