I have major scar tissue and bowel adhesions - can I still have TT?

Question

I have bowel adhesions from an emergency splenectomy, a hysterectomy and 2 c-sections. I just had a partial nepfrectomy and my kidney doctor said there was a lot of scar tissue to work around. I said I thought scar tissue could be cut away. He said not to touch it unless absolutely necessary. Does that knock me out of ever having a tummy tuck?

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear abeuhring,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

That’s a great question. You can have a tummy most likely. With a tummy tuck the surgeon doesn’t enter the abdominal cavity where your adhesions and scar tissue are from prior surgery. Of course each patient is different and I’m speaking in generalities.

Shlomo Widder, MD · Answer

Dear Georgian,
   Sorry to hear about your complex  surgical history, however it should not prevent you from having tummy tuck surgery. There is a slight risk of bowel obstruction when tightening the abdominal muscles that can kink the bowel , if the bowel is attached to the anterior abdominal wall. But, again, the likelihood of it happening is quite remote. For your self reassurance discuss it with the splenectomy surgeon. If you want to eliminate that risk all together, have your plastic surgeon perform only skin tightening tummy tuck.
  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, nice belly button, narrower waists, improved body posture and low scar.
        Best of luck,
                      Dr Widder
  Always, consult

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question.  As the scar tissue and bowel adhesions are deeper than the layers worked upon during a tummy tuck it does not eliminate your ability to have one.  What must be considered more is the style and number of incisions used to address any adhesions in the past as well as your previous surgeries.  Hope this helps.

John Rosdeutscher, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. Nothing substitutes for an in-person consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon, but previous abdominal surgery does not necessarily rule you out from abdominoplasty. You are definitely at risk of potential complications & an experienced surgeon can give you a good estimate of risks versus benefits. If you get surgeon’s who are hesitant that may very well be your answer as to whether you are a candidate or not.Best of luck!Sincerely,
John David Rosdeutscher, M.D.

I have major scar tissue and bowel adhesions - can I still have TT?

Answers (5)