Liposuction and Tummy Tuck While on Diet Pills?

Question

I am thinking of getting a Tummy Tuck and Liposuction. I have been taking diet pills for a couple of months does this put me at any greater risk of having problems with anesthesia?

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

It all depends on the the type of diet pills you’re taking. For this reason, it would be best to let your surgeon know what you’re taking (along with any other supplements and medications) so that they would be able to let you know whether it would be safe for you to proceed with surgery.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding the safety of undergoing a tummy tuck and liposuction while taking diet pills. It's important to be cautious when combining any medications or supplements with surgery, especially when general anesthesia is involved.

Diet pills often contain stimulants, appetite suppressants, or other ingredients that can affect your heart rate, blood pressure, and overall metabolism. These substances may increase the risk of complications with anesthesia, including elevated heart rate, high blood pressure, or cardiac issues during surgery. Some diet pills, especially those with stimulant effects, can also interfere with your body’s ability to recover smoothly after surgery.

For your safety, it is crucial to disclose all medications, supplements, and diet pills to your plastic surgeon and anesthesiologist prior to surgery. You may be asked to stop taking diet pills for a certain period before your procedure to ensure that your body is stable and that the surgery can be performed with minimal risk. Your surgeon will provide specific guidelines based on the type of diet pills you’re taking and your overall health.

It’s always better to err on the side of caution to ensure a safe and smooth surgical experience.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It is hard to provided with a valid medical opinion without photos.  I would suggest to be treated by board certificated plastic surgeon with experience in this procedure, to get the best desired results.
Kind Regards,Dr. Emmanuel Mallol Cotes.-

John Philip Connors III, MD · Answer

Depending on the mechanism, diet pills may make your heart's electrical system not only very sensitive to anesthesia, but all REFRACTORY (or unable) to respond to the drugs used in CPR to supress the abnormal electrical activity....this can be disasterous for you!
We recommend stopping diet pills for AT LEAST two (2) weeks prior to surgery.
I hope this helps!
Dr. C

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

It really depends on the mechanism of action of these diet pills but you should stop these for a minimum of two weeks prior to surgery and possibley longer. Again depending on the mechanism of action, you may want to consider blood work to evaluate possible alterations that could effect your surgery.
Discuss your medications with your surgeon and the anesthesiologist if possible. You may also want to look up any potential adverse drug interactions on the internet and provide these to your surgeon.

Lavinia K. Chong, MD · Answer

Many diet pills work because they suppress appetite and speed up your metabolism.  Their effects can be dangerous when combined with the drugs needed for anesthesia, in that they can make your heart irritable, which could potentially result in either intra-operative or post-operative arrhythmias (sensation of fast or strong heart beats). 
In body contouring procedures such as tummy tucks, it is important that the patient has sufficient nutritional reserves to promote wound healing.  Going into a major operation in a "malnourished" state is not advisable because you may very well run the risk of infections and delayed wound healing.  Please consult with both your Surgeon and Anesthesiologist as to when to suspend these drugs.