Mini Tummy Tuck: Q&A
Ask a QuestionWrinkled Skin After Mini Tummy Tuck and Liposuction
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.
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14 Doctor Answers |
Asked by
SilliGirl
in Poteau, Oklahoma
+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...
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+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...
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+1
In general, after 8 ½ weeks most of the swelling has resolved.
You have reason to be concerned. In general, after 8 ½ weeks most of the swelling has resolved. If you still have wrinkles, they may not go away on their own. Unfortunately, mini tummy tucks allow for removal of only a limited amount of skin. If there was considerable skin excess before surgery, a full abdominoplasty might have been recommended. You should discuss a time table for revision with your surgeon. Don't expect gradual improvement to continue after 3 or 4 months.
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Red Bank General 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.
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.
+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!
+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.
+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.
+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.
These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.
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