Implant revision & tummy tuck concerns, age 52 & had thyroidectomy

Question

I am 52 years old and have had a complete thyroidectomy. I am interested in having my implants redone. I currently have saline implants, however I am interested in silicone implants. Would this be an issue for my age and the fact that I have no thyroid? I would also like to have a mini tummy tuck during the same surgery is there anything I should be concerned about there as well?

Christine Rodgers, MD · Answer

HI talamorte,

There really is no concern if you are healthy and maintain a proper weight for your age and height.
No one can answer this question without a complete physical exam, a review of your lab studies (including your thyroid studies) and an EKG.
 Please visit with a Board certified Plastic surgeon in your area who can properly evaluate you for these procedures.

Good Luck!

Dr. Christine Rodgers

Kaveh Alizadeh, MD, MSc, FACS · Answer

Dear Talamorte,
I am glad your thyroidectomy went well and you are considering elective surgery. The first step would be to get clearance from your thyroid surgeon. I am sure by now they have placed you on hormone replacement therapy but want to make sure your thyroid levels have stabilized and you are cleared for elective surgery. You need to be examined by an experienced board certified plastic surgeon and will likely benefit from silicone implants. As one of the principal investigators in the FDA clinical trials for silicone breast implants, we did not  find any contraindications in your setting (please see our published paper on this) and you can also benefit from a tummy tuck in the same setting since you will use the same recovery to get a great mommy makeover outcome.

Michele A. Shermak, MD · Answer

The short answer is "no" but you need to have thyroid levels in normal range- I am guessing with medication if you had total thyroidectomy. BA is a relatively low risk surgery that takes a short period of time and has low level healing requirement relative to other surgeries done. I would recommend you visit with a board certified plastic surgeon and see what she/he thinks, taking into consideration your history and goals. Mini Tummy Tuck carries a higher healing requirement with longer duration procedure but not hugely so. A qualified plastic surgeon can provide excellent advice with an in person visit.
Best of luck to you!

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

At age 52 and previous thyroidectomy, this is not a contra-indication. You may want to get medical clearance from your physician. Since you have had implants for many years and want to exchange them you may need a simultaneous lift. Unfortunately, you have not provided photographs or told us your bra size. I agree with silicone implants and prefer the retro-pectoral position. In terms of your abdomen, you may or may not be a candidate for a mini tummy tuck. I would need more information to give you a more accurate answer.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski. M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski. M.D.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear talamorte,
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

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

If you are on replacement thyroid medication and are stable, you should be able to have elective surgery. Please check first with your medical doctor and ask about the amount of time recommended to be under general anesthesia. You may need the procedures done in 2 sessions.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

As long as your thyroid levels are balanced with medication and you are otherwise a good candidate for surgery, you should be able to proceed with the implant exchange and mini tummy tuck.  The next step is to visit with a board certified plastic surgeon near you for a consultation.

Robert L. Kraft, MD, FACS · Answer

If you are on thyroid replacement therapy, this would not contraindicated implant exchange. It’s important to know the reason for considering replacement of the implants. Mini-tuck can be performed in the same surgical sitting; that said,I have found great misconceptions about this procedure in my patient population so it is essential to see a board certified plastic surgeon in consultation for assessment. Best wishes.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

I’m assuming you are taking replacement thyroid medication. As long as your thyroid levels are normal than having a previous thyroid ectomy should not be an issue.

Implant exchange procedures are usually straightforward and unless there’s more work involved the recovery is very simple almost to the point of being an office base procedure. Implant work is almost always done in the operating room for stability reasons. If patients opt for a larger size implants then the procedure becomes a little more involved.

Most patients are not good candidates for a mini tummy tuck. Patients either need a full tummy tuck or don’t need one but ledger plastic surgeon make that determination.

If you’re happy with the surgeon who did your procedure and they are available than follow up with them.

If not then schedule some in person consultations with other local board-certified plastic surgeons. Will be helpful if you can bring the card they gave you with the serial numbers of the implants. If you don’t have those and then see if the surgeon who did your implants is still in practice and get a copy of the operative report.

Best,

Mats Hagstrom MD

Arian Mowlavi, MD, FACS (license on probation) · Answer

You are encouraged to consult a board certified plastic surgeon who will take very precaution needed. If you are cleared by your PCP you should be a good candidate for these procedures. These procedures can be done at the same time. Another advantage to consulting a board certified plastic surgeon is making sure you are creating the best plan to achieve your aesthetic goals. A Skype or FaceTime consultation with a mommy makeover specialist will help you get an accurate recommendation and pricing.

Respectfully,
Arian Mowlavi MD, FACS
Realself 100 Hall of Fame Inductee

Respectfully, 
Arian Mowlavi MD, FACS
Realself 100 Hall of Fame Inductee

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