Tummy tuck during HYST?

I'm due to have an abdominal hyst in a couple of weeks and I'm embarrased to ask my doc about this. I've lost 80 lbs this past year and have ugly loose hanging skin under my belly. The problem is my abdomen is quite extended due to large fibroids and I still have about 60 more lbs. to lose before I hit my lowest goal.

Do GYN's ever do any kind of tummy tuck during a hyst? Is it even recommended at all? And should it really wait til I lose the rest of my weight? I can forsee that my skin may be even more loose sometime after my hyst recovery. I know there's swelling at first.

I'm embarrased to even ask thinking my doc will not even consider it and maybe she'd be correct. What do you think?

Carolyn

yes it is possible to get a tummy tuck, but you need a plastic surgeon to do it, not your gyno.

i asked! (wasn't actually serious) apparently it is a frequently asked question!

- he said:

it would have to be a seperate operation done by a plastic surgeon - once you'd recovered from the big H

... he said he might consider piercing my belly button for me though (but i think he was joking!)

I had one!! It does not need to be a separate surgery but it should be performed by a Plastic Surgeon if you want it done correctly. My gyn's office set it up with my PS - the PS opened me up in surgery - the gyn stepped in and did the hysterectomy and then the PS came back and did the tummy tuck. It was the best thing I've ever done. It is expensive, mine was 6500, but worth every penny.

Feel free to email me with questions

Julie

Hi Carolyn,

With tummy tucks it is ususally advisable to be a couple of pounds of your ideal weight. While you should discuss this with your Dr. you might want to consider waiting until you lose those 60 pounds. Don't want to have to do it twice.

Congratulations on your weight loss.

Sirap

Hi Carolyn,

I have found a plastic surgeon that specializes in tummy tucks for women who are having hyster and also for C-sections.

I personally feel that it is important to source a surgeon that is used to working with gynos and also used to "what to expect" in these conditions.

I have heard ( and I don't know if it is true) that having a plastic surgeon do the "close" speeds recovery since they put the abdominal muscles "back together" and also with the tightened skin and compression garment it helps with swelling.

Not all gynos and gyno onc surgeons will approve this...so I would recommend asking your surgeon first to see if it is something they will allow you to pursue.

BEST OF LUCK!
Carol