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Wrinkled Skin After Mini Tummy Tuck and Liposuction

asked 3 years ago by Cori in Poteau, Oklahoma
Latest answer by Raj S. Ambay, MD
Question viewed 11,913 times
Tags: wrinkles, post-op

I had surgery 8 1/2 weeks ago (2/13/09): mini Tummy Tuck with muscle repair (hernia) and Liposuction. The surgeon did not use drains. I started out 118 lbs, 5'6", 28 years old. My surgeon said that there is a "50/50" chance the wrinkles will go away. The surgeon did not move my belly button. I am really concerned about the way I look. I expected to have a nice, smooth, flat tummy after surgery. My side view also still shows a bulge.

12 answers to Wrinkled Skin After Mini Tummy Tuck and Liposuction

+4

Wrinkled skin after Mini Tummy Tuck and Liposuction

Dear Cori , I am SURE I will not be the only one who would state that you would have been a PERFECT case for a full abdominoplasty. It would have removed much of the damaged, stretch marked covered lower tummy skin, TOTALLY flattened the tummy and, depending on the technique utilized, if a High-Lateral Tension (Lockwood) abdominoplasty would have been done your upper thigh cellulite dimples could have been flattened by the SAME procedure. Instead, doing a Mini tummy tuck, once again... more
Peter A. Aldea, MD

Memphis Plastic Surgeon
+3

Full or mini tummy tuck?

In my opinion, the mini tummy talk is an operation that produces very limited results and is very rarely indicated. It involves a shorter incision but does not address the majority of the abdominal wall issues present for most patients who present consultation. For example, the area of skin excised is quite small. The abdominal wall musculature is addressed below the umbilicus leaving the upper number wall potentially lax. The appearance of the umbilicus is not necessarily... more
Tom J. Pousti, MD

San Diego Plastic Surgeon
+1

Mini tummy tuck vs traditional tummy tuck

Based on your photograph, I would have recommended a full tummy tuck. Your stretch marks go above the belly button and the only way to remove it is to relocate the belly button and remove the skin above the belly button. You should see your surgeon to address your concerns. Opn communication is very important in these situations.
Raj S. Ambay, MD

Tampa Plastic Surgeon
+1

Wrinkled Skin After Mini Tummy Tuck and Liposuction

Thank you for your question. Based on your picture, it looks like you had excess skin and stretch marks that extended above the umbilicus. Therefore, a mini tummy tuck was probably not your best option. A full tummy tuck would have gotten rid of all the loose skin and most of the stretch marks. Could have done a full muscle repair done as well. This would have given you a flat abdomen.
Rigo Mendoza, MD

Tampa Plastic Surgeon
+1

Mini-tummy tuck

I would agree with the comments already listed and perhaps a full abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) would have been a better option for you. Wait until you are about four months post-op and schedule an evaluation with your board certified plastic surgeon. Best wishes!
Christine Sullivan, MD

Columbus Plastic Surgeon
+1

Tummy tuck

It sounds like you really needed a full tummy tuck to make the abdomen flatter and to remove most of the stretch marks.
Steven Wallach, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Bikini Tummy Tuck

Scar placement  a great looking belly button and superior liposculpture are the keys to a successful tummy tuck. Lots of patients opt for mini surgery and end up with mini results. Don't lose hope. You can still get the results you want.
Jose M. Soler-Baillo, MD

Miami Plastic Surgeon
+1

Mini tumy tuck is not right for most patients

You clearly have residual skin laxity above the belly button. It also appears that your surgeon moved your upper abdominal tissues toward the midline during closure- and this results in vertical wrinkles that usually smooth out with time. Bottom line- you needed a full tummy tuck but opted for the mini TT. No reason why you ould not have a full TT in a few months and vastly improve your results. You have a very nive figure hiding under all of the loose tummy skin.
Scott Sattler, MD

Bellevue Plastic Surgeon
+1

Wrinkled skin after Mini tummy tuck with liposuction

When performing a mini tummy tuck with liposuction, it is crucial that the surgeon carefully evaluate the quantity and quality of your abdominal skin. If you have loose skin or stretch marks, these are important signs that you will have excess sagging after a mini tummy tuck with liposuction if this skin is not removed sufficiently or closed appropriately. At this stage, your best bet is to wait for your final results after the healing process has completed at 6 to 8 months. At that... more
B. Pat Pazmino, MD

Miami Plastic Surgeon

www.miamiaesthetic.com

+1

Wrinkled skin post Liposuction and Mini Tummy Tuck

Since you are only two and a half months post-surgery, the excess skin you notice may continue to improve over the next few months. Whenever a patient is concerned with his or her post-operative appearance, I recommend having an in-depth conversation with the surgeon about what can be anticipated with long-term results and what can be done to address any concerns. If questions aren’t fully answered, a patient can always seek a second opinion. A full tummy tuck is a viable option to... more
Scott W. Mosser, MD

San Francisco Plastic Surgeon
+1

A full tummy tuck will restore your abdomen

You have a great figure but a lot of stretch mark damaged lower abdominal skin, which is notoriously unpredictable in its contractile ability after liposuction. If your objective is to have a "nice, smooth flat tummy", muster the courage to have a full tummy tuck. The length of the scar is only slightly longer but the aesthetic results will be more sustained and compatible with your objectives. Good luck.
Lavinia Chong, MD

Orange County Plastic Surgeon
+1

Mini tummy tuck versus full tummy tuck

It is difficult to say at this point because skin typically takes a minimum of 4 months to contract. However, based on your current appearance and your relatively low set umbilicus, it is my impression and opinion that you could have an excellent result with a full tummy tuck.
Otto Joseph Placik, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

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