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Could the Doctor Have Done Better? Or is It my Bad Skin?

asked 1 year ago by Savanna9 in Washington State
Latest answer by Ricardo A. Meade, MD
Question viewed 625 times
Tags: bad, doctor, results, skin

Wanted to post again to say that I did go to a Board certified Dr.(a top Dr. in the area)I'm wondering what he did wrong? He said my fat is pooching out because my stretched skin isn't holding it in. He said he couldn't remove more of my stretch marked skin Because then their wouldn't be enough to close me up. So then did he not remove enough fat? Is this the fault of the Dr. or just my bad skin? I paid so much $$ even if I lost weight I'd still have hanging skin! Do I go to HIM for my revision?

12 answers to Could the Doctor Have Done Better? Or is It my Bad Skin?

Tummy Tuck Revision

The healing process from a tummy tuck takes at least 2-3 months. It is normal to have some bulging, particularly in the lower abdomen. You may find that as time goes by the bulging will improve. Having said that, it does appear that the bulge that you have is due to some excess fat in the skin above the scar line. This is not that uncommon though the degree of excess in your case is significant. Here's why that happens. The amount of fat in the middle of the abdomen is usually a... more

Adam Rubinstein, MD
Miami Plastic Surgeon

You may need to have revision

Your surgeon should revise it for you and you should pay for the surgery center and anesthesia. When you go to see your surgeon,please do not accuse him of not doing a good job,but ask him if he can do better. If he is happy with the result,then find another surgeon to give your better result. The problem is that you did not have liposuction above the incision area and the there is mismatch between the above the incision fat thickness and below the incision. The... more

Kamran Khoobehi, MD
New Orleans Plastic Surgeon

Tummy tuck problems

Hello again. I am glad you chose to go to a good doctor and I'll bet they aren't proud of the result you have so far. It is true that in most cases you cannot remove all of the stretch marked skin and that limits the results to some degree. But you should still look flat. The indented scar is causing the skin to roll over it and look like there is more extra still tha there actually may be. Two possibilities for why the scar looks indented is either... more

Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS
Seattle Plastic Surgeon

Tummy tuck result

It seems that your result may still have some removal that can be done. Sometimes we do that because patients have other medical issues and we don't want to push the envelope to the point where there's going to be a wound healing problem because there was so much tension. If that's not the case, you should definitely go back to your board certified plastic surgeon and surely he will help you reach the point you are looking for. As far as being a top doc,... more

Ricardo A. Meade, MD
Dallas Plastic Surgeon

www.DoctorMeade.com

Tummy Tuck Scar

You don't say exactly how far post op the photos are, but you will need to wait at least 3-4 months for the swelling to improve before rushing to judgment. That being said, I believe that your scar is a tad high and if things don't improve with further healing, I would consider a revision.

Mark Preston, MD
Columbus Plastic Surgeon

You need a revision tummy tuck

A tummy tuck is a safe and effective procedure to contour the abdomen, re-create a tight waist, and remove additional skin, fat, and stretch marks. After such a procedure, every patient must realize that there is a recovery process that always occurs. In your case it seems that you have extra fat and a little extra skin that is causing this bulge. To create the result that you want, your best bet is to approach your plastic surgeon and let him or her know about your concerns and ask... more

B. Pat Pazmino, MD
Miami Plastic Surgeon

www.miamiaesthetic.com

Tummy tuck revision

I agree with my colleagues that it is always difficult to tell fully from photos but it appears to me that you have a very "high" abdominoplasty incision that is very close to the belly button. It also appears that there is residual loose skin and fullness. I would always recommend waiting until at least 3 months and usually 6 months before considering a revision but it is certainly a conversation that you should have with your surgeon. Sometimes skin... more

James F. Boynton, MD
Houston Plastic Surgeon

www.BoyntonPlasticSurgery.com

Unhappy tummy tuck

It is always better to compare the pre and post-op photos. Be that as it may, if you are unhappy you should review things with your doctor, but you probably have to wait 6 months or more to revise it.

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Dissatisfied with tummy tuck (PHOTOS)

The timing of the picture is important as it may reflect how firm or adherent your scars are. If these are within the first 3 months after surgery, I would allow time for the results to settle and consdier revsiions between 4-6 months. Stay in close contact with your existing plastic surgeon who will most likely work to get you a better outcome.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Postoperative result

You will likely need a revision, however, it is imperative that you allow sufficient time for the swelling to improve and the scar tissue and skin to remodel. I have been surprised at how well the skin will contract with time, leaving less revision work to be done. A compressive garment will help with the swelling that often occurs in the lower abdomen. Make sure that whatever compressive garment you are wearing COVERS the bulging area. Garments will often... more

LaDawn Talbott, MD
Reno Plastic Surgeon

Excess skin after a tummy tuck

Your photos show that you either have residual excess skin or fat (or both ) after a tummy tuck. While the circumstances are different in all patients, we generally want a very flat abdomen after a tummy tuck. You did the right thing in seeking a board certified plastic surgeon. However, if you are not happy with the result you should discuss this with him and request a revision. I generally do not charge a revsion fee for my patients. If that surgeon is not... more

Delio Ortegon, MD
San Antonio Plastic Surgeon

www.sacs-sa.com

Difficult to say from the photos

I'm not sure how far after surgery the photos are ,but the fullness that you have above the scar could be residual excess fat or residual loose skin. I wouldcertainly talk with the surgeon who did your surgery, about revising this. I don't usually charge my patient's for a revision ,but that's between you and your surgeon. If you are only a few weeks postop, he will probably suggest waiting to see how things look at a minimum of three months.