Oct
Occasionally after determining that a patient needs to have a hysterectomy, she will ask if a tummy tuck operation can be performed at the same time. Perhaps she’s been planning the tummy tuck anyway, it’s always been a thought in the back of her mind, or she believes that it’s a good opportunity to tighten her lower abdominal area. The short answer is a study has shown that a tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, and a hysterectomy can be performed at the same time; however, you should be aware of some considerations.
First, you should understand both procedures. During a hysterectomy, Dr. Jenkins of Jenkins Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine surgically removes a woman’s uterus, the part of the body where a baby grows during pregnancy. Hysterectomies are needed when a patient has abnormal bleeding, pain in the pelvic region, endometriosis, cancer, or uterine fibroids. The abdominal hysterectomy is the most common form of the procedure; however, the uterus can also be removed with laparoscopic surgery or through the vagina. The recovery time for an abdominal hysterectomy is much longer than that of less invasive procedures and typically leaves a scar that is several inches in length.
A tummy tuck is a completely different surgical procedure and would require a plastic surgeon. During a tummy tuck, fat and excess skin are removed from the lower abdomen area. While it is not a substitute for healthy weight loss, it is helpful in removing loose skin and tissue.
Performing the surgeries at the same time could reduce overall time spent in the hospital, recovery time, and the risks associated with being put under general anesthesia since patients will only undergo one surgery. It could also save money. There are risks however. The study from 2012 found that 32% of the 65 women involved in the study had complications.
While the surgery could be safe for some women, it might not be safe for others. If you need to have a hysterectomy and are also considering a tummy tuck, talk to Dr. Jenkins. He will carefully study your medical records, consult with your plastic surgeon, and determine if having both procedures performed at the same time would be safe. Your health is our most important consideration.
We offer general care, gynecology, and obstetrics services that span all
stages of a woman's life. Dr. Taryll L.
Jenkins, MD, received his undergraduate degree from Louisiana State University and his Doctorate of
Medicine from Meharry
Medical College School of Medicine, TN. He completed his residency training at the
University of Texas and Hermann Hospital, TX and is Board-certified from the American College of
Obstetrics and Gynecology, with years of research experience.
Having graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington with a Bachelor of Science in Biological
Chemistry in 2011, Dr. Stephanie
Roy received her Doctor of Medicine Degree in 2015 from the University of Texas Medical Branch. Today,
she is a leading Board-certified physician who works hard to provide you and your family with
high-quality services. In addition to spending time at the practice, Dr. Roy possesses extensive
volunteer experience in the community. She was also a tutor at the Medical Careers Diversity Program
in 2012 and, since then, has spent her free time volunteering for the St. Vincent’s Clinic.
Dr. Tiffany Ikwuagwu is passionate about caring for the diverse communities in Katy, TX. Having completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Houston, her medical degree at the Baylor College of Medicine, and her residency in obstetrics and gynecology at the McGovern Medical School, she worked as principal investigator on a research project with Dr. Nana Ankumah at UT Houston. A member of the American Medical Association, Texas Medical Association, and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Dr. Ikwuagwu has served in several leadership roles and has made many contributions to the community.
Yara Ramirez, MD, earned her
Bachelor of Science degree from Baylor University and her doctorate in medicine from the University
of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) in Galveston, where she also completed her residency. She won the
Resident Teaching Award from UTMB’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology for two consecutive
years.
Dr. Ramirez has researched extensively on many obstetrics-related topics. She has been a Junior
Fellow Representative for the UTMB Residency Program and a Medical Student Education Committee
Member at the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. She has volunteered for various local
and foreign community programs. Her fluency in Spanish and French is an asset to her organization.
Nadia Alexander is a Board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner with a Master of Science degree in Nursing from the University of Texas Health Science Center. With seven years of experience in women’s health and a focus on obstetrics and ambulatory gynecology (vaginitis, UTI, and vaginal bleeding), she provides quality, compassionate care to patients in various stages of reproductive life. She is fluent in English and Spanish and is the lead contact for our Telehealth service.