Can I get a Tummy tuck if I have a permanent colostomy? I have a big apron that hangs over after 100 pound weight loss.

The presence of a colostomy significantly increases the risk of post operative infection after tummy tuck. From your description, removal of the skin from the lower abdomen can be done but this is called a panniculectomy. This can improve the aesthetics of the abdomen but is not a tummy tuck. Even this procedure will have a higher risk of infection in the presence of a colostomy but is a more reasonable approach to contouring your abdomen.Seek out a board certified plastic surgeon for a formal consultation to provide a more in depth evaluation of your abdomen.Good luck and I hope this was helpful.

Congratulations on your weight loss.  I would obviously assume when you mention that it is permanent, there is no reversal in the future, therefore that is not an option.At times with the weight loss it does make it more difficult with the application of the appliance and leakage can occur which may be a big problem.  A panniculectomy or tummy tuck is certainly possible and I have done this before in the past.  The procedure would have to be done in combination with a colorectal surgeon for relocation/revision of the colostomy.  This is not a common procedure but it can be done.  You would need to be evaluated by a board certified plastic surgeon that feels comfortable performing this procedure for you.Good luck.

Thank you for the question. Consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon is very important. It is difficult to answer this question having not examined you. However, I would not recommend manipulation of colostomy during an Abdominoplasty or panniculectomy procedure. It is best to discuss with your colorectal surgeon if it is possible to reverse it. If so you can stage the tummy tuck procedure. If that is not possible than the plastic surgeon would have to discuss with the colorectal surgeon if it can be moved. Either way it is a complicated issue so it is best to set up a consult. Good luck.

Reduction of the abdominal pannus is a legitimate goal even with a colostomy. Nevertheless this would be done with the understanding that the risks for infection is going to be higher.

Thanks for your inquiry.  I think you need to have an in person consultation to answer your question, because an examination in the most important thing.  Your colostomy should not be taken down as part of the procedure and the risks of infection are much higher in general, good luck.  

Thanks for your question. Ofcourse your results may not be as ideal, but there can most certainly be an improvement. Consult with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon about your options.All the best,Dr. ResultsMiami, FL

Thank you for your question.  Because of the contamination present with a colostomy bag, a panniculetomy would be a better, and safer, operation to look into.  Similar to a tummy tuck, the excess skin and fat that you describe as an apron would be removed, but the skin of your abdomen would not be lifted off the underlying muscles to remove as much skin and fat as possible.  By operating on a smaller area of your stomach, the risk of a serious infection developing is lessened.  Speak to a board certified plastic surgeon who can examine you and make the safest recommendation. 

While it may not be as ideal as a full tummy tuck, likely what I would recommend would be called a panniculectomy which removes the excess skin below the belly button only and likely below the colostomy.  A full tummy tuck would require relocating both the belly button and the colostomy and would likely put you at high risk for infection, which could be extensive.  I would recommend that you consult with a couple of board certified plastic surgeons to be examined and get a couple of opinions.  Best of luck!

Hello Cindy. You will need an examination to see exactly what needs to be done, so I'm not sure. In addition, perhaps only skin removal can be done and not the classic tummy tuck. See a surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Best, Dr. ALDO

There are many different types of tummy tucks.  Most include removal of skin, subcutaneous fat and muscle tightening.  Perhaps a tummy tuck could be modified for you to include just the skin removal and leaving the colostomy alone.  Please see a board certified plastic surgeon for an in person examination.