Tummy Tuck Results Lacking Definition

asked 3 years ago by jcr54321 in Cheyenne, WY
Latest answer by Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Question viewed 2,036 times
Tags: plastic surgery

I am 6 months out from a full abdominoplasty and my stomach doesn't look the way I thought it would (even though it is way better than it was!).

My belly button is very flat and oval (with the long axis sideways and not up and down), is surrounded by a dark pink ring except in a few spots, which are white.

Even though I work out religiously, I don't have any kind of definition -- I envisioned those vertical lines going through the belly button and on either side. Is this due to me or surgeon or both?

I had a great surgeon but what are the reasons that it doesn't look the way I was hoping?

10 answers to Tummy Tuck Results Lacking Definition

Different types of Tummy tucks

The older version of a tummy tuck does not allow for liposuction of the abdominal wall at the same time as the tummy tuck without great risk to the outcome. The High Lateral Tension Abdomenoplasty yields a great result with a vertical oriented belly button. Further, it allows us to liposuction and contour the abdomenal wall and flanks to create a beautiful hourglass figure. Also - no dog ears.

Robert M. Freund, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon

Adjust your expectations, and talk with your surgeon

Hi- What you are experiencing is not uncommon after a tummy tuck, and has a lot to do with the anatomic differences between individual patients, and possibly in the finer details of technique. It sounds like your procedure was well done, but it just didn't go quite as far to improve your shape as you might have liked. I think this has more to do with your expectations than it does your surgeon's skill or technique, though. A tummy tuck is designed to remove excess skin, restore the... more

Armando Soto, MD
Orlando Plastic Surgeon

www.DrArmandoSoto.com

Tummy tuck results not what expected

I would agree with Dr. Aldea in that it is generally our goal to satisfy our patients and achieve satisfactory result. Having said that, this is not always possible and we will work with our patients towards that goal. Discuss your concerns with your surgeon and what can be done to optimize the outcome. see video

Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

It takes many months to heal completely after a tummy tuck.

Even though you are months out from your operation, the healing process in continuing. There might be some adjustments that can be made to improve your results but this is unknown at the present time. Be patient and you can expect improvement over the next year.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD
Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

Unrealistic Tummy Tuck Expectation

Nothing is more disappointing to a Plastic surgeon than an unhappy or unsatisfied patient. The foundation to Plastic Surgery satisfaction rests on educating patients on what an operation can and cannot achieve. The surgeon-patient relation should be one of mutual respect and cooperation where the patient understands what is achievable. With Tummy Tuck surgery, the abdominal muscles are tightened and flattened and the excess low tummy skin is removed BUT the fat under the tummy skin... more

Peter A. Aldea, MD
Memphis Plastic Surgeon

Definition After a Tummy Tuck

To create more definition in the abdomen, I recommend a high lateral tension tummy tuck. This technique utilizes internal sutures to repair separated muscles and pull the waist in like a natural corset. Liposuction is also often performed on the abdomen and flanks to help achieve the desired results.

Tarick K. Smaili, MD
Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

How to fix tummy tuck results without definition

Tummy tucks are extremely popular and effective way to contour the abdomen. In our practice, we always perform liposuction during every tummy tuck. This allows us to remove excess fat that we would not be able to reach with a tummy tuck alone and also helps us improve the contour and shape of the abdomen. We try to avoid abdomens that are as flat as a wall because this is not a natural result. If you like to improve the contour and shape of your abdomen, your best bet is to work with a... more

B. Pat Pazmino, MD
Miami Plastic Surgeon

www.miamiaesthetic.com

Abdominal contour

I am sorry that you are not happy with your tummy tuck. Perhaps the expectations of your surgery were not gone over that well with you beforehand. Definition can sometimes be brought out with liposuction. The redness of the scars takes a while to settle down.

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Definition can be improved with Vaser and LipoLite

A full tummy tuck helps to reshape the abdominal wall and reinforce any weakness in the abdominal wall. Definition in the flanks can be achieved with liposuction and skin tightening. I use a combination of Vaser liposuction and laser assisted lipo with the LipoLite. On the front of the stomach, definition can be enhanced with the same technologies but not at the same time as the abdominoplasty. Ultimately, a six pack look is not a realistic goal after a tummy tuck. The shape of... more

Talmage J. Raine, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Preoperative Communication is the Key

The reason is fat. Tummy tucks are great for removing the pannus or the tissue that overhangs. Unfortunately, very little fat can be removed without significantly compromising the blood supply to the skin. It sounds like you want the "six-pack" look. This requires that very little fat overlies the abdominal muscles. Keep exercising and losing weight and you'll get the look. However, some women genetically hold onto abdominal fat. If this is you, you may need to go back for... more