Am I a candidate for a tummy tuck if I have a permanent colostomy? (Photo)

Thank you for your question. A tummy tuck with a colostomy is at higher risk for wound healing problems and/or infection. It can be done however as long as there is limited undermining and the amount of skin excision is not too aggressive. This is more consistent with a mini-tummy tuck.  Good luck!

I'm delighted that you are disease free. Now you can concentrate on restoring your abdomen. The first question I have is whether your surgeons have an option of taking down your colostomy and creating a continent pouch. It all depends on what parts of your colon was removed and what remains. If that is not an option, it all depends on how tight your skin is. Ideally, the margins of your colostomy can be excised with the overhanging skin. In your case, a higher riding incision could be better than a secondary incision from the colostomy site. The ostomy would be left at it's existing location, plication would have to be altered a little so that the ostomy is at a convenient location (not the midline), and a new skin opening would be made. Considering your age, BMI, duration of surgery, and most impostant, prior neoplasm, you could require post operative DVT treatment (such as lovenox). It all depends on carefull planning. Best of luck!

Yes, it is possible to have a tummy tuck with an existing colostomy as long as your underlying health is good (sounds like it is, congratulations). The type of tummy tuck and results will vary and this should be discussed in depth with your plastic surgeon. There is a higher level of difficultly and a bit higher risk of infection, but these are all a part of the consultation. I work with Dr. Lippie and Coats and would be happy to assist in any way to help you make an informed decision.