Tummy Tuck and Hysterectomy—Is It Safe to Combine These Two Procedures?

A recently published study has suggested that combining tummy tuck, a cosmetic surgery that removes the sagging skin and fats in the abdomen; and hysterectomy or the removal of uterus is relatively safe.

While the study is quite small—only involving 65 women who had both procedures at the same time—the researchers believe it is enough to demonstrate its reasonable safety despite that their findings have shown the rate of minor complications was about 32 percent.

However, no major complications were seen in 65 women who had tummy tuck and hysterectomy at the same time.

But not everyone agrees.  Some doctors said that “minor complications” are sometimes interpreted in many ways.

Hysterectomy is currently the second most commonly performed surgery performed on women, behind Caesarian, according to data released by the US Office on Women’s Health.

The procedure is conducted to treat cancer, abnormal bleeding, pelvic pain, benign tumors in the uterus, and endometriosis (uterine cells grow in other areas of the body).  While it is possible to remove the uterus through the vagina, most doctors prefer using an incision made across the abdomen.

Because hysterectomy and tummy tuck have the same incision site, some doctors have come up with the idea of combining these two procedures, which they believe offer potential benefits including decreased time spent in hospital, reduced risks associated with general anesthesia, less surgical expenses, and reduced overall healing time.

But due to increased surgical trauma and longer operating time (which may increase the risk of complications), many doctors still prefer to conduct tummy tuck and hysterectomy months apart.