My cholesterol is 227. My PCP says I am good for TT. Surgeon says she will not perform surgery unless it's normal. Who's right?

High cholesterol presents a long term increased risk for heart disease. It does not pose any short term risk in the setting of surgery.

Dear Flor,  In my 28 years of practice, I have never used cholesterol as a contraindication for surgery.  As long as your internist is clearing you for surgery if you are over the age of 45, or if you are younger than that without any medical issues, or you are not morbidly over weight, than there is no reason for you not to have tummy tuck surgery. You can consult with another plastic surgeon who might not have those restrictions .   Always, consult with experienced board certified plastic surgeons who operate in accredited surgery center for your safety. Check the before and after pictures in the photo gallery, to make sure that they are numerous, consistent and attractive.                Best of luck,                               Dr Widder

Elevated cholesterol is not an accepted indicator of surgical complications. If this elevated cholesterol also accompanies obesity, severely elevated lipids, hypertension, or diabetes...then yes, you are not a good candidate for elective plastic surgery.  We have many may years of surgical data that has been analyzed so that we can properly evaluate our patient's surgical risk factors. Moderately elevated cholesterol is not one of them. There is either something missing from this story, or your surgeon is not up-to-date on current recommendations. Maybe he or she is looking for a reason not to operate on you? Not sure but I am confident that the other surgeons who respond will be as baffled as me. Speak to your surgeon personally and see what the full story is. Maybe you are missing some key information. If you are not comfortable, get another opinion. 

I see no need to worry or to diet to bring down a number that is meaningless )in terms of a tummy tuck's safety). There are other factors that may be playing a role in your surgeon's insistence on lowering your cholesterol. Eat multiple small feeding and do light walking. All surgeries carry risks so choose your surgeon and surgery carefully and good luck.

Assuming you are otherwise a good candidate for tummy tuck surgery, your cholesterol level should not be a contraindication. You may wish to communicate this question directly with your plastic surgeon and ask for her rationale.   If still in doubt, you may wish to seek second opinion consultations with other board certified plastic surgeons in your area. Best wishes.