Ask Dr. Pane: I Have A History Of Seizures Will That Affect My Tummy Tuck Operation?

During a recent Instagram Live discussion with ACA’s founder and Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Thomas A. Pane, a lot of great questions were raised about a variety of patient interests and concerns. Perhaps one of the most interesting and important from a patient health perspective came from a viewer who asked, “My surgery for an extended tummy tuck is coming up and I have a history of seizures. Will I have to be awake during the surgery?” Of course, it’s natural to be interested in the ins and outs of the surgical procedure, so to speak, but patients with existing known medical conditions do need to take extra precautions, as Dr. Pane pointed out. Let’s see what he had to say!

NO. If you have a history of seizures, we’re going to want to know what’s going on. Do you have Dilantin (phenytoin) or another medication? Do you have clearance from the doctor who’s treating you for the primary condition? These and similar questions are the things the anesthesia team will want to know, so you should talk to your surgical coordinator. It never hurts to get extra clarity. If you see a neurologist or other specialist, it’s a good idea to speak with them about your plans even if you only see them once a year so you can determine risk factors and get a note if needed.

Atlantic Coast Aesthetics does provide a form you can take to your provider if desired as well. This form provides general information about the surgery, the area affected, aftercare and other information your specialist might need to feel secure clearing you for the surgery. However, you can request clearance at any time simply by talking to your provider. Dr. Pane suggests something along the lines of, “Hey, doc, I’m planning on having a tummy tuck done with this provider. Would you mind writing me a clearance note?” Your neurologist or other provider may request additional specifics about the procedure or simply say, “Patient is fine to undergo surgery because they take their medication as prescribed and everything looks okay.”

We cannot stress enough that in situations like this one, it is always better to have too much information than too little. Your doctor may raise questions or concerns about the procedure which you may not consider a big deal, but which could impact your health and safety in ways you can’t predict. It is also vitally important to be completely honest and forthcoming about your previous medical history, medications and environmental or habitual factors which may affect the outcome or increase the risk of complications both during and after the surgery, such as consumption of alcohol, tobacco products, recreational drug use or prescription and OTC drugs you take.

In this same vein, it is crucial that you follow all aftercare protocols issued by the performing surgeon or your care time, including follow-up visits, taking all medications as prescribed and making sure to practice good hygiene. You are with yourself 24/7/365, so you know your body and what feels right and wrong best. It is far better for you to report any suspected concerns or issues immediately than to “suck it up” and find out later you’ve compromised the results of the surgery or worse, your overall health. The signs and symptoms of a possible problem we give you are by no means all-inclusive, and we’d rather see you a dozen times over false alarms during your recovery than have you ignore one thing that seems out of place with potentially life-threatening repercussions.

If you have a question about anything to do with plastic surgery, including the care you can and should expect to receive before, during, and after, everyone at Atlantic Coast Aesthetics from Dr. Pane right down the line is happy to go over your concerns and questions. Simply click here to contact us; call us at (561) 422-4116; or follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Linked In, and Facebook. Your question may even be selected as the focus of a forthcoming Ask Dr. Pane segment, where Dr. Pane gives you the real talk and honest information you need to make informed decisions about your care and be your own best advocate while helping us educate other prospective patients who share your interests. Remember, at ACA we believe the only bad question is the one you DON’T ask!