Removing a Fibroid Along with a Tummy Tuck After Complicated Previous Surgeries?

You should not undergo a tummy tuck at the same time of the fibroid surgery.  If you had a previous laparotomy then you may have adhesions that will make it a difficult and long surgery.  Thus, increases the incidents of pelvic vein thrombosis and possible pulmonary embolism.  One of the most frequent complaints after fibroid removal is weight gain, not weight loss.  You may benefit from abdominoplasty with mesh reinforcement to help reduce the weight and maintain the reduced weight.  There are recently published articles in Plastic and Reconstructive Journal that support this concept.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Fibroid surgery can produce a lot of bleeding and should not be combined with a cosmetic procedure. Discuss the weight issue with your gynecologist. I would also expect a patient with your history to have adhesions which would complicate things. It is true that combining he procedures may actually cost more because the hospital may not give you the discounted cosmetic rate at the same time that it charges an insurance company full fee. My choice would be to have you address the fibroids first, make sure that your hematocrit is up to snuff and that you are medically clearable, and then consider tummy tuck at a later date. Best of luck!

   You have a complicated history and therefore are correct to approach surgical procedures with caution.  The short answer to your question is Yes.  It is possible to have both of these procedure performed together and may be the best option for you. The reason is that even though you would have to pay more for the tummy tuck (hospitals charge much more than outpatient centers were cosmetic surgery is usually performed) you would be able to stay and recover in the hospital which would be covered under your insurance from the hysterectomy part.

   I would recommend having an evaluation by the GYN surgeon, plastic surgeon, and a general surgeon as well should anything unforeseen arise from your abdominal surgery the general surgeon could be ready to repair or fix any complications or unexpected hernias. You will have a longer recovery period by having all of this performed together, but in the end it may be the safest and best route for you. Good luck.