Can you have a tummy tuck after being diagnosed with pancreatitis? (Photos)

Question

My belly has looked this way for the past 21 years and I'm so depressed by looking this way but don't know if I can get help to fix it, please help.

Stanley Harper, MD · Answer

You would need medical clearance in order to undergo an abdominoplasty, which is an elective cosmetic procedure.  One of the variables would be the type of pancreatitis you have and if it is a currently active medical issue or something you have had in the past.  I would recommend discussing this with your primary care doctor first. If they feel you can be medically cleared for surgery then you can meet with a board-certified plastic surgeon.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear arietta725,
you might need to get a clearance from your doctor in order to be a candidate for a tummy tuck. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to 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

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your excellent question.  Assuming you have healed completely from the pancreatitis you would be a candidate for a tummy tuck +/- liposuction upon reaching a stable, goal weight.  Hope this helps.

Harry T. Haramis, MD, FACS · Answer

As long as the pancreatitis has resolved and you are cleared medically, you can have a tummy tuck.Unfortunately, a tummy tuck is not a quick fix for weight loss. It will remove problem skin and fat, but it will not remove internal fat. For best results, weight loss first would allow more body contouring via tummy tuck afterwards.An exam and consultation with a plastic surgeon is recommended to best discuss your options and expectations.

Larry Weinstein, MD · Answer

yes. If your pancreatitis is no longer active it is possible to be cleared by a physician for a go ahead. Sometimes diabetes or alcohol related issues can complicate proceeding safely. Hope you are well and a careful ASAPS board Certified plastic surgeon reviews your case. Good luck.

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. If your pancreatitis is medically controlled and you can obtain medical clearance from your primary physician, then you may be a candidate for a tummy tuck with liposuction.  This can be done through a low incision, all completely below the bikini line.  The belly button can be designed to look natural and have no scars on the exterior.   Your muscles can also be plicated resulting in a flat abdomen.  Make sure you specifically look at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results.  
 
 Best wishes and good luck.

Richard G. Reish, M.D. FACS

Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Once your pancreatitis is under control, your gastroenterologist, PCP, and internist can treat the underlying cause of your pancreatitis. This health issue needs to be addressed before even considering cosmetic surgery.Kenneth Hughes, MD, ABPS Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Los Angeles, CA

Robert L. Kraft, MD, FACS · Answer

If you have active pancreatitis, you would not be able to obtain medical clearance for an abdominoplasty.  If the condition has abated, then you may be able to undergo surgery. It would be valuable for you to first discuss with your treating physician. Best wishes.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Yes, you can have a tummy tuck if you have a history of pancreatitis as long as the condition has resolved.  A tummy tuck is a great way to remove excess skin and fat as well as address abdominal wall laxity.  For optimal results it is best to pursue surgery when a patient is at  a healthy, stable weight.

Milan Doshi, MS, MCh · Answer

Thank you Arietta for your question and photographs. Surgical stress,  various drugs used during surgery may aggravate pancreatitis. Chances are more if primary cause of pancreatitis is persistence.I would suggest better to avoid cosmetic surgery in such situation. Consult 2 to 3 physician for effect of surgery pancreatitis in your situation and discuss in full detail  Better to be safe than sorry.Dr Milan Doshi Mumbai, India.

Can you have a tummy tuck after being diagnosed with pancreatitis? (Photos)

Answers (12)

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