Are catheters used during Mommy makeovers procedure?

As you can see from the answers below, it is going to depend on the length of your surgery. The best person to answer this question is your surgeon. Best, Dr. Nazarian

Since a mommy makeover is usually one of the longer procedures that we perform, we usually will place a catheter during surgery and remove before you wake up. If the procedure is scheduled for three hours or less, then a catheter will not be necessary. Good luck!

A procedure exceeding 3-4 hours may require a catheter.  Often the anaesthesiologist if skilled will minimize the fluids given to prevent the need for this.  It is possible to have an in-and-out catheter at the end of the case to empty the bladder if it seems like there may be a need.  Otherwise it does not need to be used.Dr Rodger ShorttOakville Plastic SurgeonAssistant Clinical Professor &Director of Cosmetic Surgery Training,McMaster University

Mommy makeover : breast and tummy , the use of cathetersThis will depend on the time of surgery.   Generally over four hours will require either an indwelling catheter or temporary placement

I appreciate your question.

If the procedure goes over for four hours, yes, foley catheters are used.



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

At the Mommy Makeover Institute of Hawaii, any patient having a grouping of procedures that go over four hours gets a Foley caterer.  This caterer and the urometer bag connected to it allow both the surgeon and the anesthesiologist the ability to know whether a patient is producing an adequate amount of urine to demonstrate her kidneys are correctly functioning while under anesthesia.  It also prevents potential damage to one's bladder because fluids are being put into your circulatory system, however without a catherer, there is no way to get the fluids out safely.The compilation of surgeries that go to make a Mommy Makeover can be done safely as long as the Board Certified plastic surgeon and the Board Certified anesthesiologist follow standard surgical procedures. 

I'm assuming by "catheters" you are referring to urinary catheters. Typically with Mommy Makeover procedures a urinary catheter is placed while you are under anesthesia. For shorter procedures the surgeon may not use one. Often times the catheter is removed before you fully wake up. Sometimes if you'll be staying overnight at a facility they may be kept in place for a day.

This depends on the length of the procedure. Usually if the surgery is over 4 hours long then a catheter is used.

Each plastic surgeon may differ in our surgical and post-surgical protocol.I routinely use foley catheter for tummy tuck and/or any surgery longer than 4 hours.

It is common to use a bladder catheter for long operations as you are continually receiving IV fluid during the case and your bladder can only hold so much. In a mommy makeover with an efficient experienced surgical team it might not be necessary. Ask your surgeon about her/his plans for using one or not.