How long after a tummy tuck should I wait to have a colonoscopy?

Question

I have "regular" colonoscopies every 2, and now 5 yrs, and this one came up 4 weeks after my tummy tuck, should I wait another month or two?

Gene Sloan, MD · Answer

This is something that would need to be decided between your gastroenterologist and plastic surgeon.  Interestingly, I recently performed abdominoplasty on the wife of a gastroenterologist and he told me that sometimes very early after a tummy tuck the colonoscopy is slightly more difficult from a technical standpoint as it is more difficult to distend the colon during the exam.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

You will need to okay the colonoscopy with both gastroenterologist and plastic surgeon but I think it will be perfectly safe to proceed any time.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Inventive9837,
Every plastic surgeon has his own postoperative protocol, which he recommends to his patients. 4 weeks is probably too early for such a  procedure. I would suggest you to discuss this with your plastic surgeon.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Farbod Esmailian, MD · Answer

With colonoscopy there is distention of the colon with air and this will put some strain on your abdominal wall.  I would discuss this with your surgeon as every surgeon will have a different opinion as to when is the best time.I allow my patients to return to full activity including going back to the gym after a full tummy tuck at 6 weeks.  Therefore, if you were my patient I would say 6 weeks after your surgery would be fine to have your colonoscopy.Hope that helps.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question.  I would recommend either having your colonoscopy prior to your tummy tuck or waiting at least 6-8 weeks after surgery.  Hope this helps.

Jane M. Rowley, MD · Answer

My biggest concern would be that during a colonoscopy your colon is distended somewhat with air. With a tummy tuck and muscle repair that could put strain on the muscle repair, and be uncomfortable as well. I would recommend the colonoscopy either before the tummy tuck or 3 to 4 months later. Good luck. Jane.

Pejman Aflaki, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. It should be O.K. to go ahead with colonoscopy at 4 weeks post op. Best,
Pejman Aflaki, M.D.
  
Johns Hopkins-trained double board-certified plastic surgeon

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

The tummy tuck typically requires 1 to 2 weeks before a patient can return to a sedentary job.  The patient should avoid exercise, strenuous activity, and lifting more than 5 lbs for at least 6 weeks.  Patients should consume at least 100 grams of protein during the recovery period to ensure adequate wound healing.  Patients should not strain the area around the incision.  Poor nutrition and stressing an incision have ruined many of my best tummy tuck results on the table and these complications are almost completely preventable by following my postoperative instructions.
I typically use 1 drain in tummy tucks to avoid the most common complication, which is seroma or fluid collection.  Drainless tummy tucks will not help avoid fluid collections, but rather will result in a higher percentage of fluid collections.  It is simply not worth the risk of developing a fluid collection, which can sabotage the contours, result in infection, and cause the incision to open.
I can typically remove the drain in 2 weeks or so.  An abdominal compression garment will be given to the patient to be worn for the first 6 weeks or so after surgery to help reduce the risk of fluid collection.Would suggest that you have the colonoscopy prior to the tummy tuck.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

I would discuss this with your surgeon and GI specialist but you should be fine to proceed with a colonoscopy four weeks after your tummy tuck.  You will want to ensure that you are healing appropriately and are comfortable enough to tolerate the prep and the procedure.

Ven Erella, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It is preferred to wait 3 months, usually muscle repair healed by that time, if you can wait. Pl talk to your GI doctor.

How long after a tummy tuck should I wait to have a colonoscopy?

Answers (12)

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