How many tummy tucks can a women have? Does a history of more procedures make the healing process harder or longer? (Photos)

You don’t appear to have loose skin so a tummy tuck may not be a suitable option. You may want to consider liposuction, or weight loss if you have more visceral fat than subcutaneous.

Hello, and thank you for your question regarding how many tummy tucks a woman can have, and does a history of four prior abdominal procedures makes the healing process harder or longer. Thank you for your history and your picture. Since you have two autoimmune diseases, namely, Lupus and Hashimoto‘s thyroiditis, your healing will probably be harder and longer than a patient without autoimmune diseases. Autoimmune diseases can certainly prolong healing during your tummy tuck and breast lift surgery. Also, since you have had a previous full tummy tuck and C-section, there is internal abdominal scarring. Internal scarring from previous abdominal surgeries can also lead to harder and longer healing from any type of surgery, including a tummy tuck or abdominoplasty. Experienced plastic surgeons will order a series of blood tests, an EKG, and a chest x-ray to ensure you are healthy to undergo a tummy tuck and breast lift. If your lab results are normal and you are deemed “healthy” and “medically fit” for the procedure, you can undergo another tummy tuck. There is no defined number of tummy tucks that a woman or man can undergo. Surgical procedures may be contraindicated if the patient is not in good health. Most plastic surgeons would agree that your upcoming tummy tuck surgery should be somewhat less painful than your initial tummy tuck. In your upcoming tummy tuck, there is not much abdominal skin and fat to remove. Your pain will primarily come from the rectus abdominis repair and the dissection through prior abdominal scar tissue. Good luck. I hope I’ve answered your question regarding how many tummy tucks a woman can have, and does a history of four prior abdominal procedures make the healing process harder or longer. Most plastic surgeons offer free virtual or in-office physical consultations. Therefore, explore what other plastic surgeons have to say.
If you have any further questions about a tummy tuck and breast lift, please consult an experienced plastic surgeon. Please consult an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon with a proven track record of performing tummy tucks and breast lifts. Make sure they have performed numerous tummy tuck and breast lift procedure surgeries and have the before-and-after pictures to prove it. Please carefully look over their before and after pictures and check their reviews on RealSelf. If you cannot find an experienced plastic surgeon in your area, consider traveling to another state.

Sincerely, Dr. Katzen. ( Plastic Surgeon, President of the American Society of Bariatric 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, RealSelf Hall of Fame, and RealSelf Doctor Advisory Board for Medical Review and Consumer Panel.)

Your autoimmune disorders may pose a bigger issue than your history of these procedures before. Have a conversation with your specialist and your plastic surgeon to assure a plan with your autoimmune conditions is set before surgery. Sometimes this involves starting/stopping meds, etc.

Thanks for your question! I do not think you need a tummy tuck. You appear to have no loose skin and already have a compromised belly button. I would consider liposuction, but a tummy tuck should be out of the question. Good luck!

As long as you get medically cleared given your autoimmune diseases, another tummy tuck would carry about the same risk as your previous surgeries. The healing process and pain would be similar. It seems you could get improvement with tightening of the muscle, but would not need much skin removed. Good luck.

Recommend virtual consultation for more detailed examination, explanations before consenting to do further surgical procedures. You will need a full medical clearance to have any more additional surgeries done. Again, recommend virtual consultation.

There is no set number of revisions that you can have on a tummy tuck. Each candidate needs to be evaluated individually based on health history and current concerns. I encourage you to begin by visiting with a board certified plastic surgeon near you for an evaluation. You may want to discuss your interest in this procedure with your rheumatologist as well.