Can Someone Who is Taking Immunosuppressive Medicine for Crohn's Disease Get a Tummy Tuck?

Question

Hi, have you ever had patients who were taking immunosuppressive medicine such as azathioprine for Crohn's Disease who were able to get a tummy tuck? I know that being on this type of medicine would negatively affect the healing process. However, I was wondering if there have been cases where maybe the patient's Gastroenterologist temporarily had their patients stop taking the azathioprine so that they could get a tummy tuck?

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

The truth is that there will be risks of wound healing issues and a risk for an acute exacerbation of Crohn's. Some patients will be better candidates than others, and this will depend upon a multitude of factors. Find a plastic surgeon with ELITE credentials who performs hundreds of tummy tucks and liposuction procedures each year. Then look at the plastic surgeon's website before and after photo galleries to get a sense of who can deliver the results. Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

He certainly can proceed with an abdominoplasty. Medications may need be adjusted in the perioperative period. This something that would be discussed by the surgeon and your gastroenterologist.

Adam Tattelbaum, MD · Answer

In general, the answer is yes and but there are few considerations. It really depends upon your overall health, the amount and type of the medication and the likelihood of needing surgical treatment for your disease. Some Crohn's disease medications and are antiinflammatory like aspirin and can lead to bleeding, some can inhibit healing. It is best to check with your gastroenterologist to see if he orshe feels that you can safely stop these medications for a period of time. If you're crohn's disease is severe and you have poor nutrition it would not make sense to have an elective surgery. If your disease is so active and that you are likely to face further surgeries for the crohn's disease it would make sense to consider this prior to having a tummy tuck. I have operated on many patients with Crohn's disease for abdominoplasty as long as they were in good health, had minimal medication requirements and and understood the possibility of gastrointestinal surgery in the future. Best wishes

Don W. Griffin, MD · Answer

There is no reason that you can't have a cosmetic procedure in your situation if your Crohn's is stable. You should certainly discuss the immunosuppression with your plastic surgeon and your gastroenterologist to determine the best way to deal with it around your surgery. If for some reason you would need abdominal surgery later, this can still safely be done either laparoscopically or open after an abdominoplasty.

Elliot W. Jacobs, MD · Answer

You would need to be cleared for plastic surgery by your gastroenterologist.  He or she will consider the risks of surgery and medication adjustment, your overall health, your age and possible future needs.  Generally speaking, if you are otherwise a good candidate for elective surgery, there's every chance a tummy tuck plan can be worked out for you.

	If you haven't already done so, it's a good idea to visit the doctor you see for your Crohn's disease to have a discussion about abdominoplasty.  When it's time to choose a plastic surgeon, be sure to arrange consultations with at least two board certified plastic surgeons who have some years of experience behind them.  You will want someone who is adept at coordinating care with other specialists and who has worked with many patients with medical issues that need to be taken into account.

	Elliot Jacobs, M.D.

	New York Plastic Surgeon

Pablo Prichard, MD · Answer

Dear anon,

	Thank you for post.  Immunosuppressives do have a negative impact on wound healing, but if planned with your plastic surgeon and your physician giving you the immunosuppressives, this can be timed to minimize your risk and is possible.

	Best Wishes, 

	Pablo Prichard, MD

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD · Answer

Most likely you would be fine for an abdominoplasty but you should get medical clearance prior to considering the surgical procedure.  The stress of surgery could activate your Crohn's.

Vasdev Rai, MD · Answer

Usually there is no problem doing cosmetic surgery while patient is on immunosuppressives for Crohn's disease as long as you are in good health.

Remus Repta, MD · Answer

Hello,

	Thank you for the question.  The short answer is yes, a tummy tuck can be performed whil a patient is on certain immunosuppressive medications.  The link below is from one of my patients.  She healed well without issues.  With that said, we must understand that the chance of complicetions may be higher and that certain medication and surgical modifications may be needed.

	All the best,

	Dr. Remus Repta

William B. Rosenblatt, MD · Answer

The more appropriate question is Should a person with Crohns have a TT? You need to discuss this with your GI MD. You are prone to need abdominal surgery and maybe you should not mess with your abdomen for cosmetic reasons and just leave it alone. Your health should always come before your beauty.

Can Someone Who is Taking Immunosuppressive Medicine for Crohn's Disease Get a Tummy Tuck?

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