What should I have my primary DR check me, before having a tummy tuck? I just want to make sure I'm healthy for a tummy tuck??

I would start by seeing a few board certified plastic surgeons to see if you are a good candidate.  It's never to early to do that especially if you have a lot of questions and concerns.  The extra lead time will give you plenty of time to do lots of research, prepare yourself, optimize your health and fitness level and choose the right plastic surgeon.  And, it will allow you to lose the weight you may need to to get your BMI as ideal as possible (I personally like all my patients to have a BMI less than 25) as this is one of the more important factors that will determine your level of surgical risks, length of recovery and aesthetic outcome.  Being overweight accounts for a majority of the cases that I turn down for a tummy tuck as it is a risk you don't have to take because you can always try to lose weight prior to surgery.  Other risk factors I look for determine a patient's level of risk include high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, asthma. low level of fitness and history of smoking.  The more of these risk factors a patient has, the less likely I will want to operate on them.  I typically refer my patients to their PCP to do a complete physical with labs and sometimes an EKG and chest X- ray to fully evaluate them prior to making a decision as to whether or not someone is a good surgical candidate.  I hope this was helpful to you and best wishes.

The first step is to see a plastic surgeon and determine if a tummy tuck is the right option for you. He or she will then be able to make recommendations about what sort of health screening you need. Many plastic surgeons will require that you not smoke or be using any nicotine-containing products and you are at a healthy weight - body mass index (BMI) less than 30.

Your question is a good one and I would begin by seeing a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon to review both your options for the procedure as well as their particular protocol when it comes to medical clearances prior to surgery.  Based on your health, the procedure and the surgeon, this could range from no medical clearance required to no surgery recommended, and everything in between.  In general, it's important to be in overall good health with no active medical issues (for example uncontrolled diabetes, high blood pressure or cardiac disease), close to your goal weight and not smoking or using nicotine product prior to surgery.  Your primary doctor is an excellent resource to have a full health work up and management of any chronic medical problems prior to surgery so that you can obtain the best results.Great question and good luck!

First of all, you need to be seen by a board certified plastic surgeon to see if you are a candidate for this procedure. During the consultation a medical history is taken and an examination is done. Based on you age, weight, height, BMI, co-morbidities (diabetes, high blood pressure, history of DVT's, etc.) medications your are taking and life style, your plastic surgeon can decide to seek clearance for surgery from your primary care physician and how to optimize your health prior to major surgery. Not all tummy tucks are the same and not all plastic surgeons perform the same "cookie cutter" tummy tuck. I do my surgeries in my accredited office surgery suite under intravenous sedation and tumescent anesthesia. We are able to achieve excellent results without general or epidural anesthesia. Get a few consultations with board certified plastic surgeons to be more familiar with this type of surgery. Good luck.

I appreciate your question.We require medical clearance from your primary doctor for your own safety.You primary doctor and plastic surgeon work together to get you through this sugary safely.The best way to assess and give true advice would be an in-person exam.Please see a board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative plastic surgery.best of luck!Dr Schwartz

Thank you for your question about tummy tuck.

If you have any significant medical problems, many plastic surgeons will require a letter of medical clearance prior to undergoing elective cosmetic surgery.If you are a generally healthy person, then follow your plastic surgeons recommendations pre-op.

To be sure, see two or more experienced,
board-certified Plastic Surgeons for a complete evaluation to make sure you are
a good candidate and that it is safe for you to have a tummy tuck or related procedure.

I hope this helps.

Thank you for your excellent question.  Without knowing your medical history, I agree that the best course of action would be to meet with your family medicine doctor.  With annual examinations they can help inform you of any possible medical issues/conditions that would need to be medically optimized prior to surgery. This will help minimize your risks and any complications.  

Hello Marty Johnson,Thanks for your question.Getting ready for elective surgery is very important.To be ready for a tummy tuck, you want to make sure you see your primary doctor for a few things:1. Get a physical exam to look for any problems2. Check an EKG3. Check your blood work 4. Be at an ideal body weight with good preoperative nutrition5. Have good after surgery support of family and friends6. Stop unnecessary medications and supplements that might increase the risk of bleedingIf all these things check out and all of your medical issues are under control, you stand a great chance of having a straight forward and successful tummy tuck.Good luck,Dr. Shah

In my practice there are a few things I look at closely prior to surgery.  First of all, at least two months if not more of abstinence from nicotine, including patches or gum.  We do nicotine urine tests to confirm this.  Diabetes is not a contraindication but must be controlled and confirmed by the primary care provider.  Uncontrolled hypertension or unstable cardiovascular disease is clearly a concern.  Drugs such as prednisone or the TNF rheumatoid arthritis drugs are worrisome.  A history of blood clots is carefully worked up.In general, if you are reasonably active, can walk several blocks without trouble, and can go up a couple of flights of stairs, you should have a low risk with this procedure.

I would begin the process by interviewing plastic surgeons and sharing your concerns with them.   Once you find the right plastic surgeon, they can assist you in getting the right preoperative workup.  All the best.