Can I get a tummy tuck if I've had a heart attack and do I require clearance from my cardiologist?

Question

I'm 60 years old. Had a heart attack 18 months ago and have a stent. I'm feeling fine. I'm within 20 lbs of my ideal weight. I exercise regularly and no longer smoke. I suspect the smoking was a major factor in my unexpected heart attack along with stress from my job. Do you require clearance from my cardiologist before scheduling this type of procedure?

Casey Anderson, MD, FACS · Answer

I personally would not do this procedure. You may find someone willing. If so, they should at minimum have you see a cardiologist for clearance which would likely involve a stress test. They should then do your procedure in a hospital and have you stay overnight with appropriate monitoring. Best of luck.

Stephen T. Greenberg, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for our question.  Each surgeon will have their own protocol they wish you to follow.  Typically as long as you are medically cleared by PCP, Cardiologist and done in the hospital with an over night stay it shouldn't be a problem.  I suggest seeing a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon in person to evaluate you and discuss your options.  Best of luck to you.

Sohail Akhtar, MBChB, FRCS(plast) · Answer

Thank you for your question. This is a tough situation and it will be a case of balancing the risk versus gain.The gain is the improved psychological well-being that a tummy tuck provides versus the risk of potentially making your physical health worse.I'm assuming that you are taking some form of blood thinner to protect the stent and also reduce the risk of future cardiac problems. Being on a blood thinner although not a complete no no (contraindication) it does increase the risk of bleeding post-operatively and also the risk of developing a seroma. Your cardiac function will also need to assessed to ensure that a general anesthetic is also safe in your case. Your plastic surgeon and anesthetist will need to lease with your cardiologist to see if the procedure is possible and if possible then to make things as safe as possible for the procedure.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

You may be able to have the procedure, but a cardiologist should clear you for the surgery. Would recommend that you have the TT in a hospital that is equipped to handle any cardiac issues should they present themselves.

David Shokrian, MD · Answer

Hi there, Typically prior myocardial infarction is not a contraindication to an elective cosmetic procedure. It sounds like you have made great strides in your health and are recovering well. In order for you to maximize your medical competency for surgery, we would require a full medical and cardiac clearance including an EKG and echocardiography and could safely proceed at 2 years post heart attack.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear LadyBoss33,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. You will need to get a clearance from your cardiologist prior to surgery. 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

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question.  yes, you will require medical clearance for your TT procedure.

Warren Schutte, MD · Answer

Yes, you should absolutely get a clearance from your cardiologist. Other than the clearance, your surgeon will need clear instruction from your cardiologist in regard to your anticoagulation medications and safely moving forward with surgery.

Nancy de Kleer, MD, FRCSC (Plast) · Answer

Yes, clearance from your cardiologist is a really important step in planning surgery when you have had a heart attack in the past.
Congratulations on quitting smoking and exercising regularly, these will have a very positive impact on your health.

Felix Omar Márquez, MD · Answer

Hello, thanks for your questions. Congrats on quitting smoking and improving your lifestyle. You can have a Tummy Tuck only with the clearance of your cardiologist. Consult a board-certified plastic surgeon and tell him/her all about your medical record for having a safe surgery. Good luck!

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