Tummy Tuck With Ostomy
it is possible to have a tummy tuck with an existing colostomy as long as your underlying health is good (sounds like it is, congratulations). The type of tummy tuck and results will vary and this should be discussed in depth with your plastic surgeon.
During a tummy tuck, excess skin and fat are removed from the abdomen. Connective tissue in the abdomen (fascia) usually is tightened with sutures as well. The remaining skin is then repositioned to create a more toned look. read more on panniculectomy.
Tummy Tuck With Ostomy
A tummy tuck poses various risks, including:
- Fluid accumulation beneath the skin (seroma). Drainage tubes left in place after surgery can help reduce the risk of excess fluid. Your doctor might also remove fluid after surgery using a needle and syringe.
- Poor wound healing. Sometimes areas along the incision line heal poorly or begin to separate. You might be given antibiotics during and after surgery to prevent an infection.
- Unexpected scarring. The incision scar from a tummy tuck is permanent, but it’s typically placed along the easily hidden bikini line. The length and visibility of the scar varies from person to person.
- Tissue damage. During a tummy tuck, fatty tissue deep within your skin in the abdominal area might get damaged or die. Smoking increases the risk of tissue damage. Depending on the size of the area, tissue might heal on its own or require a surgical touch-up procedure.
- Changes in skin sensation. During a tummy tuck, the repositioning of your abdominal tissues can affect the nerves in the abdominal area, and infrequently, in the upper thighs. You’ll likely feel some reduced sensation or numbness. This usually diminishes in the months after the procedure.
Like any other type of major surgery, a tummy tuck poses a risk of bleeding, infection and an adverse reaction to anesthesia.
How you prepare
You’ll talk to a plastic surgeon about a tummy tuck. During your first visit, your plastic surgeon will likely:
- Review your medical history. Be prepared to answer questions about current and past medical conditions. Talk about any medications you’re taking or have taken recently, as well as any surgeries you’ve had.Tell your doctor if you are allergic to any medications. If your desire for a tummy tuck is related to weight loss, your doctor will likely ask detailed questions about your weight gain and loss.
- Do a physical exam. To determine your treatment options, the doctor will examine your abdomen. The doctor might also take pictures of your abdomen for your medical record.
- Discuss your expectations. Explain why you want a tummy tuck, and what you’re hoping for in terms of appearance after the procedure. Make sure you understand the benefits and risks of the procedure, including scarring. Keep in mind that previous abdominal surgery might limit your results.
Before a tummy tuck you might also need to:
- Stop smoking. Smoking decreases blood flow in the skin and can slow the healing process. In addition, smoking increases the risk of tissue damage. If you smoke, your doctor will recommend that you stop smoking before surgery and during recovery.
- Avoid certain medications. You’ll likely need to avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements, which can increase bleeding.
- Maintain a stable weight. Ideally, you’ll maintain a stable weight for at least 12 months before having a tummy tuck. If you’re severely overweight, your doctor will recommend that you lose weight before the procedure. Significant weight loss after the procedure can diminish your results.
- Arrange for help during recovery. Make plans for someone to drive you home after you leave the hospital and stay with you for at least the first night of your recovery at home.
What you can expect
A tummy tuck is done in a hospital or an outpatient surgical facility. During a tummy tuck, you’ll be under general anesthesia — which makes you completely unconscious and unable to feel pain. In some cases, you might be given a pain-relieving medication and be moderately sedated (partially asleep).
Panniculectomy
A panniculectomy is an operative procedure used for abdominal wall contouring, changing the shape and form of the abdomen by removing significant excess skin and subcutaneous adipose tissue en bloc. This procedure is performed on patients with a large overhanging abdominal panniculus.
The goal of panniculectomy surgery is to remove hanging skin and fat from the lower abdomen to create a smoother abdominal contour. A panniculectomy differs from a tummy tuck in that the abdominal muscles are typically not tightened during a panniculectomy.
Common reasons to undergo panniculectomy surgery
There are many reasons why an individual can develop excess skin and fat in the lower abdomen. The most common causes are:
- Age
- Hereditary
- Pregnancy
- Prior surgery
- Massive weight loss
What panniculectomy surgery can’t do
A panniculectomy is not a substitute for weight loss or an appropriate exercise program.
Although the results of a panniculectomy are technically permanent, the positive outcome can be greatly diminished by significant fluctuations in your weight. For this reason, individuals who are planning substantial weight loss would be advised to postpone a panniculectomy.
A panniculectomy cannot correct stretch marks, although these may be removed or somewhat improved if they are located on the areas of excess skin that will be excised.
A panniculectomy is surgery to remove excess fat and overhanging skin from the abdomen. People may opt for this procedure when significant weight loss leaves skin hanging down over the groin.
An abdominal panniculus is a layer of fatty tissue that is present in the lower abdominal area.
Also known as body contouring surgery, a panniculectomyTrusted Source involves changing the shape and contour of the body by removing excess skin and fat that hangs from the abdomen.
Many people may find fat below the bellybutton area, which they may refer to as a FUPA, to be the most difficult type of fat to lose. A person may require the procedure following significant weight loss, bariatric surgery, or pregnancy.
A large panniculus may affect a person’s life in several ways, potentially resulting in infections, rashes, and difficulty walking. If the area does not respond to dietary changes and exercise, a person may be a candidate for a panniculectomy.
In this article, we discuss the panniculectomy procedure, including what it involves, who may be a suitable candidate, and how it differs from a tummy tuck.