Could tightness & pulling be a symptom of tummy tuck failure 16 months post-op? (Photos)

Dear Ana090909,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what went 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

After a tummy tuck sometimes fat is redistributed inside the abdomen. Especially is you gain weight. This puts pressure on the inside of the abdomen causing symptoms like this in some cases. It may not be the reason I’m your case but you should check your weight and see if it has gone up since surgery.

The tightness and pulling you are experiencing are likely not indications that your muscle repair has failed. In many cases the rounded appearance of the abdomen is related to internal/visceral fat. This is the fat behind the abdominal wall and is only addressed through weight loss. It cannot be corrected via tummy tuck or liposuction. I encourage you to continue to discuss your concerns with your surgeon.

To assess the outcome of a cosmetic procedure we need to see standard before and after pictures. If you don’t have your before and after pictures then you should ask your surgeon to forward the ones they took.Bulging of the abdomen after a tummy tuck is rarely the result of muscle tightening failure and is much more likely to be excess visceral fat which may or may not have been present at the time of your surgery.
If you don’t know my memory then ask your surgeon how much you weighed at the time of your procedure and check your current weight.
If you’ve gained even a few pounds than that is the explanation which is The number one reason for patients bulging after this procedure.
Weight loss usually has a very positive response if the problem is visceral fat. It’s hard to speak on behalf of how the procedure was performed without seeing proper pictures.
Follow up with your provider or if you want a proper second opinion consultation schedule those as in person consultations so that you can have an examination which can easily differentiate if your muscle wall is tight and or if visceral fat is playing a role. For second opinion consultations patients should come well prepared by bringing copies of their before and after pictures as well as a copy of your operative report. Those are all part of your medical records and available to you upon request from your provider‘s office.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD