Tummy Isn't Flat 3 Years Post-Op. Why?

asked 1 year ago by San Antonio in San Antonio
Latest answer by Peter A. Aldea, MD
Question viewed 365 times
Tags: 3 years post-op, bulging, flat

I Had a Tummy Tuck in June 2007 my Tummy is Still Not Flat I Look Pregnant and Feels Tight. the doctor says its fat behind the muscle pushing it out, Is that true?

9 answers to Tummy Isn't Flat 3 Years Post-Op. Why?

Tummy Isn't Flat 3 Years Post-Op. Why?

Regarding: "Tummy Isn't Flat 3 Years Post-Op. Why? I Had a Tummy Tuck in June 2007 my Tummy is Still Not Flat I Look Pregnant and Feels Tight. the doctor says its fat behind the muscle pushing it out, Is that true?" Sorry to hear of your predicament. It is sad when after all the discomfort and money spent you cannot have the look you thought you paid for. Unfortunately, this happens all too commonly when the patients expectations go beyond the abilities of the... more

Peter A. Aldea, MD
Memphis Plastic Surgeon

Belly fat and tummy tuck

WIthout photos or an exam I really can't be sure. Sometimes patients have a lot intrperitoneal fat that can not be treated by a tummy tuck but contributes to fullness.

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Belly still big after tummy tuck

This is called visceral fat and the abdomen this is primarily located in the omentum. This fat is not treated by a tummy tuck. You may find that you can improve or enhance the results of your tummy tuck by performing core strenghtening exercises. see video

Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Abdominal shape after a tummy tuck

An abdominoplasty or tummy tuck only addresses the fat that sits on top of the muscle and under the dermis. Even after tightening of the rectus muscle, the overall shape of the abdomen is based on an individuals organs and the amount of visceral fat around those organs. It is important for your plastic surgeon to discuss the realistic expectations for every procedure you undergo. I hope this helps. Kindest regards, Neil J. Zemmel

Neil J. Zemmel, MD
Richmond Plastic Surgeon

Tummy Tuck Results

Tummy tuck is one of the most satisfying procedures in plastic surgery. Nevertheless, there are limitations. Intraabdominal fat (fat around your bowels and internal organs) can only be addressed by weight loss. A tummy tuck will tighten lax skin and fascia (the tissue that encloses the muscle). It will not flatten a protuberent abdomen due to excess intraabdominal fat. But the flat abdomen you seek is attainable through diet and exercise. Good luck... more

Jason R. Hess, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon

Intraabdominal Fat post tummy tuck

It seems as though you have a problem with intra-abdominal fat. This fat is immersed around your bowels and digestive organs. Liposuction or Tummy tuck can do nothing to cure this. If this type of fat is noticed during a preoperative exam, it is important to discuss that the intra-abdominal fat wil not be cured by a surgical procedure. A tummy tuck can still be beneficial in removing extra skin and contouring the waistline. The... more

Paul S. Gill, MD
Houston Plastic Surgeon

Persistent Abdominal Protuberance after Tummy Tuck

If your belly seems bloated, protuberant, and relatively firm, then intraabdominal distention is the likely cause. This can often be recognized preoperatively, so that a patient undergoing tummy tuck surgery has realistic expectations. There is no way to flatten the muscle layer with sutures if there is a strong force pushing outward, which is seen when fat accumulates within the abdomen. Weight loss is the only way to improve this condition.

Hayley Brown MD
Henderson Plastic Surgeon

Little Change After Tummy Tuck

This could be true but that should have been discussed in your consultation. The limitations of any operation should be thoroughly discussed with patients prior to any operation. This helps patients understand what is to be expected. Visit with several other board certified plastic surgeons to get opinions. Dr. ES

Earl Stephenson Jr., MD, DDS
Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

Round tummy after a tummy tuck

If you still look round after a TT but also feel tight, I'd agree with your doctor that they have done all they can and that you have fat inside the abdomen (visceral fat, central obesity) that is pushing out on the muscles. Only weight loss can fix this, not surgery.