Redo Mini Tummy Tuck to correct Upper Abdominal area?

Hi there,

One week after Mini-Tummy Tuck to correct diastasis, PS removed 450 cc's and minimal skin, but I am left with the odd upper-abodminal area looking not as tight as the lower abs. The procedure was performed endoscopically with sutures all the way up the abdomen. At my fifth-day visit, the doctor's first words were "this is unacceptable"...The two options were that: 1) it was just swelling and it will decrease or 2) worst case scenario the issue was worse than he thought and would have to perform a full procedure. Can anyone offer advice or suggestions here?

Sort: Date | Helpful

9 answers to “Redo Mini Tummy Tuck to correct...”

A: Mini Tummy Tuck Scar

By Raffy Karamanoukian, MD - Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon

Patients with mini tummy tucks may still have residual upper abdominal contour that will require additional correction using a more definitive abdominoplasty technique. The second procedure is less complicated because there is already some degree of lower abdominal plication. Discuss these with your plastic... more

A: A number of possibilities for Mini Tummy Tuck redo

By Robin T.W. Yuan, MD - Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

Of course this is all conjecture without true facts regarding your pre-op condition, your actual surgery, and what you exactly mean be "odd" upper abdominal area. But a couple of general comments: 450cc's of fat is a relatively moderate amount of fat and if most of this was in the upper... more

A: Endoscopic Tummy Tuck

By Daniel Reichner, MD - Orange County Plastic Surgeon

It sounds like your surgeon was not pleased with the early results. I am not a fan of endoscopic tummy tucks - especially if combined with a mini-abdominoplasty. In operations where suturing and skin flap advancement are critical, the endoscopic approach, in my opinion, is not a good idea. ... more

A: Mini tummy tuck revision should wait

By Peter E. Johnson, MD - Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Dear Confusedinca, From the comments of your surgeon in California it sounds like the verdict is not out. It can be hard to tell at five days if your are experiencing swelling, or is the skin and tissue in the upper abdomen bunching or showing through the muscle plication performed underneath. Your doctor... more

A: Unfortunately, I think you will need a full abdominoplasty

By George J. Beraka, MD - Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Hi, confusedinca! Of course, you should not do anything for 6 months, and I don't exactly know what you look like. But I think I can picture your appearance in my mind, because I have seen at least a dozen patients in this situation. The mini tummy tuck has real limitations, and is not good for many... more

A: Upper abdominal swelling after Tummy Tuck is usually excess skin or muscle bulge

By Brooke R. Seckel, MD - Boston Plastic Surgeon

Dear confused, It is early and hopefully swelling will resolve and you will get better. In my experience, when I have had a patient with persistant swelling above the umbilicus or belly button, it has been because the upper abdominal muscles were not adequately repaired and continued to bulge in marked... more

A: Too soon to judge the outcome of your Tummy Tuck

By Michael Chiaramonte, MD - Washington DC Plastic Surgeon

It is too soon to make a judgement regarding your outcome. One possibility is that when the muscle separation was repaired that it caused the skin to bunch in the midline. Most of the time, liposuction will allow the skin to spread out and appear even after time. Continue to wear a garment and give... more

A: Patience

By Scott E. Kasden, MD - Dallas Plastic Surgeon

First, you did not post photos, so no one can really give you meaningful advice about a procedure. What I can tell you is that one week after a procedure is way too early to pronounce it a success or failure. This goes for almost all operations. This is very difficult to live with when you are anxious, as... more

A: You will need to wait at least a month

By Kamran Khoobehi, MD - New Orleans Plastic Surgeon

You may have too much swelling, but if the result is not acceptable to your doctor, you may be better of to have redo surgery early than late. The most common cause for your situation is that rectus muscle was not repaired correctly.

Comments

confusedinc
2 posts
5 Feb 2009

Thank you for the quick responses. I will post post-op photos soon. One follow-up, if, in six months or at the appropriate time, am I looking at a full TT?

Post your question

Email to friend