32 - Can I have a tummy tuck if I have a pacemaker?

Question

I am 32 year old female looking at getting a tummy tuck but I have a pacemaker defibrillator. Would surgeons and anesthesiologist that feel comfortable with doing a tummy tuck procedure on me?

Semih Yildiz, MD, FEBOPRAS · Answer

A pacemaker/defibrillator does not automatically rule out a tummy tuck, but it changes the planning. The decision depends less on the device itself and more on why you need it, how stable your heart condition is, and whether the surgical/anesthesia team has a clear perioperative plan.

Before scheduling, you would need clearance from your cardiologist or electrophysiologist, a recent device interrogation, and instructions for how the device should be managed during surgery. The anesthesiologist also needs to be comfortable with electrocautery precautions and monitoring. Many surgeons would prefer a hospital or fully accredited surgery center for this situation. If your cardiac status is stable and the team is coordinated, it may be possible; if there are active rhythm, heart failure, or blood thinner issues, surgery may need to be delayed or avoided.

Guray Yesiladali, MD, FEBOPRAS · Answer

Having a pacemaker defibrillator does not automatically mean you cannot have a tummy tuck, but it does make the procedure more complex. The key factor is careful planning and coordination between your plastic surgeon, your cardiologist, and the anesthesia team.
Some surgeons and anesthesiologists are comfortable operating on patients with implanted devices, but usually only in a hospital setting with full monitoring and support. Special precautions are taken to avoid interference with the device, such as adjusting how electrocautery is used and ensuring the pacemaker is managed by your cardiology team before and after surgery.
This is not a situation where every surgeon would proceed, but with the right team and environment it can be considered. The most important first step is a consultation with your cardiologist to confirm whether you are medically fit and to coordinate perioperative device management.
I have also shared a detailed video where I explain how tummy tuck planning changes in patients with cardiac devices and what precautions are typically taken.
&mdash; Güray Yesiladali, MD

Chet Mays, MD · Answer

Thank you for the inquiry! Each plastic surgeon / facilities have qualifications that very. A pacemaker will not prevent you from being able to have a procedure done but most surgeons require cardiac clearances from your cardiologist prior to surgery. We would love to see you in person and help you reach your goals. Schedule a consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon like myself and we can create a surgical plan for you!

Christine Rodgers, MD · Answer

Hi Luminous50146,
I would recommend talking to your cardiologist regarding whether or not you would be cleared to have this elective procedure. Most board certified plastic surgeons would recommend obtaining cardiac clearance prior to scheduling a large and long elective surgery such as a tummy tuck. I also would recommend asking about a cardiac specific anesthesiologist. Hope this is helpful!

Ira H. Rex III, MD · Answer

The main consideration is whether your cardiologist finds it safe.  There may be special measures to take.  If this is the case, I do not think a plastic surgeon would have any extra concerns regarding the area of surgery and such.

Tuan A Truong, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question! Having a pacemaker/defibrillator is not an automatic exclusion criteria for having surgery, but just like anything else when it comes elective operations, careful planning and execution is key. An honest discussion with your cardiologist to see if your body can handle the rigors of surgery would be the first step. Next would be scheduling a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon to outline a surgical plan. More than likely, the setting would be in a hospital, rather than an surgery center, for better monitoring; this may increase the cost of surgery as well, for your consideration. Good luck on your journey!

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

The best place to begin is a conversation with your cardiologist to determine if she/he feels it's safe for you to have a tummy tuck.  If given clearance you can then schedule a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon near you.  Extra precautions may be required in your case.  An example would be having the procedure in a hospital setting versus a surgery center.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Having a pacemaker different Rollator does not exclude cosmetic surgery. 
You’ll need clearance from your cardiologist and a surgeon willing to do the surgery. 
I suggest you talk to your cardiologist and have a few in person consultation with plastic surgeons in your community. Then you can ask each one how they feel about doing your procedure. 
Depending on your cardiac history the risk may be increased compared to having no cardiac history 
Best
Mats Hagstrom MD

32 - Can I have a tummy tuck if I have a pacemaker?

Answers (8)

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