Am I able to get a tummy tuck even if I have ulcerative colitis?

Thank you for your question about whether you can undergo a tummy tuck while managing ulcerative colitis. Based on your history, it sounds like your condition is well-controlled with infusions of Inflectra and a healthy, active lifestyle. This is a great sign and suggests you may be a candidate for a tummy tuck, but additional precautions will need to be taken. Before proceeding, your plastic surgeon will likely collaborate with your gastroenterologist to ensure that your ulcerative colitis is stable and that you're not at an increased risk for complications. They may also recommend adjustments to your Inflectra schedule to optimize healing and reduce the risk of infection or delayed wound healing.

A tummy tuck is a significant procedure, so it’s essential to make sure your immune system and overall health are in the best possible condition before surgery. Controlled ulcerative colitis often doesn’t prevent plastic surgery, but it does require careful planning. If stubborn fat and loose skin are your primary concerns, a tummy tuck can help restore a flatter abdomen and improve your confidence. I recommend consulting with a board-certified plastic surgeon who has experience working with patients with autoimmune conditions. Together with your medical team, they can determine the safest and most effective approach for your surgery.

Good luck with your journey, and congratulations on maintaining your health and active lifestyle! When seeking surgery, always consult an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon.

Sincerely,
J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS

Dear grangel001,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. Generally speaking, your conditions should be well under control and you will need to get a clearance from your doctor. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

It is possible to have surgery with ulcerative colitis, however you will need to stop any immunomodulating medications (DMARDS, infusions, etc) for one month prior to your procedure and at least one month after. If you have any wound healing complications following your surgery, this may delay restarting your UC medications. You will have to discuss this with for GI physician as not all patients with UC can stop their medications for that long, but there may be other medications (PO mesalamine) that can help stave off any acute flares.

As long as your symptoms are well controlled and you are well nourished, surgery can be an option. Your doctor who manages your ulcerative colitis may have to work in conjunction with your surgeon to alter or temporarily stop immunosuppressive medications.

Ulcerative Colitis does not pose an issue for Tummy tuck surgery. The medications occasionally do so you want to make sure that your managing GI physician is on board and aware of your surgical plans. Make sure you go to a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and check the credentials for proper training and certification- American Society of Plastic Surgery is the credentials you are looking. Best Wishes!!

If you get medical clearance for elective surgery, then you should be able to have surgery. You may need to be off the infusions for a while to heal well.

You may still be able to have a tummy tuck with UC if your symptoms are well controlled. It is important to speak to your GI specialist as you likely will have to be off your medications for a period before and after surgery.

Each provider will have their own opinion.
There’s no simple yes or no answer to your question.
You will most likely for sure. Need to get clearance from your gastroenterologist and some providers. May ask you to hold off on taking certain medication’s during an immediately after surgery.
You can start the process by talking to your G.I. doctor and primary care doctor about getting medical clearance to make sure they are on board.
The next step is simply to start scheduling consultations to see what each provider has to say.
Some may say no, and some may say yes.
It’s also important that you get an assessment to make sure you’re a good candidate for the procedure in the first place.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD