How long after an Ileostomy can a tummy tuck be performed?

I would wait at least a year.
You should choose a surgeon with a lot of experience in this area.
See a similar case listed in the link.
Call/write with any questions.

Thank you for your question regarding a tummy tuck after an ileostomy or colostomy. Yes, tummy tucks can be performed on patients who have had an ileostomy or colostomy, but timing is critical for safety and optimal results.

Generally, most plastic surgeons recommend waiting at least 6-12 months after an ileostomy reversal before considering a tummy tuck. This waiting period allows the abdominal tissues and muscle layers to fully heal, reduces the risk of complications, and ensures the skin is stable for the procedure. During this time, scar tissue from the ileostomy surgery can also mature, which is important for minimizing the risk of any surgical challenges during the tummy tuck.

If your ileostomy is still present, it’s also possible to perform a tummy tuck while leaving the ileostomy in place, but this requires careful planning. It’s essential to work with a plastic surgeon experienced in operating on patients with ostomies to ensure the best approach for your unique needs.

For either scenario, a thorough consultation with both your plastic surgeon and your colorectal surgeon is essential to establish the best timeline and approach for your specific case.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Due to safety and risk issues, it is unlikely you will find a surgeon willing to do a tummy tuck in the presence of an ileostomy or colostomy. Following a reversal, it should be safe to have the procedure after 6 or more likely 12 months.

A tummy tuck cannot be done with an ileostomy or colostomy. Both of these would have to be reversed prior to your cosmetic procedure. Generally, you would have to wait 6months to 1 year before you could proceed. You must also get clearance from your General Surgeon before this could be done.

The possibility of performing an abdominoplasty in patients with ileostomies or colostomies depends on several factors, including the condition of the abdominal wall and the absence of complications. Generally, if the ileostomy has been reversed, it is recommended to wait 6 to 12 months to ensure proper healing and tissue integrity before considering surgery. A thorough medical evaluation is essential to determine the optimal timing for the procedure.

You should not have a tummy tuck while you have ileostomies or colostomies. That increases chance of bacterial contamination of the wounds and possible wound infection. You can consider a tummy tuck after ileostomy or colostomy reversal depends on what kind of a residual scar will be left in the upper abdomen. It it's only on one side, you can do it provided that you understand the higher chance of wound complications due to reduced blood supply to the lower abdominal incision on that side. It it's on both sides, you may need a specialized modified abdominoplasty.

Safety is always the number one priority in surgery. You are not a candidate for a tummy tuck unless your ilieostomy or colostomy has been reversed. If it has been you will need to wait at least a year and get clearance before proceeding.

Hello, thank you for your question. It would mainly depend on the position in the abdominal wall. Ileostomies are usually placed in the right lower quadrant, which would mean it should be in the skin area to be resected. I would recommend in that case to wait 6 months to a year, I would evaluate for left over incisional hernias at the site of the ostomy. If the placement it's too high on the abdominal wall above the skin to be resected, I would caution against a tummy tuck for a possibility on skin necrosis

You cannot or should not have a tummy tuck if you have a current ostomy.
After takedown 3 to 6 months, it’s probably an appropriate time to wait.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD