I had a tummy tuck 4 weeks ago. When can I resume taking Saxenda?

Question

Hi, I stopped taking Saxenda a few weeks before my tummy tuck. I never thought to tell my surgeon I was on it, just seemed logical to stop before surgery. I realize now this was unfounded. I use it very successfully as an appetite suppressant. When can I resume taking injections, and should I still inject in my abdomen? I assume it would follow guidance given to a diabetic using Victoza if they were to have a Tummy tuck, but I can’t locate any information on that either. Thanks for any help!

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

It is important for your health and safety that you discuss resuming all medications with your surgeon.  He/She is most familiar with your medical history and how you've been progressing through recovery.  It will likely be fine to resume the medicine four weeks post op, but your surgeon will be the best one to advise you.

Sacha Obaid, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question! I recommend discussing when to resume taking specific medications with your plastic surgeon. Best of luck!

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

You need to discuss resumption of Saxenda injections with your PS.  If you had reached your goal weight prior to the TT and maintained it for six months, you should not need an appetite suppressant.   Healthy people at their ideal weight should have the best overall recovery, but some of this will depend upon the surgical technique and adherence to postoperative protocols.  You do not want to jeopardize the end results of your TT which you may not see for 3 to 6 months or impede wound healing.  Now is the time to allow your body to heal by eating a well balanced healthy diet with 100 grams of protein a day and resuming exercise as your PS permits.   Kenneth Hughes, MD, ABPS Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Sean Hill, MD · Answer

Thank you so much for submitting your question.
Obviously it is best to tell your surgeon all the medications you are on prior to surgery for safety reasons. (OK done scolding). In my practice this far out from surgery I would say it is fine to resume the medication though definitely would ask your surgeon as each physician has their preference. Additionally, I typically do not want patients having ay injections into their abdominal flap until 4-6 weeks after surgery and have them inject in the thigh or buttock. Again, ask your surgeon their preference on this.

Thank you and best of luck!

Douglas Taranow, DO, FACOS · Answer

Jodie,You must first ask your surgeon for their opinion.  I feel that after one month, resuming the injection would be fine as long as you continue a healthy diet and do NOT starve yourself or continue losing weight too rapidly.  The body continues to heal for 6 months post abdominoplasty and it needs calories (good calories of course).Best of luck with your continued recovery.Dr T

I had a tummy tuck 4 weeks ago. When can I resume taking Saxenda?

Answers (5)

Answer: Saxenda/diet medications post tummy tuck

Answer: Saxenda/diet medications post tummy tuck

Answer: Saxenda

Answer: Saxenda

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I had a tummy tuck 4 weeks ago. When can I resume taking Saxenda?

Answers (5)

Answer: Saxenda/diet medications post tummy tuck

Answer: Saxenda/diet medications post tummy tuck

Answer: Saxenda

Answer: Saxenda

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.