I have had Postpartum Congestive heart failure twice. Would I be a candidate for a Tummy Tuck?

Question

I had CHF in 2008 4 days after giving birth and in 2013 I was diagnosed with CHF 8 days after giving birth. Not on any meds currently.

Vishnu Rumalla, MD · Answer

Thanks for your inquiry and an excellent question.  All patients with a history of heart disease even reversible like yours, should get clearance from their doctor before any elective surgery.  Good Luck.

David Liland, MD · Answer

Postpartum CHF is different than CHF developed later in life. You may be a very good candidate for a TT if you are in good health with normal cardiovascular status now. That would require a cardiologist consultation, possibly a stress test ,and clearance to proceed with surgery. Best of luck.

Robert J. Spies, MD · Answer

All plastic surgeons would agree that you would need your cardiologist to give you 'clearance' for an elective procedure.  This would include tests such as an echocardiogram.  The fact that you are not on medications is a positive sign.  Board-certified plastic surgeons are extremely careful about patient selection.  The fact of the matter is that if your heart is not healthy, you will not get a tummy tuck.

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

This unusual have congestive heart failure and not be on a cardiac medications. Your plastic surgeon will have to speak to your cardiologist about the nature of your disease to determine if your candidate. In my opinion if you truly have congestive heart failure that you're not a candidate for elective surgery.

Ronald Schuster, MD · Answer

I am not an expert on CHF during pregnancy so I would first recommend that you see a cardiologist. Discuss your desrire to have a tummy tuck and get a work up if necessary. If you are medically cleared by a cardiologist it generally means that it would be safe to have surgery.

S. Daniel Golshani, MD, FACS · Answer

I agree with Dr. Liland.  What you experienced post-partum does not necessarily apply to your present condition. How is your exercise tolerance? Do you exercise? how far can you walk? It is best to consult with a board certified plastic surgeon and undergo a complete history and physicial exam. Following this,  if you're a candidate,  I would definitely recommend a cardiology consultation with some form of a stress test, such as a treadmill test and possibly an echocardiogram to evaluate your cardiac motility and ejection fraction before going on with any surgery. Even if you don't have a tummy tuck , it is a good thing to know the basic condition of your heart. Best of luck.

Anh Lee, MD, FACS · Answer

You must be evaluated by a cardiologist who can possibly clear you for surgery.  He/she will run some tests on our heart to see if such a surgery would be possible for you without the added risk.

Jourdan Gottlieb, MD · Answer

This is a question for your cardiologist. Whether an operation would put you at risk is a question for someone other than a plastic surgeon. Best wishes.

I have had Postpartum Congestive heart failure twice. Would I be a candidate for a Tummy Tuck?

Answers (8)

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