Is it best to get TKR before mommy makeover?

Question

Hello, I ahave been receiving knee treatments for the past 3 years and the knee has deteriorated to the point I need a full-linereplacement However, I had plan on getting a mommy makeover been planning this for over 10 years now but has to always get other surgeries done and then there were a waiting period of 6/12 months. My question is it best to get the makeover done first and knee replacement after, I feel it ill be more difficult having the replacement done first. I am 47 years old

George Bitar, MD · Answer

Total knee replacement and tummy tuck are both elective procedures and both carry risk.  The benefit doing a total knee replacement first is better mobility after tummy tuck surgery.  The most concerning risk of tummy tuck surgery is developing blood clots, which is decreased the more active you are.  Also, tummy tucks should be performed when you are at your ideal weight.  If your knee pain has limited your activity, you may be heavier than you want to be.  Losing more weight after tummy tuck may make the skin appear looser and saggier.  On the other side, by performing the tummy tuck surgery first, it may help you recovery better after knee replacement surgery by reducing your weight and decreasing any limitations caused by the excess skin.  Early activity and physical therapy will optimize your function after knee replacement surgery.  Unfortunately, there is no perfect answer, and I would generally recommend addressing whichever bothers you most first.

Emmanuel De La Cruz, MD · Answer

The decision to undergo a total knee replacement (TKR) before or after a Mommy Makeover depends on various factors, including your health, priorities, and the advice of your medical team.

Here are some considerations:

Mobility and Recovery: If your knee issues significantly impact mobility or hinder your ability to undergo and recover from a Mommy Makeover, addressing the TKR first might be beneficial. Improved mobility after knee replacement surgery can make the recovery from subsequent procedures, like a Mommy Makeover, more manageable.

Health Priorities: If your knee pain and limited mobility significantly affect your quality of life, addressing this issue first might be a priority for you.

Surgical Considerations: TKR involves a substantial recovery period, typically several months, during which undergoing another major surgery like a Mommy Makeover might not be advisable. It's crucial to consider the timing of both procedures and how they might impact each other's recovery processes.

Consultation with Specialists: Consulting with both an orthopedic surgeon for the TKR and a plastic surgeon for the Mommy Makeover is crucial. They can evaluate your individual circumstances, health status, and goals to provide guidance on the best sequence for these surgeries.

Ultimately, the decision should be made in collaboration with your healthcare team, considering your health priorities, overall well-being, and the best approach for managing both knee issues and your desire for a Mommy Makeover. Consulting with specialists will help create a personalized plan that addresses your specific needs and ensures the best possible outcomes for both procedures.

Morad Askari, MD, MBA · Answer

Hello! I would recommend first focusing on medical concerns such as your knee. I totally understand that a mommy makeover and your body are important too, but having a functioning knee will help during your MMO recovery, provide you with a healthier lifestyle, and give you better outcomes.

Tommaso Addona, MD · Answer

Without a full insight into your medical history and photos, it is difficult to say. If you are unable to walk or perform activities of daily living, I recommend getting the knee replacement done prior to any cosmetic procedures. The inability to do these tasks will make the healing process for a mommy makeover much more strenuous and bring you discomfort. I recommend talking to a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your options and concerns.

Vishnu Rumalla, MD · Answer

Thanks for your inquiry, I believe you could do it in either order as long as you are able to properly ambulate after the mommy makeover and separate the procedures by close to six months to reduce risk of blood clots, best of luck.

Alan Gonzalez, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello @Neat152828, thank you for your question. The order of surgeries depends on the urgency of the functional surgery. If you can wait without this intervening in any aspect of your health, it would be ideal to perform first the one with the shortest recovery time, which is the aesthetic surgery. For more information and recommendations, it is best to consult with one or several board certified plastic surgeons. Best wishes! Alan Gonzalez MD, FACS.

Shlomo Widder, MD · Answer

Dear Hema,
   It would have been helpful to see your pictures. If you are over weight, I would recommend to have tummy tuck first, because most likely you will lose significant amount of weight  after the tummy tuck surgery due to the abdominal muscles tightening that will reduce the amount pf food that you can eat and your sense of hunger. The weight loss will help you significantly with the recovery from the knee surgery.
   Always, consult with experienced board certified plastic surgeons who operate in accredited surgery center for your safety. Most importantly, check the before and after pictures in the photo gallery, to make sure that they are numerous, consistent and attractive with flat stomach, nice belly button, narrow waists, improved body posture and low scar.
                    Best of luck,
                                Dr Widder,
                        widderplasticsurgery.com

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear hema2,
both procedures are elective and you should choose the issue that is creating more problems to you. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

I recommend doing the medically necessary procedure first and then, once healed, do the elective cosmetic procedure.

Ian MacArthur, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Thanks for your question. I suggest having the knee replacement done first before your mommy makeover. It is very important for patients to ambulate (get up and walk) after having a tummy tuck in order to prevent a blood clot from developing. If you aren't able to walk well before surgery you may have a higher risk of developing this complication. Take care.

Is it best to get TKR before mommy makeover?

Answers (14)

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