Can I have a tummy tuck and Lipo360 with gallstones?

Question

I have an apron belly and I have a few gallstones, can I have me cosmetic surgery before I remove the gallstones

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear lalallri,

it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. Generally speaking, it is possible to get elective surgeries with gallstones. 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

Tyler Frew, MD · Answer

Hi there,
Great question. If your gallstones aren't causing any symptoms, they usually don't need to come out before a tummy tuck and liposuction. If they are causing symptoms, get that taken care of first.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Many people have "silent" gallstones and never have problems. Only a small number each year go on to cause pain or inflammation, so the usual approach is to watch them.- If you've had attacks of upper belly pain, especially after fatty meals, nausea, fever or yellowing of the skin or eyes, that's a different story. Have your doctor or a general surgeon evaluate you, and plan the gallbladder surgery first.- Combining gallbladder removal with a tummy tuck and lipo isn't usually a good idea. It makes for a longer surgery, and longer surgeries carry more risk. Doing them separately is safer.- Make sure your plastic surgeon knows about the gallstones, and bring any ultrasound reports with you.- Being at a stable, healthy weight before surgery helps both your result and your safety.
An in-person exam and a review of your medical history are needed for personal advice, so talk this through with a board-certified plastic surgeon and your primary doctor.
All the best!

Gary DeCesare, MD · Answer

Hi there! You can have cosmetic surgery before removing your gallbladder, as long as you are not in a period of active infection or inflammation of your gallbladder. If you have had multiple recent episodes of gallbladder infection, then it may be wise to remove your gallbladder first if that is otherwise indicated.

Joseph A. Kelling, MD · Answer

Hi, I saw your question and concern. Many people have gallstones and often times this is something that is able to be treated conservatively with diet modification and medicine to treat your intermittent pain. It is completely appropriate and possible to have a cosmetic operation such as lipo 360 and a tummy tuck if you only have gallstones. Now, if you develop an acute attack or inflammation of your gallbladder, then I would have your gallbladder removed and try to wait 3 months before pursuing any body contouring surgery. Alternatively, if you do not need to have your gallbladder removed immediately, then you could do the body contouring first and wait 3-6 months before having your gallbladder removed. I hope this helps!

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

It is recommended that when you have a medical issue that needs to be addressed that you should make that surgery the priority.  Once fully healed and cleared by your surgeon you can proceed with the tummy tuck and liposuction.

Can I have a tummy tuck and Lipo360 with gallstones?

Answers (5)

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