Loose muscle and skin and distended stomach 10 years after tummy tuck - What procedure can correct this? (Photos)

Question

Hi there, I have been slender my whole life, but after carrying a 10lb baby, there was a lot of loose skin and muscle left behind. After a year, my physician told me that I would need a tummy tuck in order to restore my stomach. They recommended a surgeon to me, and unfortunately, I was botched. After the procedure, the surgeon informed me that she should've used an internal mesh. It has been about 10 years since then, but I am steal dealing with repercussions. What would you recommend you correct this? I have loose muscle and skin, and a distended stomach. Thank you.

Mert Demirel, MD · Answer

After a prior tummy tuck, a distended abdomen can come from several causes: recurrent muscle separation, abdominal wall laxity, a hernia, visceral/internal abdominal pressure, loose skin, scar tethering, or residual fat. The first step is to identify which of these is actually present.
If the main problem is loose skin, a revision tummy tuck or scar revision may help. If the main problem is loose muscle or recurrent diastasis, then revision muscle repair may be needed. Mesh is sometimes used in selected cases of significant fascial weakness or hernia, but it is not automatically required for every tummy tuck revision.
Because this has been present for many years, I would recommend updated imaging, such as an abdominal wall ultrasound or CT scan, especially if there is true bulging or weakness. This helps determine whether there is a hernia, failed plication, or abdominal wall laxity.
Revision tummy tuck surgery is more complex than a first-time tummy tuck because of scar tissue and altered blood supply. It should be done by a plastic surgeon experienced in abdominal wall revision, and sometimes in coordination with a general surgeon if mesh or hernia repair is needed.
My advice would be to bring your old operative report, current photos, and any imaging to a revision specialist. The correction may involve skin revision, repeat muscle repair, liposuction, mesh reinforcement, or a combination, but the right plan depends on whether the problem is skin, muscle, fascia, hernia, or internal abdominal fullness.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear whateverlolgeez,

it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.

Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

First you need to be checked for excess intra-abdominal fat that would prevent flattening of your abdominal wall though. If that's the case, you'll need a GLP-1 agonist receptor drug like semaglutide or tirzepatide to loose that excess fat.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Based on the information provided and your photos you would need to consider a revision to your tummy tuck.  The abdominal wall repair would need to be redone.  Bioabsorbable mesh can be added if needed to further support the repair.  The best place to begin is a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon near you.  I've included a video I hope you find helpful.

Loose muscle and skin and distended stomach 10 years after tummy tuck - What procedure can correct this? (Photos)

Answers (4)

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