Is a tummy tuck an option for someone with endometriosis/ tummy bloat? (Photos)

Question

After years of major stress, I put on some weight and my tummy looks like I’m 6 mo pregnant. My GP said this was cortisol from the stress. I have always had some bloating from stage 4 endometriosis and fibroids. Had a hysterectomy many years ago. Would I still be a candidate for a TT with the present endo? No loose skin. Tummy is hard as a rock.

Lawrence Iteld, MD · Answer

When we
perform a tummy tuck, we do a combination of three elements to achieve a
flatter abdomen:
Removing excess skinLiposuction of excess fat under the skin and
above the muscleRepair/ tightening of loose abdominal wall muscles
I often see patients with round, tight abdomens who desire am
improved contour. This body shape provides a unique challenge to the Plastic
Surgeon since much of the fat accumulation may be internal. I ask my patients to lay flat on their backs. If the abdomen
becomes significantly flatter in this position, they will be a good candidate
for tummy tuck. However, if the abdomen remains very round and prominent, the
results of a tummy tuck are not likely to make a significant improvement. In
these cases, weight loss is usually recommended and on occasion, we will ask
the patient to see their primary care physician for further assessment.
Good luck!

Christian A. Prada, MD, FACS · Answer

A good examination is needed to answer this question.  From you pictures I would think you have a fair amount of intra-abdominal fat (visceral) that will only go away with weight loss.  A tummy tuck may help some if you have muscle separation, but wont likely help you as much as you're hoping. If you could get closer to your ideal body weight prior to seeing your PS, I would recommend it. That way you will get the best result possible.

Susan D. Vasko, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos. You should have an in person consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to determine the best surgical plan for you. If you have visceral fat in your abdomen, you would need to lose weight with diet and exercise prior to having an abdominoplasty. If not, then you could be a good candidate now for surgery. Your previous hysterectomy is not an issue for moving forward with a tummy tuck.

Aldo Guerra, MD · Answer

It’s a tummy tuck and option for me?Thanks for this very important question! A tummy tuck in a patient where there’s a significant amount of visceral volume may not lead to a significant change in the appearance of the body. If the visceral volume is due to swelling and endometriosis then not much can we done to change this, I suspect. However, if the visceral volume is fat and through weight loss that fat volume can be dramatically reduced, then this can convert your body into a good candidacy for a tummy tuck.See your specialist about what is the best approach for your situation!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear melnm,generally speaking, you want to reach your goal weight before you consider a tummy tuck, otherwise your results will be suboptimal if you continue to lose weight after the 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

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photographs.  I do think you will eventually be a candidate for a tummy tuck but based on your current appearance I would recommend a lifestyle modification through diet and exercise to help lose visceral fat.  Weight loss prior to surgery will not only reduce your risks but improve your aesthetic appearance.  Hope this helps.

David Shifrin, MD · Answer

You are carrying your weight in your core. A bit of weight loss in advance of a tummy tuck would be helpful to improve the safety of the prociedure and your results. An in person examination is necessary for a formal opinion.Best

Eric A. Weiss, MD, FACS · Answer

The endometriosis should not be a concern after total hysterectomy. I would seek out a plastic surgeon and have an exam and a frank discussion about your goals. Your rectus muscles may be widely separated giving you the look of pregnancy. However this may be fat and a tummy tuck would be of limited benefit if you did not lose weight. I believe a good diet plan and significant weight loss prior to surgery would yield a better result as well as be safer

Jon Ver Halen, MD, FACS (license suspended) · Answer

Dear Meln,Hello and thank you for your excellent question. I do think that you will eventually be a good candidate for a tummy tuck, but you need to be near your goal weight first. It is best to answer your question during a face-to-face evaluation, when you can discuss your goals and expectations for the procedure, and you can have a physical examination to evaluate for that procedure. I recommend that you find a board-certified, or board-eligible plastic surgeon with whom you are comfortable. Be sure to have all of your questions answered during a face-to-face meeting with your surgeon, and review before and after pictures of similar patients whom have had this procedure. If you have any questions, call our office for assistance. Good luck!
  
Best,
  
Jon Ver Halen, MD FACS
  
Harvard educated plastic surgeon
  
Texas “Top Doc” 2017, 2018
  
RealSelf100
  
America’s Top Plastic Surgeons, Consumer’s Research Council, 2010 – 2018
  
BeautyAdvisor Top Contributor

Is a tummy tuck an option for someone with endometriosis/ tummy bloat? (Photos)

Answers (9)