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. 

Liposuction, Tummy Tuck Improve Self-Esteem—Study

Liposuction and tummy tuck, two cosmetic procedures that can improve the appearance of the abdomen, can lead to higher self-esteem, according to a study published by the Plastic Reconstructive Surgery magazine (April issue).

Dr. Eric Swanson, lead author of the study, evaluated the quality of life in 360 patients who had liposuction surgery (removing the excess fats through a suction probe) and/or tummy tuck (excising the hanging skin and reshaping the underlying tissue within the abdomen).

According to result, satisfaction rate was particularly high among patients who had liposuction combined with tummy tuck (or abdominoplasty surgery), although they also scored higher in terms of pain and have experienced longer recovery period.

About 60 percent of patients had liposuction, 5 percent had abdominoplasty, and 35 percent had a combination of both.  The evaluation was conducted an average of four months following plasticsurgery.

Meanwhile, their average age was 42 and approximately 85 percent of the respondents were women.  But aside from tummy tuck and liposuction, around 35 percent of patients had other cosmetic surgeries (e.g., breast augmentation or facelift) at the same time.

Patients who had tummy tuck alone rated their cosmetic results higher than others—an average score of 9 out of 10—compared with the score of 8 with those who had liposuction surgery.

However, patients who both had liposuction and tummy tuck scored the highest in terms of satisfaction over the result—around 99 percent.  Surprisingly, the level of pain with this approach has no difference between “combined procedures” and abominoplasty alone.

Aside from high satisfaction, patients who had liposuction and tummy tuck at the same time said they would undergo the procedure again, while 99 percent said they would recommend it to others.

Approximately 70 percent of patients reported improved quality of life, although this is particularly higher among individuals who had liposuction and abdominoplasty performed at the same time.  And overall, 86 percent of the respondents reported improvements in their self-esteem after surgery.

Because many people still perceive cosmetic plastic surgery as “superfluous,” studies which assess its impact on the patients’ quality of life and self-esteem after the procedure are important as experts believe it is the “best way to gauge its success.”

Since cosmetic plastic surgery is elective and not medically necessary, its cost is usually not included in health insurance, although a growing number of doctors offer payment options to help patients finance the procedure.