Combined tummy tuck and hysterectomy
While this is possible to do, I essentially never do it because I believe the complications are higher.
I also do not understand the statement that if you don’t do it now, you can’t ever do it because you can only do emergency surgeries on your abdomen. This is not true at all. (Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS, Seattle Plastic Surgeon)
Combining Tummy Tuck hysterectomy
I have performed a number of these combination cases and have found that patients with vaginal hysterectomies for small fibroids, bleeding, or other issues do quite well.
Larger fibroids, severe endometriosis, heavier bleeding with preop anemia, and multiple prior abdominal surgeries make the hysterectomy more involved and may involve taking down more adhesions (internal scarring).
This group of patients in my experience has been more of a problem and have longer hospitalizations and more complications. (John LoMonaco, MD, FACS, Houston Plastic Surgeon)
Combining procedures can save recovery time and limit your anesthesia exposure
Combining a tummy tuck with a hysterectomy is commonly done, and it saves the patient from having two separate surgeries. I have worked with many OB/Gyn doctors where I help them from the beginning to the end of their part and then finish with a tummy tuck.
For the patients, this means only one recovery period and anesthesia exposure as well as saving money. With my practice in Baltimore, I enjoy working with Dr. Dee-Dee Shiller at Northwest Hospital. She is an excellent OB/Gyn and her patients rave about her. (Jeffrey E. Schreiber, MD, FACS, Baltimore Plastic Surgeon)
Tummy Tuck Can Be Performed With Hysterectomy
It is certainlt possible to perform either a mini or full TT at the time of a hystectomy if both your gynecologist and plastic surgeon agree. There is some increase in risk but this would be a very small increase with a mini-TT. You should first ask your gynecologist if he/she is Ok with a concurrent TT. If so, ask for a plastic surgeon referral to someone with whom she/he is comfortable working. (John Whitt, MD, Louisville Plastic Surgeon)
Combination procedures have a higher complication rate
Studies have shown that combining tummy tuck and gynecologic procedures have a higher rate of wound infection and DVT. I don’t recommend combining the two types of procedures. Other surgeons may have different experiences with the combo- my opinion is based on the data that has been published. (Scott C. Sattler, MD, FACS, Seattle Plastic Surgeon)
You should talk to a Plastic Surgeon who works at the same hospital as your Gynecologist. This will allow them to coordinate your care. Because of the hysterectomy, there is an increased risk of infection. You will need to discuss this with both.
Even if the decision is to do the abdominoplasty later, this should be possible since the tummy tuck does not enter the abdomen where the scar your physicians are worried about is. (Robert T. Buchanan, MD, Highlands Plastic Surgeon)
Hysterectomy and tummy tuck
This combination is quite common but you should be sure your surgeons confer with each other and preferentially have worked together before. If your gynecologist was planning an open procedure using your C-section scar, then it is very reasonable to combine it with an abdominoplasty. Your gynecologist can usually recommend a good plastic surgeon that he or she is familiar with. (Robin T.W. Yuan, MD, Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon)
Hysterectomy and simultaneous Abdominoplasty
Your circumstances seem a bit unique. My best advice for anyone who falls outside the “norm” is to take time to discuss this in person with your plastic surgeon, where they can go over your medical history, perform their own physical exam, and come to a decision specifically tailored for you as the patient. It is not uncommon for women to have combined procedures, including a hysterectomy and abdominoplasty, after being informed of the risks versus the benefits of combining procedures.