5'5. 125lbs, can I get a tummy tuck with asymptomatic hypothyroidism?

Question

I recently had a baby 7 months ago and finished breast feeding 2 months ago. I am 5’5 and 125 pounds. While in postpartum I have been having Thyroid fluctuation. My Endocrinologist says that is just my body trying to normalize. I am experiencing NO symptoms of the hypothyroidism. Because my levels (THS 45) are so low he has put me on 50 mcg Levothyroxine to get me back to a good level for a TT surgery I am scheduled for in 2 weeks. With meds would I be at a safe THS level by time of surgery

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

It's great to hear that you're working closely with your endocrinologist to manage your hypothyroidism. Ensuring your thyroid levels are within a safe range is crucial before undergoing any surgery, including a tummy tuck.

It's difficult to predict exactly how quickly your TSH levels will normalize with medication, as it varies from person to person. Generally, it takes a few weeks for the medication to take full effect, and your endocrinologist may need to adjust the dosage to achieve optimal results.

Before proceeding with your tummy tuck, it's essential to communicate with both your endocrinologist and your plastic surgeon about your thyroid levels and overall health. They will work together to determine whether it is safe for you to undergo surgery at the scheduled time. If necessary, they may recommend postponing the procedure until your thyroid levels are stabilized.

Remember, your health and safety should always come first. Be sure to follow your doctors' advice and prioritize your well-being throughout this process. Thank you for your question, and I wish you the best in your tummy tuck journey.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Samuel Golpanian, MD · Answer

Yes, with controlled thyroid disease and clearance from your Endocrinologist a tummy tuck can be performed.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear tpeete3354,
based on your photos, you look like a good candidate for a TT. Full tummy tuck should tighten your abdominal muscles and remove the excess skin. Flanks liposuction would give you a better shape. Your hypothyroidism should be well controlled prior to surgery. I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon because 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

You should be fine, but please discuss this with your endocrinologist to be certain.  He/she would be the one to tell you if you can proceed with surgery.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Once your thyroid levels have normalized you should be able to proceed with your tummy tuck.  Be sure to speak to your surgeon about this situation.  She/He is most familiar with the details of your surgery as well as medical history.  You will be advised when it is safe for you to have your surgery.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

As long as your plastic surgeon and endocrinologist feel that you are a good candidate then you should be fine.
If you have not chosen a board-certified plastic surgeon in your community for the procedure then I suggest you begin the process of choosing a provider.I recommend patients do that I have a multiple in person consultations starting locally whenever possible. I recommend avoiding virtual consultations whenever possible.
To judge plastic surgeons in regards to quality work for a tummy tuck look specifically at who gets the most natural looking belly buttons with a very low set scar that follows anatomic contours naturally leaving the torso looking attractive balanced and proportion it from all angles including from behind.
During each consultation ask each provider to show their entire collection of before and after pictures. Being shown a handful of preselected pictures which most likely represent the best results of each providers career is insufficient to get a clear understanding of what average results look like in the hands of each provider.
You should also ask the provider to show as many pictures as possible with patients who have similar body characteristics to yourself. you’ve only posted one picture and based on that single picture it doesn’t look like excess visceral fat is a major issue but that needs to be confirmed because individuals with an excess visceral fat will have a limited tummy tuck result with a bulging abdomen regardless of how well the procedure is performed.
When reviewing pictures asking providers to show examples of excellent outcomes, average outcomes and outcomes that they wish came out better.We all have a variety of outcomes and it’s fair for patients to ask to see results of a variety of different outcomes. and experienced surgeon should have no difficulty showing you at least 50 sets of before and after pictures of common procedures like a full tummy tuck. Highly experienced surgeons will I have hundreds or even thousands of before and after pictures for commonly performed procedures.
Finally I recommend reading all reviews on various physician review websites avoiding providers with any significant number of justified negative reviews. The absence of justified negative reviews is more important and more telling than having an abundance of positive reviews.
Tommy tech is a permanent and irreversible procedure.
The hardest part of the procedure is getting consistently natural looking belly buttons.
Typically surgeons can do that on a regular basis know how to do all aspects of the procedure well but that is one of the hallmarks of quality work. The other ones are a very low one set scar that follows anatomic contours naturally and extends far enough that the torso looks good from all angles.
The recovery from this procedure is fairly intense and patience will do better if they are physically and emotionally well prepared with good support structure in place going into the procedure.
It is not a good operation to travel for.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD

5'5. 125lbs, can I get a tummy tuck with asymptomatic hypothyroidism?

Answers (6)

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