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

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

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.

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!

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.