Liposuction after tummy tuck? (Photo)

Thank you for your question regarding the persistent and worsening bulge in your upper abdomen following a tummy tuck performed nine years ago. Based on your description and the photos you provided, there are several potential causes for this issue, each requiring a different approach.

Firstly, I would recommend undergoing an ultrasound to determine the exact cause of the bulging. This diagnostic tool can help us understand whether the bulge is due to:

Failed Muscle Repair: Over time, the sutures used in muscle repair can loosen or break, especially if subjected to strain or weight changes. This could cause the abdominal muscles to separate again, leading to a bulge.

Visceral Fat: Liposuction would be ineffective if the bulge is due to an increase in visceral fat, which is the fat surrounding internal organs. In this case, weight loss through diet, exercise, and possibly weight loss medications like Zepbound could be beneficial.
Suppose the ultrasound shows that the bulge is due to failed muscle repair. In that case, a revision tummy tuck might be necessary to re-tighten the abdominal wall and ensure a more lasting correction. Although you preferred avoiding another tummy tuck, this might be the most effective way to address significant structural issues with the abdominal wall.

Regarding liposuction, if the bulge is primarily from subcutaneous fat, particularly around the flanks, liposuction could indeed help in contouring these areas and might be combined with any necessary revision surgery to optimize the overall aesthetic outcome.

Given the complexity of your situation, I strongly recommend discussing these options with a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in revision procedures. They can provide a tailored approach based on the specific findings from your ultrasound and your previous surgical history.

I hope this guidance helps you take the next steps toward resolving this issue and achieving the abdominal contour you desire.

Sincerely,

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FASMBS, FICS
Plastic and Aesthetic Surgeon

Hi, thank you for sharing your question. In order to answer this question, we have to determine whether this is from subcutaneous fat, muscle separation or visceral fat protrusion. A formal examination would help elucidate this and help us come up with the proper plan.

Thank you for submitting your question and including photos! You would be a great candidate for liposuction of the upper abdomen as that would decrease fullness. I recommend scheduling a consult with a board certified plastic surgeon like myself so we can create a surgical plan based on your goals.

Dear Herniamomma,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. In some cases liposuction after TT can help improve the results. 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, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Hello; If you have gained weight and have visceral fat; after abdominoplasty and muscle repair; you need to lose weight. This much; you can simply distinguish. While in a sitting position; when you bend forward in order to tie your shoes; are you out of breath? If it is being cut; you have internal fat and first of all, you need to lose weight. Sometimes, muscle repair may not have been done properly or the muscles are too weak; stitches that are placed inside for muscle repair; tearing muscles; can relax. Therefore, swelling in the abdomen; can edit. With CT; is there any opening between your rectus muscles; can be also detected. If there is diastasis in the abdominal muscles; addition to muscle repair; it may be necessary to use mesh.

Hello, my name is Dr Burko, and I am a Plastic Surgeon at SY Aesthetics in NYC. It's possible that you have recurrent rectus diastasis after your previous surgery. This can be due to weight gain or pregnancy after your original tummy tuck. It's best to see a plastic surgeon for a consultation to determine your best treatment plan. If you have rectus diastasis, then liposuction alone will not flatten your abdomen.

If you squeeze the abdominal wall horizontally above the umbilicus, you can determine how much fat you have there. It is possible that liposuction can thin the area. However, if the cause is not excess fat and the cause is excess bulging this may reflect that at the time of your tummy tuck they did not place sutures high enough or plicate enough of it to create the flatness you desired.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Difficult to diagnose your bulge by photos. It may be that excess fat was left here after the tummy tuck (can treat with liposuction), or the fascial plication has separated (needs tummy tuck). Perhaps it's a little of both, and liposuction may provide enough improvement that you can be at peace with your appearance. Good luck!

Based on these photos it is very likely that liposuction of the abdomen would give you desired improve. In person consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon is recommended. Good luck.

The upper stomach almost always needs to be liposuctioned after a tummy tuck since the tummy tuck only addresses the lower abdomen in most cases. That is why it is often best to do the liposuction 1st over the whole abdomen and sides and get bodytiteRF and morpheus done with it so most patients then won't need a tummy tuck at all.