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Will a Third Tummy Tuck Surgery Be Necessary?

asked 2 years ago by deedaydreamer in Anon
Latest answer by Tom J. Pousti, MD
Question viewed 1,234 times
Tags: bloating

On #1 abdominoplasty, I expected a full abdominoplasty w/MR, new belly button.. but all the surgeon did was pull everything down so my wrinkled belly button was still there but lower and I had a crevice between my belly button and my incision, looked like a butt crack in front. #2 surgery to fix the crevice and smooth it out but basically redid abdominoplasty w/MR. Stomach feels like my guts are crammed up under my breasts and sewed into place. At hysterectomy, GYN said I had metal staples in there?? When I have bloating, I bloat up under my breasts.

After two tummy tuck surgeries, it still doesn't feel right. Is there anything I can do to fix this?

22 answers to Will a Third Tummy Tuck Surgery Be Necessary?

+2

Third Tummy Tuck: Unusual

The complexity of your situation can not be addressed without review of your prior operative reports and even discussion with your surgeon, as well as consultation with you and physical exam. Sorry for your difficult experience.  Get the second (or third) opinion from a board certified plastic surgeon with a reputation for performing abdominoplasty.
Paul C. Zwiebel, MD

Denver Plastic Surgeon
+2

3rd tummy tuck would be unusual

It's unfortunate that your expectations were not met and/or the anticipated results were not made clear by your surgeon. You can end up with a small vertical incision between the belly button and the lower horizontal incision if you do not have enough skin that can be removed between the original belly button and the lower abdominal incision. Most surgeons will discuss this with you preoperatively, as another option is to "float" (or disconnect) the belly button stack... more
Anita Patel, MD

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon
+1

Revisionary Tummy tuck

Your case if very complex. You need to consult with a board certified plastic surgeon who specializes in tummy tuck surgeries and who can show you results as well as discuss your options with you "confidently". Really, you need someone to examine you - doing it online is not a good choice.
Tom J. Pousti, MD

San Diego Plastic Surgeon
+1

Looking for tummy tuck #3? Not the answer.

IT appears that you may need to undergo some muscle re-education and I would strongly encourage you to undertake a regimen of core strengthening exercises such as a Pilates type program. see video
Otto Joseph Placik, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+1

Abdominoplasty satisfaction

Abdominoplasty is one of the most sought after surgeries in plastics with one of the highest rates of patient satisfaction.  The best odds of achieving a great result are at the time of the primary procedure.  When revision or secondary work is involved it is complicated by scarring and altered anatomy.  Thus, it is extremely difficult to achieve excellent results.  Nevertheless, there is still hope that you can achieve your goals.  It would be wise to seek the... more
Jason R. Hess, MD

San Diego Plastic Surgeon
+1

Fixing tummy tuck

Your situation is complex.  Whether or not it can be improved is impossible to answer online.  Seek several opinions from Board Certified Plastic Surgeons experienced in abdominoplasty.
Steve Laverson, MD

San Diego Plastic Surgeon
+1

A third tummy tuck surgery is not typical.

You have had a very unfortunate series of events/surgeries.  From reading your information it sounds like your surgeon was to aware of what you wanted, and you were not aware of what your surgeon was planning.  It is very important to communicate well with your surgeon.  If for some reason this hasn't taken place on two occasions, you may want to seek another opinion to see if you can communicate better with another surgeon.
Richard H. Fryer, MD

Salt Lake City Plastic Surgeon
+1

Seek another opinion

It is impossible to tell what you might need to remedy your situation without a consultation in person.  But there may be options for you.
Carmen Kavali, MD

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon
+1

Tummy tuck revision

I am sorry to hear about your ordeal. It certainly sounds as though you had a "mini" tummy tuck first followed by an "full" abdominoplasty with muscle repair/plication second. With a muscle "repair" the goal is to return the rectus muscles to their youthful position (typically where they were before pregnancy). Care must be taken not to over-tighten the muscles. It sounds as though your issues are mainly with the plication. A revision is definitely possible and... more
David Bogue, MD

Boca Raton Plastic Surgeon
+1

Tummy Tuck revisions

Best option for you is to seek a second opinion.  Look for a board certified Plastic Surgeon who is known for his or her abdominoplasties.  Sounds like you should be properly examined to determine how a revision tummy tuck, if at all, would make you better.
Martin Jugenburg, MD

Toronto Plastic Surgeon
+1

Revision Tummy Tucks Are Possible

Fortunately, revision tummy tucks are possible, but the cure can be challenging.  Basically, in order to redo the work that it sounds like you had (I can't be sure) you may need to undergo a new and complete tummy tuck.  Sorry, but it sounds like that may be the best fix.
Thomas P. Sterry, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon
+1

Same patient. Two tummy tucks. Is a third in order? What happened?

Communication with your doctor is SO important.  When you don't like your belly, it is important to figure out why.  Is it: stretch marks? hanging skin? loose skin when you sit? the muffin top? wrinkling around the belly button? you look pregnant? loose muscles? is the problem mostly above the belly button? Below? You need to be very clear about what bothers you.  When you had your first surgery, a mini tummy tuck, it was never going to... more
Lauren Greenberg, MD

Palo Alto Plastic Surgeon
+1

Get a second opinion!

You have been through many surgeries already and if you are seeing the same surgeon, it might be time to have another surgeon take a look. Usually one tummy tuck does the trick. I would get a second opinion and see if it is safe to proceed with another surgery. Hopefully you will soon feel comfortable in your own skin.
Kimberly A. Henry, MD

Greenbrae Plastic Surgeon
+1

Consider another opinion

Your story is not atypical.  Sounds like you had a "mini-tummy tuck" first, then a "formal" abdominoplasty with muscle fascia repair and full correction.  No surprise you are feeling tighter. You have been through a lot of surgery already, and the last thing you should do is consider any further surgery at this time.  You should discuss your concerns with your surgeon.  If you have lost some confidence,  it may be best to  consider a... more
David J. Levens, MD

Coral Springs Plastic Surgeon
+1

If you're not satisfied aftery 2 tummy tucks, time to get another opinion.

Almost all properly performed abdominplasties (tummy tuck) get it right the first time.  I don't believe I have ever heard of anyone getting 3 operations without some major event (like pregnancy) creating new problems.  I think it's time for another opinion.
Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon
+1

Revision Surgery after Tummy Tuck

If you are still not satisfied, you should consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to assess if further corrections can be safely made. In some cases, some minor refinements can be made to improve the look and feel of your tummy tuck. However, once scars are created, they can only be refined and cannot be removed.
Ankit Desai, MD

Jacksonville Plastic Surgeon
+1

Two disappointing Tummy Tucks - Is a third in order

Truly sorry to hear of your predicament. The best time "to get things right" is usually the first time. Unfortunately, there is not much that CAN be done cosmetically after 2 Tummy Tucks in the vast majority of cases. By now, most of the loose skin has been removed and any corrections that require belly button relocation would probably result in permanent, visible scars. But - if you want to find out, go to www.PlasticSurgery.org and see if your Plastic surgeon if he is not a... more
Peter A. Aldea, MD

Memphis Plastic Surgeon
+1

Revision tummy tuck surgery

It is difficult to tell exactly what was done and what your current condition is. Revision tummy tucks are certainly possible. You need to be evaluated by an experienced plastic surgeon. Get copies of your prior operative reports and take them to another plastic surgeon for a second opinion.
Randy J. Buckspan, MD

Austin Plastic Surgeon
+1

Results after a revision in tummy tuck

As you have learned, the results from a tummy tuck may vary significantly. Your best bet is to be evaluated by a board-certified plastic surgeon who has a great deal of experience with icon touring and tummy tucks are experienced with body contouring and tummy tucks. They will be able to determine the amount of laxity you have in your tissues and how tight your muscle repair is. If you have enough laxity, you may be able to modify the appearance of your skin and scars. If you continue to... more
B. Pat Pazmino, MD

Miami Plastic Surgeon
+1

Three Tummy-Tucks?

It is rare for someone to undergo three abdominoplasties, but in your case it may be necessary.  If your abdiominal wall is too tight or restricted, then it may very well be that your intraabdominal contents do not have enough room.  when you eat or " bloat", the only place for the expanded intestines, stomach, etc. to go is up against your diaphram, putting pressure on your chest.  I would discuss this with your surgeon and see what they have to say.  You may... more
Christopher V. Pelletiere, MD

Barrington Plastic Surgeon
+1

Redo tummy tuck

It certainly is not common to have 2 or 3 abdominoplasties.  It would be difficult to say what you need without examining you.  It is also unusual for someone to use metal staples internally unless some permanent mesh was used or they applied clips to perforating blood vessels.
Steven Wallach, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

A third tummy tuck

If you are still unhappy with your results, then either you are looking for something that cannot be achieved (doesn't sound that way) or you may need to have a third procedure to try to correct the problem. Metal staples are sometimes used to tack "mesh" in place. Mesh is sometimes used to reinforce the repair of hernias or to reinforce the muscle repair during a tummytuck if your tissues are very weak. If you are unhappy, I would discuss this with your current surgeon and maybe... more
Daniel P. Markmann, MD

Baltimore Plastic Surgeon

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