Can I get a mommy makeover if I am an 'active', wheelchair-bound, MS (multiple sclerosis) patient?

Question

I had 4 c-sections + multiple abdominal surgeries. I'm now in a manual wheelchair due to MS. I'm very active: daily exercise, stretch routines. I've been able to maintain my flexibility (can still sit in full lotus and flat butterfly positions, still touch my toes). Having been active+athletic prior to the MS + wheelchair, can I get a Mommy Make over? Wheelchair bound already limits the choice of cloths: the "extras" in my chest/belly/waist only adds to those limitations, as well as movement.

Richard G. Schwartz, MD · Answer

Presuming that you have the physical findings of loose skin and/or extra abdominal wall fat/muscles, and loose saggy breasts, then from a technical standpoint, a mommy makeover can certainly yield good results.  However, the important questions relate to your MS diagnosis.  Basically, your medical doctor needs to advise whether you are a good candidate for general anesthesia or whether that could trigger problems.  Can surgery and anesthesia lead to a flare-up of your MS?  I certainly would not consider breast implants to enlarge your breasts, as we wouldn't want to place foreign objects in the your body, but perhaps just the breast lift can create a nice improvement for you.  Please check with your treating physician for your MS.

Vishnu Rumalla, MD · Answer

Thanks for your inquiry and an excellent question, but without an in person evaluation it is hard to advise.  In general terms the concerns you need to consider include effects general anesthesia on your lungs, recovery, and blood clot risks to name a few.  First you need to discuss with your medical team the safety of such procedures, probably perform any procedure in the hospital, and consider dividing up procedures.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

I am unaware of any specific studies about the recovery from a plastic surgery procedure in patients with multiple sclerosis.  The best you can do as a patient is to find a board certified plastic surgeon who has demonstrated excellence in training and in the quality of the work performed.  I always limit multiple procedures to around 5 hours or fewer in the OR and perform a risk assessment of my patients before proceeding with surgery.

Dhaval M. Patel, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question! It is hard to make that decision without a formal consultation and examination with a discussion of your medical history.  I suggest you seek a board certified plastic surgeon and have a consultation.  Best of luck!Dr Dhaval Patel 
Double Board Certified 
Plastic Surgeon 
Chicago 
Hoffman Estates 
Oakbrook 
Orland Park

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

This is very difficult question to answer without in person consultation and good review of your medical data. Close collaboration of your medical team (internist, neurologist) with plastic surgeon would be necessary to evaluate what would be a set of procedures you can tolerate with acceptable risk.

Shlomo Widder, MD · Answer

Dear Creative,     Posting your front and side view pictures would have been helpful. Due to your condition you are at a higher risk for DVT (blood clots) and pneumonia, since your mobility is compromised. You will have to be prepared for surgery as follows:1. Get clearance for surgery by your internist and get his or hers recommendation for optimizing you for surgery and for post operative care.2. Low dose Lovenox injection will reduce the chance for blood clots.3. Investigate where you can rent ICD ( Intermittent Compression Device) for use while in bed, to reduce the chance of blood clots.4. Make sure to have a care provider (family member or hired person) for a week while you recover from your tummy tuck surgery.   Always, consult with experienced board certified plastic surgeon who operate in accredited surgery center for your safety. Most importantly, check the before and after pictures in the photo gallery, to make sure that they are numerous, consistent and attractive with flat stomach, nice belly button, narrower waists and low scar.                       All the best,                                      Dr Widder

Lawrence Iteld, MD · Answer

Thank you for reaching out. Since safety is paramount, we always want to make sure that patients are medically optimized before surgery. We would want to coordinate with your primary care team, especially with regard to your aftercare. When set up, you should be able to undergo body contouring surgery

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Creative239590,
it is hard to tell for sure but you should know that you are at much higher risk of complications. You will need to get a clearance from your doctor prior to surgery. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Chad Robbins, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question .   As long as you can get medical clearance from your physician treating the MS you most likely can.   I don't know what type of medicine you may be taking for the MS, that also would be a consideration as well.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

The best place for you to begin is a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon near you.  You are at higher risk of complications from surgery, so a more thorough review of your present and past medical history must be considered before determining your candidacy.

Can I get a mommy makeover if I am an 'active', wheelchair-bound, MS (multiple sclerosis) patient?

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