Currently, there are approximately 26 million women in the U.S. who are experiencing fibroids. Some have no idea they have them, while others are suffering from painful symptoms that may inhibit their ability to navigate through their normal daily activities. One symptom of fibroids is that they can cause your abdomen to protrude, which can be unflattering and make you feel self-conscious.
Many women who want a flatter abdomen consider undergoing a tummy tuck, which is a very common cosmetic surgical procedure, with an average of 200,000 of them being performed in the United States each year. They routinely involve liposuction and the tightening of weak or separated abdominal muscles.
But what if you have fibroids? Can you get a tummy tuck with fibroids? Will this flatten your stomach? Today, we are going to discuss the question, “Can you get lipo with fibroids along with a tummy tuck? and whether this will provide the results you are looking for.
A Bit About Fibroids
Fibroids are non-cancerous growths that form in or around your uterus, and they are very common in women between the ages of 30 and 50, but they can develop in women as young as 15. Some women do not have any symptoms related to their fibroids, but others can experience extended and heavy periods, bloating, pelvic pain, or more.
Fibroids are made of muscle and fibrous tissue and can range in size from that of a seed to as large as a melon. Most of the time, they grow inside the uterus or on the outer wall, and to date, experts do not know exactly what causes them, but they have discovered their growth is linked to hormone levels, and they can grow faster and larger during pregnancy or when exposed to excess estrogen.
If fibroids grow large enough, they can cause your abdomen to protrude and make you look like you are pregnant. In fact, one well-known celebrity who was suffering from large fibroids was thought to be pregnant, and reporters even broke stories that she was spotted at an event with a “baby bump.” She was not pregnant but had privately been battling fibroids and their symptoms for years.
Abdominal Plastic Surgery and Fibroids
Can You Get a Tummy Tuck With Fibroids?
Yes, it may be possible for you to get a tummy tuck with fibroids, but there are some things you need to consider, like how they may affect your surgery or if they can impact your results.
A tummy tuck is medically known as an abdominoplasty and involves removing excess skin that may have developed due to pregnancy or a significant loss of weight. The surgeon also eliminates excess fat using liposuction and then repairs and tightens stretched or damaged abdominal muscles to increase your core strength and tighten and tone the abdominal area.
A tummy tuck does not go deep enough within your body to interfere with fibroids. If you have a larger fibroid or numerous fibroids that are pushing your belly outward, you may not achieve the flat tummy you are looking for after a tummy tuck. It would be better to treat the fibroids first to eliminate the protrusion as well as provide you with relief from other symptoms they may also be causing.
What If You Want Lipo With Fibroids?
Liposuction, or “lipo” for short, is a cosmetic surgery that removes fat from certain areas of your body using a thin tube called a cannula. There are different techniques used to perform lipo, and they are less invasive than a tummy tuck and do not involve removing skin or tightening muscles.
So, can you get lipo with fibroids? The answer is yes, because liposuction targets fat that accumulates right under the skin, and fibroids are located deeper in the uterus, so they would not interfere with the procedure. That being said, if you were using lipo to eliminate fat from your abdomen to make this area smooth and flat, large fibroids can prevent you from getting the results you were expecting after the procedure.
Will Fibroids Affect My Tummy Tuck or Lipo Results?
If you are considering undergoing a tummy tuck or liposuction to flatten your abdominal region, and you have fibroids, be sure to bring this up with the cosmetic surgeon during your consultation. Depending on how large they are and their location, they may recommend that you have an MRI scan to determine if they will affect the results of your surgery.
If you have large or numerous fibroids, it is possible for them to cause your abdomen to protrude, and no amount of liposuction or a tummy tuck will be able to eliminate this type of bulge. In these types of cases, treating and eliminating the fibroids first would be the best way to proceed, so your cosmetic surgeries will give you the results you desire.
How Can I Find Out If I Have Fibroids?
If you are thinking about having a cosmetic procedure like a tummy tuck and are wondering, “Do I have fibroids?” you may wish to be sure these growths are not adding to your tummy bulge. The best place to start is with a visit to your gynecologist, where a routine pelvic exam and an ultrasound can help give you some answers and help you craft your treatment plan.
If the doctor determines that you do have large fibroids that will affect the outcome of your surgery, you should treat the fibroids before you have your tummy tuck.
When Is It Best to Eliminate Fibroids First?
There are some cases where your doctor might recommend treating and eliminating fibroids before embarking on certain life-changing journeys. Some of these reasons include:
Planning a Pregnancy
If you are thinking about having a baby, it is recommended that you deal with your fibroids first. Depending on their location and size, fibroids can make it harder to get pregnant or can impact the development of the fetus and your ability to carry a baby to full term.
As we mentioned earlier, excess estrogen can cause fibroids to grow large, and during the first trimester of pregnancy, there is naturally a significant increase in estrogen. Your seemingly small fibroids can become problematic during pregnancy and even cause you to miscarry. Getting rid of fibroids before trying to conceive gives you the best chance for a healthy pregnancy and delivery.
Undergoing Weight Loss Surgery
Before weight loss surgery, doctors usually want to make sure there are no untreated health issues that could complicate your procedure. Large fibroids can affect how your organs are positioned and may even impact your stomach function. They might also cause bleeding or pain after surgery. Treating fibroids in advance of a weight loss procedure can help with your safety during the surgery and make your recovery smoother.
Having a Tummy Tuck or Liposuction
If you are planning a tummy tuck or lipo, removing any fibroids first can help you get better aesthetic results. Fibroids can make your lower belly stick out or feel bloated. Even if the excess fat and loose skin are eliminated, you might still look puffy and bloated if fibroids are still present. Getting rid of fibroids before a tummy tuck will help your stomach look flatter and give you a more sculpted shape after healing.
What Is the Best Way to Eliminate Fibroids?
There is an amazing non-surgical way to treat fibroids called uterine fibroid embolization (UFE), and the best place to have it done is at the Atlanta Fibroid Center with Dr. John Lipman and Dr. Sima Banerjee. UFE is a minimally invasive procedure that blocks blood flow to fibroids, causing them to shrink and die. It is a safe and effective option for women who want relief from fibroid symptoms without going through major surgery or having their uterus removed.
The Atlanta Fibroid Center Is the Premier Place to Have UFE
Dr. John Lipman is a nationally recognized expert in performing the UFE procedure and the founder of the Atlanta Fibroid Center. For over 25 years, he has helped thousands of women avoid hysterectomy and reclaim their quality of life. Dr. Lipman and Dr. Banerjee, along with their professional team, provide compassionate care and are committed to educating women about all of their available fibroid treatment options.
At the Atlanta Fibroid Center, UFE is done as an outpatient procedure in a comfortable, spa-like setting. Most women go home the same day with only a bandaid and can return to their normal activities within a week. This is a much different recovery compared to the usual four-to-six week painful recovery after surgery.
To learn more about UFE and get help with eliminating fibroids to get the best results from a tummy tuck, lipo, or other surgical procedure, set up an in-person or virtual consultation today. The experts at the Atlanta Fibroid Center can help you come up with the best plan to relieve your fibroid symptoms and help you reach your goals.
