How long can I get a tummy tuck after an appendix removal?

Question

How long should I wait to get my mommy makeover after an appendix removal? I have my mommy makeover appointment at the end of December but I feel that I have to get my appendix removed.

Casey Anderson, MD, FACS · Answer

Ideally, I would have you wait 3-6 months after your appendix surgery before proceeding with mommy makeover. This would give you time to completely recover prior to embarking on your next stage.

Kristopher Hamwi, MD · Answer

6 weeks is usually the standard answer when considering how long it will take the tissue to recover under normal circumstances. Other things to consider is if it is safe to under go general anesthesia two times so close together as the risk for a blood clot in your leg (DVT) goes up when you are put to sleep. Check this with your plastic surgeon and they will probably complete a survey called a Caprini Score that will help figure out the safest course of action in regards to preventing a DVT.

Robert M. Wald, Jr., MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. In general, you could have a tummy tuck 3 to 6 months following your appendectomy. I would first get clearance from your general surgeon before proceeding.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question.  Because of the elective nature of a tummy tuck it is most important to appropriately have your appendix treated.  Depending on your recovery and the type of procedure used, it can take 6+ months to fully heal, and scar tissue soften, to more safely pursue a TT procedure. Hope this helps.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear syd1187,
you should be fully healed prior to elective procedure. Most plastic surgeons will recommend you to wait at least 6 months. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to 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

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

The recovery period depends varies from patient to patient and whether the appendectomy is performed via open surgery or laparoscopically. Having the laparoscopic surgery decreases the recovery period by several weeks. Your recovery could be as short as 10 days or as long as 28. Discuss the appendix removal timing with your general surgeon.

Steve Laverson, MD, FACS · Answer

As soon as you feel well after appendectomy (eating, drinking, ambulating, pain well controlled), tummy tuck is OK.  Although the scar for both procedures is abdominal, appendectomy and tummy tuck are essentially unrelated.  The former is an intraperitoneal operation on visceral structures, the latter extraperitoneal, on the abdominal wall.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

You will want to be fully recovered from your appendectomy before considering a tummy tuck.  I encourage you to speak with your surgeon about your concerns as he/she will help you make the final determination when you can proceed with your planned tummy tuck.

Felix Omar Márquez, MD · Answer

Hello, thanks for your question. As you may know, the healing time is different for each patient, depending on his/her health condition and the appendectomy itself. Regularly, the time is from four to six weeks. Ask your doctor and tell him/her about your appendix removal before going to the operating room for a plastic procedure. Good luck!

Wayne I. Yamahata, MD · Answer

Most surgeons would wait six months after an appendectomy before performing an abdominoplasty. If the appendectomy is done by laparoscopy, your surgeon may feel comfortable doing it sooner.

How long can I get a tummy tuck after an appendix removal?

Answers (13)

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