I have abdominal wall endometriosis which is rare. Can I get a tummy tuck?

Dear ndea,    The best person to answer your question is your gynecologist, especially if you have symptoms. Endometriosis is a condition, which is usually exist inside the abdominal cavity, while tummy tuck surgery is outside the abdominal cavity. So, as long as you gynecologist is giving you the green light for tummy tuck surgery, you can proceed with it from a plastic surgeons perspective.   You have to realize that not all results are the same, because experience, skills and aesthetic eye are critical for good outcome. So, do your due diligence carefully and choose your surgeon wisely, to avoid bad result and need for corrective surgery.    Always, consult with experienced board certified plastic surgeons who operate in accredited surgery center for your safety. Most importantly, check the before and after pictures in the photo gallery, to make sure that they are numerous, consistent and attractive with flat stomach, tight and youthful skin, nice belly button, improve body posture and low scar.                               Best of luck,                                                         Dr Widder

Thanks for uyour question. I suspect there are many women who have tummy tucks that don't even know they have endometriosis. I see no reason that you couldn't have a tummy tuck, but I would discuss treatment of the endometriosis with your OB and see if pre treatment would make sense. If not you will have to weigh that against the risk of future treatment that migtt leave scars on your new tummy.Best wishes.

Thank you  for your awesome question! Your bio is very helpful, however without the benefit of knowing your full health history and an in person exam it's impossible to say for certain. 
  I would recommend you have an in person consultation with a plastic surgeon with these credentials: *Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery -- The gold star symbol*A member of the ASPS (American Society of Plastic Surgeons) -- The circle symbol*A member of the ASAPS (American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons) -- the Queen Nefertitti symbol with a Triangle  *On faculty at local plastic surgery teaching program -- in our office we are affiliated with both Duke and UNC schools of plastic surgery.    Feel free to contact our office, it would be our pleasure to answer your questions in person. I hope this is helpful and wish you all the best in your journey.  My sincere best, Brian S. Coan, MD, FACS 

 Hello,  thanks for sharing your story.  The endometriosis should not be a contradiction if the symptoms are not a reason for having a surgical procedure for endometriosis treatment.  Ask your doctor about what will be the treatment for your endometriosis before doing a TT. 
Dr. Derby Sang Caputo,  MD 
Plastic Surgeon 

A Tummy tuck surgery affects the superficial layers of your abdomen skin and muscles. Endometriosis is a condition affecting the inside lining of your abdominal wall and as such will not affect your tummy tuck. However if you expect to have any type of abdominal surgery to treat the endometriosis in the future you may want to reconsider having a tummy tuck at this time.

I'm not exactly sure what you mean by abdominal wall endometriosis.  Is the endometriosis inside the abdominal cavity or is it outside of the abdominal cavity (on the skin, on the muscle or on the subcutaneous region).  I have seen both and have operated on women who have had endometriosis.  If it is superficial to the abdominal cavity - an abdominoplasty might actually help, especially if it in the area to be excised.  If it located intra-abdominally, I would suggest asking your gynecologist and find out how best to control the endometriosis, with medications, and if you would be a candidate for abdominoplasty.  Best of luck.