Question:
Would having Hashimoto's thyroiditis disqualify me for lower body lift?

I'm going to be three years post-op on January 2nd. I had a tummy tuck two years ago, but have been considering a lower body lift. I'm 45, down to 117 from 248, and 5'2". I had four babies, so I had lots of hanging pannus that was removed, to my complete delight. I do have much hanging skin on my flanks, buns and hips as well. Just today I learned I have Autoimmune Thyroid Disease. Might having a condition like this disqualify me from having any more reconstructive surgery? Thanks. -Becky Buchholz    — kabookie (posted on December 16, 2004)

December 16, 2004
Dear Becky, In Hashimoto's thyroiditis, the thyroid becomes inefficient in converting iodine into thyroid hormone and "compensates" by enlarging. As the disease progresses, the thyroid makes less and less thyroid hormone. The sequence of events can occur over a relatively short span of a few weeks or may take several years. The treatment is usually to start thyroid hormone replacement. This prevents or corrects the hypothyroidism and it also generally keeps the gland from getting larger. From a surgical perspective, it is important to have the thyroid hormone levels stabilized prior to an elective operation. I would recommend to wait at least 3 - 6 months after the levels have normalized with or without thyroid replacement, as managed by your medical physician. I hope this information is useful to you. Joshua Kreithen, M.D. Lakewood Ranch Plastic Surgery, Bradenton, FL - www.lakewoodranchplasticsurgery.com
   — Joshua Kreithen, M.D.