Should I Have a Tummy Tuck Revision? Doctor Answers, Tips
Tummy Tuck Revision: Q&A
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Should I Have a Tummy Tuck Revision?

I had a FTT in July 2010. I had a seroma after the drains were removed. It was drained by needle aspiration x 3 weeks. Then I developed an abscess that had to be I&D'd. Now I have a bulge right above the incision and I'm scheduled for a abdominalplasty and flank lipectomy at the end of this week. Just curious if it's worth it. I don't want anymore complications and wondering what could have caused the bulge. My weight has stayed the same. No more than a -5 pound difference.

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Update: Recently I posted a question as to whether or not I should have a tummy tuck revision as well as lipo to my flanks and back. Several MD's responded with great advice. I went ahead with the procedure on 6/10 and so far happy with results. Thank you so much for your time and advice. It is greatly appreciated and nice to be able to get a second opinion when you have had a long surgical journey such as mine and are anxious to go under the knife yet again.

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bulging seroma female candidate
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9 Doctor Answers | Asked by pumpkin258 in Vista, CA
+2

Tummy tuck revision after seroma and abscess

Thank you for the photos. You have a bulge just above your suprapubic incision and it is difficult to know without an examination if this is residual fat or you developed a bursa (a pocket where the seroma was and this prevented the abdominal flap from healing down to the fascia or muscle cover. If it is excess fat, than simple liposuction will correct the problem. If it is a serous pocket, than you would need the incision opened up partially, the lining of the seroma pocket removed, or... more
+1

Reasons to undergo a tummy tuck revision with liposuction rather than scar revision

Tummy tuck liposuction is a procedure that has become more and more common in my Beverly Hills plastic surgery practice. Patients who have undergone a tummy tuck by another surgeon may wish to have certain parts of their tummy tuck corrected. In this particular case, i would recommend a tailored liposuction sculpting procedure to improve contour without invasive surgery.
+1

Revision Tummy Tuck

Thank you for your question. I hope your second surgery went well and that you are happy with the results. Make sure you give yourself time to heal. Best Wishes!

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+1

Tummy Tuck Revision?

Prior to the year 2010, my answer would have been yes. Today, I perform a drainless tummy tuck procedure called progressive tension abdominoplasty. This approach to a tummy tuck as you can see requires no drains. In someone who had a seroma in the past, I would use this approach since the old approach did't work. If your surgeon is versed in this new technique you should have your revision. The drainless approach eliminates the dead space under the flap and although it is not a sure fire... more
+1

You will get better result with revision

You have extra fatty tissue and scar over the incision line. The scar is pulled down and will need revision. You will need liposuction and scar revision .
+1

Tummy tuck revision can be worth it

The extra bulge is a rounding up of the lower flap from the seroma, and will do very nicely with revision of the scar and removal of the small remaining skin excess. The risk of complication is much lower by comparison and the improvement in contour for the relatively small effort will be worth the revision.Best of luck, peterejohnsonmd
+1

Scar revision after tummy tuck

The infection could have caused some scar tissue which can contract resulting in your bulge. I believe you could use a revision of your tummy tuck scar, and possibly some liposuction of the lower abdomen and flanks. I am not sure that a flankplasty would be of much benefit. As mentioned, you need to go over this thoroughly with your surgeon.
+1

Should I Have a Tummy Tuck Revision?

Based upon your posted photos I would recommend a revision of the scar. Either under local anesthesia or local + sedation. Best of luck.
+1

Revision abdominoplasty

Seromas are, unfortunately, a not uncommon problem after abdominoplasty. It appears you are a good candidate for a revision, and it should be a much lesser operation than your original surgery. Do you need a flankplasty? Usually that would be reserved for loose skin in the flank area, where you do not appear to have much loose skin. Discuss carefully with your surgeon. You might benefit from liposuction in a few spots as well.
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Comments (1)

lilyflower00 21 Aug 2012
I am 5 weeks post op and this is ME!!!! My lower stomach looks EXACTLY like this! I am afraid it is a serom but my ps refuses to drain it and keeps putting me on tighter and tighter girdles. The girdles work but, not enough. Not to get me completely flat not even first thing in the morning. I am afraid that the seroma will not be address and I will end up having to have a revision which will cost more money!!! I can think of better things I'd like to do than pay for a revision! How can I talk to my doctor and get him to listen. It has been 5 weeks, I am tired, I am still sore, I am still in pain! and it is so depressing not to have the outcomes I expected after so much money, time, effort, pain & suffering!

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