Mommy makeover - still possible after a stroke?

Question

I’m 46 years old, very healthy no high blood pressure or diabetes. Last year in September I had a stroke, no side problem resulting from the stroke, I’m taking aspirin and my neurologist does not approve me being of it for more than a week. Is a mommy makeover still possible?

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding whether it is possible to have a mommy makeover even with a history of stroke. You need to consult with your neurologist to determine the timing of your surgery. You will have to be off of aspirin for at least several weeks. If your neurologist does not want you off aspirin for more than a week, there must be alternatives. It will be necessary for your plastic surgeon and your neurologist to work together to find a solution so you can have the tummy tuck. 
Other medications can be given and even surgical filters placed to minimize the chances of intraoperative and postoperative clots. Therefore, it’s essential to work with your plastic surgeon any suggestions of your neurologist to reduce your risk of stroke.

Sincerely, Dr. Katzen. (“Verified” Plastic Surgeon, President of the American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American College of Surgery, and International College of Surgery, and member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and RealSelf Hall of Fame.)

Christopher Pannucci, MD, MS · Answer

Hi eortiz6475,
It sounds like you had a stroke six months ago, that you are currently seeing a neurologist, and that your neurologist wants you on aspirin for the long term.
Based on the near-ness of your major medical issue, an elective mommy makeover surgery probably isn't in your best interest right now. I would suggest regular followup with your neurologist. When he or she feels you are back to your baseline, I would suggest having them pre-emptively write a letter of clearance that fully describes your stroke history, ongoing issues (if any), and need (if any) for ongoing aspirin or anticoagulation.
That letter does not guarantee that a plastic surgeon will do your operation...but when you show up with the letter in hand, it allows you and your surgeon to have an informed discussion about the risks and benefits of surgery.
Hope this helps!
Best,Christopher Pannucci MDBoard Certified Plastic SurgeonPlastic Surgery NorthwestSpokane, Washington

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

You will need to consult your internal medicine physician and get medical clearance for surgery.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Warren Schutte, MD · Answer

So happy to hear that you are healthy with no residual issues from your stroke. It is certainly possible to still get your mommy makeover. In our clinic we would want a surgical clearance from your physician and ask 2 weeks before and after to be off of any NSAIDS. Sometimes this can be shortened to 8 days prior and 1 week after stopping NSAIDS (like aspirin).

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question. More information is needed surrounding the cause of your stroke, as well as an in-depth conversation between your surgeon and neurologist.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear eortiz6475,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. You might need to get a clearance from your doctor. 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

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

You will want to begin by first discussing your desire for elective plastic surgery with your neurologist.  Your history of stroke puts you at higher risk of complications.  If your neurologist gives you clearance you can discuss the Mommy Makeover with a board certified plastic surgeon near you.  You may need to have the procedure in a hospital.  It may also be advised to stage the procedures if you are deemed to be a candidate.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

You will definitely need clearance from a neurologist. My understanding is that patients should not have elective surgical procedures within the first year after a stroke but I am no stroke specialist.

Different plastic surgeons will have different opinions about doing the procedure with patients on aspirin. Personally I asked patients to stop aspirin for two days before the procedure and they can resume taking it immediately after.

Other plastic surgeons are much more strict and one patients off of it for several weeks before and after the procedure.

I think you should also ask yourself if you’re willing to undergo cosmetic surgery with increased risk of having a second stroke.

Consult with local board-certified plastic surgeons and talk to your neurologist about medical clearance.

Best,

Mats Hagstrom MD

Mommy makeover - still possible after a stroke?

Answers (8)

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