Feasible to Have a Tummy Tuck During Colon Resection Surgery?

Cosmetic plastic surgery is by its nature "clean" surgery. Tummy tucks and liposuction have low rates of infection, because, other then the skin, there is normally no other source of contamination. Peri-operative antibiotics are chosen to cover the Staph and Strep normally found on the skin, and to further reduce the incidence of infection.

Colon resection, on the other hand, has two sources of contamination, the skin and the colon. The colon has different bacteria, and requires different antibiotic coverage. Even though the colon is prepped, there is a slightly higher risk of infection with this type of surgery.

I would recommend separating your hazards. Have the colon resection, be certain that you are going to heal sufficiently from this procedure, and then later have the cosmetic procedures. Your recovery will be easier and the procedures will be safer. By following you colon resection with the cosmetic procedure, the scar can still be revised or removed with the tummy tuck.

The placement of the initial scar can be coordinated with your surgeon in conjunction with your plastic surgeon for the best cosmetic result. Staging the procedures will provide you with a safer and more predictable result, without compromising the cosmetic outcome.

I would strongly advise you against combining bowel surgery (colon, small bowel, stomach, etc) with a tummy tuck. When the general surgeon removes the bowel, the incisions becomes mildly contaminated. This contamination, even though it is mild, will put you at increased risk of infection and wound healing problems.  You're much better off having the necessary bowel surgery, allow yourself several months to completely heal and recover, then consult with a board certified plastic surgeon about a tummy tuck. I hope this helps and wish you all the best!

Several issues here in my mind:

(1) The usual approach for your general surgery procedure is a vertical midline (at least when I trained)

(2) I would not add a low transverse incision to the above incision plus liposuction.  You are only asking to have poor healing problems (ie wounds)

(3) Your proposed suggestion would prolong a necessary operative procedure

(4) You were or are on some type of medications to suppress you immune system (steroid) for your inflammatory bowel disease which can lead to poor healing.

These a just a few reasons.  It is unwise to combine these procedures.  Possibly you may not be the best candidate regardless of timing for body contour surgery.

Consult with several board certified plastic surgeons.

Dr. ES