Has anyone done a tummy tuck for someone in a wheelchair from a spinal cord injury in the T6 area? Can this be done?

Hello, thank you for your question. This is a question you would need to discuss with your internist and specialist and get their recommendations. A tummy tuck would be risky for you, particularly the healing process. I will provide some information below to give you an idea of what is involved in a tummy tuck and recovery.  Best wishes to you!#TT  #spinalinjury  #wheelchairpatient

I think the more important question is: is it worth the risk? Speak with your back doctor and/or internist as to whether or not they feel it would cause more harm than good. Best, Dr. Nazarian

Tummy tuck is a mayor elective cosmetic plastic surgery procedure that is associated with increased risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). That's is why tummy tuck patients are asked to ambulate the same day after surgery and after to prevent DVTs and PEs.A tummy tuck in someone in a wheelchair from a spinal cord injury could significantly increase the risk of both DVT s and PE since the patients cannot ambulate by him/herself. Paralysis due to spinal cord injury by itself increases the risk of DVT and PE due to lack of ambulation. Therefore, a tummy tuck is not medically indicated in someone on a wheelchair from spinal cord injury. 

Thank you for your question. I am not aware of anyone having a TT after a spinal cord injury. It would be risky, and I just don't know that it would really improve the quality of your life. I suppose you could inquire with some local plastic surgeons about your case? Best wishes.

Thank you for the question and it is not can it be done but should it be done as the risks are certainly higher then for a fully ambulatory patient.  So ask your internist or medical specialist caring for you if he advises it.Dr. Corbin