American Society of Plastic Surgeons
For Medical Professionals
 
Gabriela Guimaraes
one year ago
Answered

Gallbladder removal and abdominoplasty

Can I do a gallbladder removal and abdominoplasty at the same time? Is it safe?

Please advise.Best,

Procedure: Tummy Tuck
Location: Florida, FL

Replies 4

Carlos Quintero
ASPS Int. Surgeon

I strongly recommend not to, the bile is considered a contaminated fluid, a minimal contamination of the abdominoplasty wound with bile, might lead to a serious wound infection.

More
Daniel Allan

You will have to discuss this with both surgeons, the one removing your gall bladder and the plastic surgeon for the abdominoplasty. Nearly all operations to remove the ball bladder (cholycystectomy) are done with laparoscopic surgery. Also, your hospital may not want to combine a billable procedure-the cholycystectomy-with a cosmetic one.

More
Ellis Tavin
ASPS Surgeon
Add to Favorites

Short answer is you can not do them together. Gall bladders are removed laparoscopically which requires pumping nitrogen into the abdominal cavity. This makes it difficult if not impossible to tighten the abdomen at the same time. You should wait 1-2 months after the hall bladder removal before the tummy tuck.

More
Han Hoang
ASPS Surgeon

It is possible if gall bladder removal can be performed laparoscopically. However, combining the procedures will increase your risks of wound complications and DVT. I recommend to do these two separately. Good luck!

More
Logo

Patient Care Center