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.

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