Pre-op antibiotics before tummy tuck? (Photo)

Question

As a surgeon, would you recommend pre-op antibiotics and effective are there in reducing the risks of infection after a tummy tuck? Please advise. Thank you in advance!

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

Antibiotics should be given at the time of surgery and there is evidence that this reduces infection risk.  Using antibiotics before or after have not been shown to be of any value, but many plastic surgeons use them anyway.

William Bruno, MD · Answer

There is no evidence to support taking antibiotics before your tummy tuck surgery. The most important dose is the one you will receive through your IV the morning of your surgery. Discuss this in more detail with your plastic surgeon.Best wishes,Dr.Bruno

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,There is no evidence that pre operative or extended post operative antibiotics decrease your risk for infection more than only peri operative antibiotics. Best of luck!

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

I appreciate
your question.I recommend that you discuss this question with your surgeon.  Your surgeon is your best resource as he/she is most familiar with your medical history and how you will be healing following surgery.  I give my patients antibiotics in the operating room and as well as for several days following surgery.

The best way
to assess and give true advice would be an in-person exam.

Please see a
board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative
plastic surgery.

Best of luck!

Dr. Schwartz

Board
Certified Plastic Surgeon

Director-Beverly
Hills Breast and Body Institute

#RealSelf100Surgeon

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your excellent question.  Data has shown that antibiotics administered just prior to incision during any procedure reduces the possible risk of a surgical site infection.  Any antibiotics before this is dosing is unnecessary.  Hope that this helps.

Gregory T. Lynam, MD · Answer

Dr. Poutsti as usual is correct. People may develop an unusual infection from prolonged antibiotics which is called clostridium difficile. All the studies show that an appropriate weight based dose of IV antibiotics 30 minutes before skin incision is the way to go . Good Luck!

Parviz Goshtasby, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello 'LookingforhealthyTT', thanks for your question.  The quick answer is yes, I routinely recommend a dose of preop antibiotics before a bigger procedure such as a tummy tuck, which I typically continue postop until the drains come out.  Working in a potentially dirty area such as around the belly button or near the groin could potentially lead to infections, so I recommend antibiotics to minimize the risk.  Let me know if any other questions and feel free to make an appointment for a second opinion!-Dr.92660

Susan Kaweski, MD · Answer

There are no studies demonstrating that preop antibiotics prevent wound infections. Usually a dose of antibiotics is sufficient in the operating room.

Chad Robbins, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  You will receive an antibiotic within an hour of your tummy tuck surgery starting.  This is most effective to prevent infection.  Best of luck to you!

Sean Kelishadi, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.  For tummy tuck, the IV dose of antibiotic given 30 minutes prior to incision has been shown to be most effective in preventing post-op surgical site infection in the setting of sterile technique, etc. In some cases, whether it be your overall health or length of procedure, your surgeon may choose to put you on an extended period of antibiotics post-op depending on their practices and the details unique to your circumstances. Make sure to seek the expertise of a board certified plastic surgeon.  Best of luck to you!Sincerely,Dr. Sean Kelishadi

Pre-op antibiotics before tummy tuck? (Photo)

Answers (17)

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