Am I botched? Is this my final result? (Photo)

Question

I’m a 38-year-old female who is 5 foot one and weighs about 143 pounds. I had a tummy tuck done in April 20 24 so I am about eight months post operation. I had lost about 90 pounds before my tummy tuck and I’m wondering if this is as good as it’s gonna get. I feel like I was left with a big stomach and just want to confirm whether or not I have been botched or is this not the final result? My biggest concern is the bump or pooch below my belly button. I have attached two pictures if it helps.

Ozge Ergun, MD · Answer

It appears that the previous procedure resulted in insufficient skin and fat tissue removal. A revision tummy tuck is recommended to achieve optimal results. This will include VASER liposuction, excess skin removal, and the creation of a new belly button. These refinements will help achieve a smoother, tighter, and more contoured appearance."

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

Dear Enthusiastic,

Thank you for sharing your pictures. This is not a good result. I'm sorry to say that. The most effective action you can take now is to revisit this with your original surgeon. If you find it explanations or proposed strategies are unsatisfactory I would see second opinions from board-certified Plastic Surgeon.

I wish you the best.

Sincerely,

Earl Stephenson, Jr, MD, DDS, MBA

ESJ Aesthetics

Chet Mays, MD · Answer

Thank you for your inquiry!   Sometimes a seroma can form and cause the skin to stretch.  We would love to meet with you to discuss your options.  Schedule a consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon to help you reach your goals.

Arif Eroglu, MD · Answer

Hello
I would suggest getting an ultrasound first. This will help determine whether the swelling is caused by fat accumulation or fibrosis that developed as a result of a seroma. If it's excess fat, it can be treated with Vaser liposuction. However, if it's fibrosis, surgery might be necessary.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Enthusiastic691,

I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what is wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.

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

Stefan Mark Szczerba, MD · Answer

From what I can see, the scar seems a little close to the umbilicus. With significant skin laxity the skin may be difficult to tailor.  The lateral view does reveal a fullness that would expect to be relatively easy to correct.  I would sit down with your surgeon, review your preoperative (and postoperative) photos and discuss options on how to best optimize this. I have seen result like this, but usually performed by the general surgeon as a panniculectomy.

Rajaie Hazboun, MD, MBA · Answer

Thank you for posting your question here!My answer will be based on the limited information and pictures provided, for a detailed and personalized plan please consult with your plastic surgeon.I am sorry that you are dealing with this issue . the fullness at the lower part of your abdomen is unlikely to resolve by now , not having the advantage of a physical exam i cannot determine the exact cause of the fullness it could be retained fat/skin or a seroma ...etc, imaging studies can be helpful in making that determination , once that is made the issue can be addressed .I hope that helps, best of luck!

Ira H. Rex III, MD · Answer

It seems you may need a revision to achieve your final goals.  That fullness is either excess fat or perhaps a persistent seroma.  This should be straightforward to determine with a physical examination.  If you can except the rest of your results, you could probably eliminate the extra central fullness with a relatively small procedure.  It would probably take general anesthesia.

Farbod Esmailian, MD · Answer

Although we don't have the benefit of seeing your preop views, I would have to say the bulge that you have is not normal and should be investigated.  Some kind of imaging study will help determine what needs to be done at this point.  I would recommend an Ultrasound or CT scan to delineate what the bulge is from.
I would say at this point that there is a high likelihood you may need another surgery to improve things.

Hope that helps.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You may have some excess fluid present. go back to your surgeon and ask for an ultrasound to see if it is present. if it is, it can be drained. If it is not fluid, it could be fat which can be treated with liposuction. Liposuction cannot be done safely in that area at the time of the tuck.

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