Tummy Tuck

Q:

I will be having lumbar spinal fusion surgical procedure soon. Would it be possible to have a tummy tuck that tightens my abdominal muscles in combination with the fusion? Wouldn’t it make sense to relieve that pressure or extra abdominal weight that pulls on my lumbar region to prevent further injury?

A:

I would not recommend an abdominoplasty at the time of a spinal fusion for several reasons. Technically, the combined procedure would be compromised by the relative inability to flex the table which is necessary in order to remove the appropriate tissue and achieve the best possible result. Second, the braces often worn after spinal surgery can rub and cause difficulty for the patient. Pressure or friction on freshly operated skin should be avoided. I would recommend that you determine which issue is more significant and treat the problem initially.

Answered by: Julius W. Few, M.D., FACS
Chicago, IL

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