I want to have a tummy tuck but recently I had an episode of acid reflux that has made me wonder. When I get these GERD attacks I have the sensation of chest pressure and its harder to breath so wonder if I'm having the DR closed with no give in and I have the GERD attack what would be the effect? I'm afraid then I would not be able to breath with more compression. Or maybe is the severe DR that is causing the breathing issue?
Answer: Okay to have a tummy tuck with reflux It's a good question. There is no reason to think that an abdominoplasty would be any less safe with a history of reflux. I think what you are getting at is that there would be more pressure after the stomach wall is tightened. It may be hard to believe but there is not any evidence that I am aware of that pressure in your abdomen goes up long term or that it causes worse or more frequent reflux. There are, of course, a lot of factors that go in to the decision as to whether a person is a good candidate or not but that is not typically one of them. I would encourage you to keep doing the research you are doing and then make an appointment to see how you would be expected to do with that kind of surgery. I would also encourage you to find someone in your area who does the surgery without drains and with exparel ( a three day anesthetic). Both of those things suggest a modern approach to the abdomen and can make the surgery much easier on the patient.Best of Luck,Dr. Pyle
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Answer: Okay to have a tummy tuck with reflux It's a good question. There is no reason to think that an abdominoplasty would be any less safe with a history of reflux. I think what you are getting at is that there would be more pressure after the stomach wall is tightened. It may be hard to believe but there is not any evidence that I am aware of that pressure in your abdomen goes up long term or that it causes worse or more frequent reflux. There are, of course, a lot of factors that go in to the decision as to whether a person is a good candidate or not but that is not typically one of them. I would encourage you to keep doing the research you are doing and then make an appointment to see how you would be expected to do with that kind of surgery. I would also encourage you to find someone in your area who does the surgery without drains and with exparel ( a three day anesthetic). Both of those things suggest a modern approach to the abdomen and can make the surgery much easier on the patient.Best of Luck,Dr. Pyle
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January 15, 2014
Answer: GERD and tummy tucks I have not had any substantial complaints about GERD increasing after a tummy tuck. I share your concern that the repair of the rectus diastasis could cause an increase in symptoms, but that should only be temporary at worst. I think you should not have any major issue and you are safe to proceed.
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January 15, 2014
Answer: GERD and tummy tucks I have not had any substantial complaints about GERD increasing after a tummy tuck. I share your concern that the repair of the rectus diastasis could cause an increase in symptoms, but that should only be temporary at worst. I think you should not have any major issue and you are safe to proceed.
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