Tummy tuck with an ileostomy?

This is an excellent question. There are many variables that need to be addressed before deciding if you are a good candidate for a tummy tuck. If there are no plans to have the ileostomy reversed in the future, you may be a candidate for skin excision or skin only tummy tuck if there is adequate skin to remove. If there are plans to have the ileostomy reversed in the future, it may be a good idea to wait to have a tummy tuck until you have the definitive surgery to reverse the ostomy - that way, potentially all the scarring can be removed in one surgery if there is enough skin.Another factor is your overall health. Having certain medical problems like diabetes, high blood pressure, taking steroids (for Crohn's disease or other conditions) and being a smoker are all risk factors that increase your chances of complications after surgery. Medical conditions like that should be well controlled before considering elective cosmetic surgery to prevent risks of complications like bleeding, infection, skin breakdown, wound healing problems, blood clots and more.Without a picture and a medical history it is difficult to tell if you are an appropriate candidate, but an honest discussion with your GI surgeon and a plastic surgeon should help you make an informed decision.

The risks of complications including infections are probably too high for consideration of a tummy tuck. You will be hard-pressed to find a surgeon willing to undertake this procedure. An exception might be a minor, modified procedure that only involves the area outside and away from the ileostomy. If your a truly interested in this procedure, seek a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon.

Dear thoughtfuluser,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. 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

Dear thoughtfuluser,

Thank you for your question and for sharing your personal medical history. As a plastic surgeon, I understand how scarring and body changes, especially due to circumstances beyond our control, can significantly affect self-esteem and body image. However, it's important to remember that you're more than the challenges you've faced, and there are options to improve your situation.

Having an ileostomy certainly presents a unique set of considerations when it comes to a procedure like a tummy tuck. Safety is always a priority, and any surgical procedure carries potential risks that need to be weighed against the potential benefits. However, in some cases, it is possible to perform a tummy tuck on patients with an ileostomy.

The feasibility of a tummy tuck would depend on several factors: the location of your stoma, the condition of your abdominal wall muscles, your overall health, and your healing capability. A collaborative approach between your plastic surgeon and your colorectal surgeon would be crucial to ensure your safety and optimize your results. Both surgeons need to agree on the surgical plan.

While the presence of an ileostomy may make the procedure more complex, it does not necessarily preclude you from having a tummy tuck. You should consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon who has experience in performing tummy tucks on patients with an ileostomy. They will be able to assess your situation and advise you on the best course of action.

Remember, it's crucial to have realistic expectations. A tummy tuck can improve the appearance of your abdomen and potentially reduce some of the scarring, but it is a major surgery that comes with its own potential complications.

Regardless of the path you choose, remember that seeking help and exploring your options is a step forward in feeling better about your appearance. You're more than your scars or your ileostomy, and seeking to improve your quality of life is something to be admired.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

It is very complicated procedure to do; you have to discuss this issue with a board certified plastic surgeon, as well as your abdominal surgeon. Only on the basis of in person evaluation, one would be able to say whether that would be a meaningfull procedure in your case. Good luck.

It is possible that you may be a candidate for a tummy tuck procedure, but this would depend on a number of factors, including the extent of your scarring, your overall health and medical history, and your cosmetic goals. It is important to have a consultation with a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon to discuss your options and determine whether a tummy tuck is appropriate for you.

During the consultation, the surgeon will evaluate the extent of your scarring and assess the quality of your skin and underlying tissues. They may also ask about your medical history, including any past surgeries or medical conditions that may affect your eligibility for surgery. Based on this information, the surgeon can recommend a treatment plan that is tailored to your individual needs and goals.

It's worth noting that a tummy tuck involves significant surgery and recovery time, so it's important to carefully consider the risks and benefits before making a decision. Additionally, if you have a history of Crohn's Disease or other gastrointestinal issues, you may have an increased risk of complications during and after surgery, and you should discuss this with your surgeon during the consultation process.

I hope this helps,
best of luck !

In cases like yours, sometimes a tummy tuck can be modified to your abdominal contour and scars to help you, and sometimes a scar revision with liposuction can be done. Without examining you in person, a specific plan can't be formulated.
If you were to proceed with surgery, it's imperative that your Crohn's disease is under good control, you are at a healthy body weight, and that a CT scan shows that there are no hernias present.
All the best to you,
Dr. Nancy de Kleer

A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) with an ileostomy can be a complex procedure that requires careful consideration and consultation with a skilled surgeon. The presence of an ileostomy means you have a surgically created opening in your abdomen to divert the small intestine, which can complicate the tummy tuck procedure.It’s crucial to discuss your specific medical history, the reason for the ileostomy, and your surgical options with a board-certified plastic surgeon who is experienced in dealing with patients who have ileostomies. They can assess whether a tummy tuck is feasible in your case and what precautions or modifications may be necessary to ensure your safety and a successful outcome. Your surgeon can work with your gastroenterologist to determine if the elective tummy tuck surgery can be performed safely.

You would need to be examined to see if a full tummy tuck is safe or a mini. The blood supply to areas of your skin may have been cut with previous surgeries making a full tummy tuck risky. An examination is needed to determine this. A vertical lift might be safer.

Based on the description provided you may not be a candidate for a tummy tuck. I encourage you to visit with a board certified plastic surgeon near you for an exam and discussion of your concerns. Perhaps there is an alternate procedure or treatment that may provide some improvement.