Hysterectomy & Tummy Tuck together

Ok, this may sound like a dumb question ...

I've heard where you can have a tummy tuck done in conjunction with the hysterectomy ... does your OB/GYN do that or must you consult a plastic surgeon and get them to coordinate the surgery? Just curious.

Thanks!

Most GYNs are not trained to do that kind of surgery. I asked about them just taking the excess skin off the bottom of my belly and was told I had to talk to a plastic surgeon. The surgeon that did the hernia repair the same time I had the hyst told me he did not recommend having the TT at the same time, as it was too many incisions to heal at once. I may have a TT yet, but my insurance will more than likely NOT cover it so I probably will never be able to afford it.

There are a number of sisters who have had TTs done at the same time as their hyst, so do a search and see what you can find.

Hi, lyndisue.

I am still pre-op right now, but I will be having a TAH-BSO and a TT (actually a miniTT in my case due to limitations caused by previous gallbladder surgery) on 11/10. I can't believe that is only 11 days away!!! :hair:

In any case, the plan is that my plastic surgeon will start the surgery, doing the "opening", so to speak. Then, my gynecologist will do the hyst. Finally, the PS will come back to do the TT and "closing". Both doctors have told me that the two procedures are commonly done together and that, in fact, it will be easier for my gyno this way because she will have better visibility after the opening has been completed. She will also be able to avoid doing a T-incision, something she could not guarantee before I decided to add the TT since a typical bikini cut might not have given her the access she needed. (That can't be determined before she goes in, at least in my case.) I have been told by both doctors that my recovery should be more or less the same as it would be with only the hyst, so I am very happy that I can have both done simultaneously.

There are lots of terrific sisters here, many of whom have had both procedures, who will tell you more, I am sure. In the meantime, I hope this is of some help.

Good luck and best wishes to you.
Take care.
Carrie

I asked my GYN about this since I have that c-section "hang over" belly but he says that he doesnt do them. I cant really afford a Plastic Surgeon right now so I guess I will just go on with what I have. It sure would be nice if he could just trim a little extra off after he finishes. Oh well, it wasnt meant to be. My prior GYN that continually changed my surgery date was gonna do one when she did the surgery. My new dr has told me several things differently than the first. I have come to the conclusion that I made a lucky escape from dr # 1. ONLY 2 MORE DAYS UNTIL SURGERY , YIKES, I AM FREAKING OUT HERE.

oops, sorry that just slipped out.
good luck with you surgery
missy

Missy,

I'm only 1 week away and it is starting to freak me out too!

I never discussed it with my GYN, just seen it talked about here on the website. I'm not sure what his feelings would be on the subject. Plus, it's probably a little late to try to find a PS and get that coordinated too. That's ok, I don't mind being "fluffy"!

Good luck to you - I'm sure you'll do fine. Now ... if I could only follow my own advice! lol

~Lyndi

I asked my Gyn about a TT with my hysterectomy after my hairdresser told me her doctor did both at the same time and her insurance covered everything. My Gyn said she doesn't do them but, if I was interested in a TT, it is a good idea to do both the hyst and TT at the same time since it would be all one incision, the insurance would already be covering the operating room, etc., due to the hyst, and the patient would only be out of pocket for the plastic surgeon's fee. She recommended a plastic surgeon she knows who she thinks does good work and with whom she has shared patients before. If you have the hyst and TT separately, the hospital charges separate operating room and patient room fees with each procedure, so the cost of a TT alone can be staggering if you're having to pay for it without help from your insurance. Doing the TT at the same time as the hyst, you would only have to pay the plastic surgeon's fee and the insurance company would cover everything else making getting the TT pretty affordable and worth considering.

Good luck,

Chris