Combining Hysterectomy and Tummy Tuck

There are some cases in which patients may wish to combine surgical procedures to cut down on recovery time. For plastic surgery patients, they may wish to combine two elective cosmetic procedures, such as a facelift and an eyelid lift; others may wish to combine a cosmetic procedure with another type of medical procedure. Combining a tummy tuck with a hysterectomy is a good example of combination surgeries.

Is it Safe to Combine a Hysterectomy and Tummy Tuck Procedure?

One small study of 65 women found that the combination of procedures was safe, with no major complications. However, the authors noted that there was a 32 percent rate of what were considered minor complications. Ten percent of the women developed a fever, 8 percent had wound complications, 2 percent developed a urinary tract infection, 3 percent required a blood transfusion, and 9 percent suffered a partially or totally collapsed lung. Other doctors have argued that not only was the overall rate of minor complications high, but those complications considered to be minor could arguably actually be major complications. At the same time, the study included such a small sample of patients, that critics say it may not be valid.

If a cosmetic surgeon and the gynecologist have a good working relationship and can coordinate the procedures, the two procedures could be done at the same time, provided the patient is healthy and not obese. However, it may depend upon the type of hysterectomy required. Combination treatment would likely work better for women requiring a complete hysterectomy, in which the uterus and fallopian tubes are removed. Women who are just having a tubal ligation (sterilization) procedure may not wish to combine that with a tummy tuck, as the latter is a far more invasive procedure.

What Are the Advantages of Combining the Two Procedures?

Patients may find an advantage in combining procedures in terms of cost and recovery time. Although most medical insurance would not cover the cost of a tummy tuck, as it is an elective cosmetic procedure, they may cover the anesthesia, as well as any overnight hospitalization costs, if a hysterectomy is performed. Patients should talk to their insurance company to find out what may or may not be covered if the two procedures are combined. Patients may also wish to consult their gynecologist, in addition to a plastic surgeon, to coordinate surgical times and procedures.

The major benefits of combination treatment include:

• Reduced recovery time: This means that women could take fewer days off of work and undergo just one surgical healing period rather than two separate healing periods.
• One surgical appointment: Patients save time by attending one surgical appointment, and only having to be put under general anesthesia once.
• No chance of an unplanned pregnancy: Since the hysterectomy prevents women from becoming pregnant again, there is no chance of another pregnancy occurring.
• Improved abdominal contour: Since women who undergo hysterectomy don’t plan on getting pregnant again, they are excellent candidates for a tummy tuck, which will remove any excess, loose skin that has accumulated after pregnancy.

Could One Doctor Perform Both Procedures?

A combined hysterectomy and tummy tuck requires the skills of two different surgeons. One must be a board-certified gynecologist, and the other must be a board-certified plastic surgeon. Patients who wish to undergo this combination treatment should ask their gynecologist if he or she would be willing to work with a plastic surgeon so the two procedures can be performed at the same time.

To schedule a tummy tuck consultation, contact Crawford Plastic Surgery.