Tummy Tuck with a Sprained Ankle, Do I Need to Postpone Surgery?

There are various degrees of ankle sprain from very minor that would be of no consequence to severe.  However, if you have ecchymosis, discoloration and unable to walk, this would interfere with your post-operative recovery.  You need to get out of bed and walk after surgery.  I would postpone the surgery if you are having problems ambulating.

Best of Luck,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

You should notify your surgeon immediately. If you have a bad sprain, it might be a good idea to have the surgery pushed back a few days.  Also, consider the possibility that you may have a fracture which can only be diagnosed with an X-ray. But, fer crying' out loud, call your surgeon!

If you are unable to walk comfortably, are on NSAIDs for the ankle sprain and will not be able to wear a surgical compression stocking during the procedure, it will need to be postponed until the ankle has improved. You should contact your plastic surgeon as soon as possible to discuss the situation. Personally, I would not operate on someone if they have another medical condition that could interfere with surgery, create an increased anesthesia risk or pose problems during the healing.

If you are unable to ambulate regularly after TT, you should postpone until you are more mobile. Why take additional risk of deep venous thrombosis for an elective procedure. Your surgeon should agree.

The sprained ankle with definitely interfere with a smooth recovery from your abdominoplasty.  It makes it more diificult to get around, gives you pain both in the ankle and in the abdomen, and may predispose you to venous thrombosis(blood clots in the leg veins) or pulmonary embolus( a clot that travels to the lung).  Although you might go through the recovery without having these complications, why take a chance on the surgery you want to go well?

You need to be able to walk around after the surgery. It's still OK to keep your ankle elevated when you are resting. Call your doctor for the final answer but consider getting a soft ankle splint for more comfortable walking.