IBS and tummy tuck with muscle repair?

Dear Aussie,   As long as you are in remission from your IBS, you can have the tummy tuck surgery. Clearly, you will have to be cleared for surgery by your GI doctor.     Since, most likely you were treated with cortico steroids in your past, you will need to be treated with Decadron during surgery and Medrol dose pack after surgery.  Also, you should avoid any known triggers for you IBS flare ups.   Since opiates pain medication can cause constipation, I recommend to all my patients to use Dulcolax suppository on the following day of surgery. That will help you with alleviating the bloating.        Always, consult with experienced board certified plastic surgeons who operate in accredited surgery center for your safety. Most importantly, check the before and after pictures in the photo gallery to make sure that they are numerous, consistent and attractive with flat stomach, tight and youthful looking skin, nice belly button and low scar.

Tummy tucks are a great way to remove excess skin from below the belly button to tighten loose abdominal muscles.  Patients with many different issues, like IBS, have gotten tummy tucks before as long as they were cleared by their respective specialist (GI doctor for IBS.)  Therefore, as long as you get the appropriate clearance before your tummy tuck you should be just fine.  I frequently talk to the treating physician before I do a tummy tuck on a patient with a certain issue to verify that the the surgery is right for the patient.

Thank you for your question!

Dr. Schreiber, Baltimore plastic surgeon

Good for you to think ahead and ask those questions. I think first of all that having your surgeon and your gastroenterologist talk prior to your surgery is essential. You need to be "optimized" meaning, perhaps, a change in diet preop (low residue), maybe a bowel prep (like for a colonoscopy), maybe a dose of stress steroids if you take Prednisone on a regular basis. You should also be ready if a flare up occurs to seek medical attention. Its hard to predict and most patients sail by without issue. I applaud your thinking of these issues BEFORE surgery. Good luck

Hello and thank you for your question.  I have performed tummy tucks in patients with well-controlled IBS.  This is not a contraindication, as long as your GI doctor gives you clearance and works closely with you and your surgeon to make sure you are optimized at the time of surgery.  If you are an appropriate candidate, a tummy tuck can be done through a low and short
incision, all completely below the bikini line. 
The belly button can be designed to look natural and have no scars on
the exterior.   Your muscles can also be
plicated resulting in a flat abdomen. 
Make sure you specifically look at before and after pictures of
real patients who have had this surgery performed by your surgeon and evaluate
their results.  The most important aspect is to find a surgeon you are
comfortable with. I recommend that you seek consultation with a qualified
board-certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

The most important thing is that you discuss with your gastroenterologist that you are having this surgery, to check if you need modulations in any of your medications, etc.  The tummy tuck procedure will tighten the muscles and slightly increased pressure in the abdomen for some time until it relaxes more.  What this slight increase in pressure will do to your particular case of IBS is impossible to predict.  Could it result in temporary flareup of symptoms?  Potentially, but again, difficult to say.  Luckily, it should not have any major effects, but it is best to discuss these things in conjunction with both your gastroenterologist and the surgeon performing her procedure.Best of luck!

Dr. SubbioBoard-Certified Plastic SurgeonNewtown Square/Philadelphia, PA

IBS is a broad term that encompasses many discomforting conditions. If your IBS is improved with bowel rest (for example a clear liquid diet) you should not have any major problems with your post tummy tuck recovery. If not , then you should think carefully before having any surgery, not just a tummy tuck. The newer drainless tummy tucks are associated with minimally painful side effects. All surgeries carry risks so choose your surgeon carefully. See a board certified plastic surgeon who operates at a certified facility and does a ton of tummy tucks and you'll be in good hands.

  Thank you for the question.Well-controlled irritable bowel syndrome is not a contraindication to proceeding with tummy tuck surgery.  You are wise in seeking “clearance” through your gastroenterologist. Communication between him and your chosen plastic surgeon will be helpful.Unfortunately, even the doctors who know you best not be able to predict, with any degree of certainty, whether or not you will experience a "flare up" during the recovery period.

 Best wishes.