How long do I need to wait to get a tummy tuck after undergoing laparoscopic myomectomy to remove fibroids?

Question

How long do I need to wait to get a tummy tuck after undergoing laparoscopic myomectomy to remove fibroids? I am insured through an HMO (Kaiser) and I'm having problems finding a plastic surgeon who is willing to work with my HMO doc...otherwise I would be opting to have both procedures done at once. Also, are there major pros/cons to having the two surgeries done at once?

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

I would not recommend having a tummy tuck and a laparoscopic myomectomy at the same time. The incisions in the abdominal skin and through the bellybutton will injure skin. This will produce potential complications if both procedures are done at the same time. I would wait six months after your laparoscopic procedure before proceeding with a potential tummy tuck.

Ronald Schuster, MD · Answer

I understand your predicament. I would recommend waiting at least three months. this will allow your body to fully recover and prepare for the tummy tuck. good luck.

Janet Woodyard, MD · Answer

I would recommend waiting 4-6 weeks for a full recovery from the first procedure before the next procedure.

Robert F. Centeno, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. There are two issues here. One is the risk of a blood clot when combining a tummy tuck with a GYN procedure. The risk is increased.  The other issue is that your risk of a blood clot after an intra-abdominal procedure probably extends to about a month out from surgery so waiting a bit is not a bad idea. The next issue is swelling and scarring of the tissues after the laparoscopic procedure.  One to three months should be more than enough to proceed with your procedure. Otherwise your plan sounds reasonable. Best wishes.

Ram Kalus, MD, FACS · Answer

You can have your abdominoplasty about three weeks folioing your surgery if your recovery is uncomplicated. Insurance usually does not get involved, and since an abdominoplasty is cosmetic in nature, it would not be covered even if you were to have it done simultaneously. It is generally advisable to separate the two since the laparoscopic surgery involves injecting a lot of air into your tummy not all of which can be removed prior to your plastic surgeon performing the abdominoplasty. This would not be a problem after a few weeks.

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

I like to wait 4-6 weeks following any other abdominal procedure to make sure that you are completely healed and having no problems.  Good Luck.

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD · Answer

It is difficult to answer this question without knowing all of the facts.  In some cases this could be done together and other cases the procedures should be separated by 3 months.  Your plastic surgeon is in the best position to help you make this important decision.

Kevin Tehrani, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. I would recommend performing both procedures at the same time provided you would have an open minded gynecologist and plastic surgeon to work well together. Considering scheduling issues alone, cooperation of you to doctors would be very important that time's a major hindrance. In the past, I have done these procedures providing access to the gynecologist so they do not have to use your bellybutton region for the insertion of the laparoscopic instruments. If you opt to have procedures separately, I would recommend at least waiting one month after your hysterectomy provided your gynecologist is ok with that.

How long do I need to wait to get a tummy tuck after undergoing laparoscopic myomectomy to remove fibroids?

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