Can Someone with Pacemaker Undergo Tummy Tuck and Liposuction?

Hello, and thank you for your question regarding undergoing a tummy tuck and liposuction with a pacemaker.

Yes, it is possible for someone with a pacemaker to undergo a tummy tuck and liposuction, but there are important considerations and precautions that must be taken to ensure your safety.

First and foremost, it is essential to consult with both your cardiologist and your plastic surgeon before proceeding with any surgery. Your cardiologist will need to assess your heart function and determine if you are fit for surgery. They will also advise on any specific precautions that need to be taken due to the pacemaker.

During the surgery, your plastic surgeon and the anesthesiologist will need to be aware of the presence of the pacemaker. They will take special care to avoid any interference with the device. For instance, electrocautery devices, commonly used during surgery to control bleeding, can potentially interfere with pacemaker function. However, with proper precautions, such as using a bipolar cautery device or limiting the use of electrocautery near the pacemaker, the risk can be minimized.

In addition, your pacemaker will need to be monitored throughout the procedure, and the surgical team will ensure that all necessary steps are taken to protect your heart health.

In summary, while having a pacemaker does not necessarily prevent you from undergoing a tummy tuck and liposuction, it does require thorough preoperative planning and collaboration between your cardiologist and plastic surgeon to ensure a safe outcome.

I hope this answers your question regarding the possibility of undergoing a tummy tuck and liposuction with a pacemaker.

Sincerely,

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FASMBS, FICS

You can have a tummy tuck if you have a pacemaker. Of course, your cardiologist must give the OK first and clear you to have the surgery. Some cardiologist want the pacemakers turned off and others want to leave them on. In some individuals, the pacemakers are placed in the upper abdomen, which can also be a show stopper. If you have any medical or heart condition, it is always important to discuss and weigh the risks and benefits of this type of surgery with your surgeon and cardiologist before proceeding.

Your overall health is the single most important factor.
Clearly any restrictions or limitations as well as overall cardiac health will need to be evaluated by your cardiologist who should be informed and perform any necessary tests prior to your surgery.
The anesthesiologist will likely review your medical history prior to the procedure and make any adjustments in medications or delivery of the anesthetic.
It is actually better that your cardiac health has been treated and understood prior to surgery rather than discovering this during the surgical procedure.
In the few instances in which I have performed surgery, the cardiologist has not advised turning off the pacemaker, but I am sure this depends on the underlying medical condition.
Certain medications used during surgery can speed up and excite the heart while others can slow it down. Depending on the indications for your pacemaker, your cardiologist may advise avoidance of some of these agents.