Nephroptosis, am I a tummy tuck candidate & would muscle repair cause pain?

Question

Hello, I have nephrotosis (floating kidney) on one of my kidneys. Basically it sits below my waist line. I am fairly thin so I can feel it manually. The only time it gives me pain is when running or when I’ve had laproscopic abdominal surgery. The air left in me was the most excruciating pain ever. My question is would I be a candidate for a tummy tuck? Would the muscle repair cause pain?

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding nephroptosis and the capacity to undergo a tummy tuck or abdominoplasty. First, a thorough physical examination by an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon is in order. If all of your labs are stable and your internist medically clears you, I believe you could undergo a very successful abdominoplasty. There are multiple components to an abdominoplasty. This includes eliminating excess skin and fat of the lower abdomen, pubic lift and reduction, and possible muscle plication. In my opinion, I would do muscle plication. I believe it’s an essential component of the abdominoplasty. I do not believe the pain of a tummy tuck with muscle plication is similar to the pain from the air experienced in your diaphragm during your laparoscopic procedure. The pain is different and, as you well know, severe. Therefore, I would suggest you be seen by a plastic surgeon, then your internist, and then possibly your nephrologist to be cleared for the procedure, and then undergo a tummy tuck with muscle plication. Good luck, and I hope this helps answer your question regarding nephroptosis and a tummy tuck with muscle plication.

Sincerely, Dr. Katzen. (“Verified” Plastic Surgeon, President of the American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American College of Surgery, and International College of Surgery, and member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and RealSelf Hall of Fame.)

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Pioneering549232,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you 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

Nephroptosis, am I a tummy tuck candidate & would muscle repair cause pain?

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Nephroptosis, am I a tummy tuck candidate & would muscle repair cause pain?

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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