This topic is about understanding the different appearances of stoma sites, specifically whether they are flat or protruding. People with a colostomy might notice that the area around their stoma can either be flush with the rest of their abdomen or form a raised mound. The discussion aims to find out how common each of these presentations is among patients.

Here are some insights and advice shared by others:

- One person mentioned that their stoma area has always formed a small hill, even though a medical check-up confirmed there was no hernia. They noted that it wasn't as flat as they had expected.

- A noticeable mound around the stoma can sometimes indicate a parastomal hernia. For instance, one member had a large protrusion, humorously referred to as an "ostomy boob," which was confirmed to be a hernia. They underwent surgery to repair it with reinforcing mesh, which flattened the area and reduced the risk of future hernias.

- If your stoma starts off flat and then begins to bulge, it's a good idea to schedule a medical review. This can help rule out or address any developing hernia.

- A significant protrusion can make it challenging to attach wafers or adhesives securely. In such cases, surgery to flatten the area might improve how well the appliance adheres.

- Many people report having permanent or developing mounds and consider them a common change after surgery. These are often humorously described as an "ostomy boob" or a "front-side backside." Some find emotional acceptance by viewing these changes as "life medals," which helps them cope better.