I’m looking to get a tummy tuck but I had a cervical fusion two years ago. Can this surgery be performed?

Question

I’m 55 years old I weigh 188lbs I have a imblical hernia. I was going to have surgery in Miami but the Doctor there said he can’t do it because it needs to be done in a hospital so can someone help me.

Jeffrey M. Darrow, MD · Answer

Safety is always the primary concern with any surgery. Surgeries can be done in patients who have had cervical fusions. It would require a preoperative visit with the anesthesiologist so that they could evaluate whether they could safely intubate you for the procedure. Some ambulatory surgery center’s have this capability and some don’t.  You may wish to check other options to see if it would allow you to not have to go to the hospital to have this done. Best wishes.

Carlos Marciales, MD · Answer

I always recommend the patients to do the surgeries in a hospital, not in a clinic, always it’s more safe, and yes you can do the surgery, it will take 2 hours tops, so go for it

Carmina Cardenas, MD · Answer

There are always options for surgery. 
The most important goal should always be safety. So you have a very safe option, to get done the procedure under regional (peridural) and sedation that means your body will be totally numb and you will be asleep but not unconscious. This is a  safe anesthesia and we have used it for almost 20 years in 99% of our patients safely. 
It is extremely important you get all tested and be sure you are in perfect health conditions for surgery and have a proper and professional nurse care after surgery to have a great outcome. Surgery and recovery are not joke and not easy either. 
Be encouraged. 
Dr. Cárdenas

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear lesette,
cervical fusion is not a contraindication for tummy tuck. 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

Yes, your surgery can be done and your hernia can be repaired at the same time or before, depending upon how large it is.

Cagil Meric Erenoglu, MD · Answer

Hi, lesette! Thank you for your question.
Umbilical hernia is something we encounter frequently when planning tummy tuck. My approach is; if the hernia is small, that does not require mesh then I repair during the operation. If the hernia is bigger that needs mesh, then I inform general surgeon and plan consultation mid-operatively. General surgeon repairs the hernia with mesh and I continue with my operation. It is best to perform in a fully fledged hospital. Cervical fusion is something that needs to be paid attention about, but not an obstacle for a tummy tuck.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

If you have clearance from your provider you should be able to proceed with a tummy tuck if you are otherwise a good candidate.  An evaluation by the anesthesiologist may be needed beforehand.  Discuss the situation further with your surgeon.

Lourdes Rodriguez, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for your question. If your PCP and the surgeon that performed your procedure release you to have surgery there should be no problem on getting a tummy tuck just that on the post op we need to be very careful on the posture bot to cause injuries on your spinal cord. 
Best wishes!

Michael S. Wong, MD · Answer

Dear lesette,
Thank you for your question. Yes, this surgery can be performed. The issue with having had a cervical fusion will make it a bit more difficult for anesthesia to intubate you as your neck can not be moved as much as before. Where your surgery is best done is between you and your surgeon. I would encourage you to seek out a board certified plastic surgeon for a consultation that works with an anesthesiologist who has experience in handling patients who have had cervical fusions.
I hope you find this helpful and wish you the best.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

I suggest patients avoid traveling long distances for elective surgical procedures. Talk to local board certified plastic surgeons by having in person consultations.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD

I’m looking to get a tummy tuck but I had a cervical fusion two years ago. Can this surgery be performed?

Answers (10)

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