I had a tummy tuck 8 months ago. My stomach doesn't look flat. What went wrong?

I'm sorry to hear that your tummy tuck experience has been challenging and that the results haven't met your expectations. It's essential to recognize that each person's body responds differently to surgery, and the healing process can vary.

A few factors may contribute to the appearance of your abdomen not being as flat as you expected. The development of a seroma can potentially affect the final outcome of your tummy tuck, especially if it persisted for an extended period, as in your case. Although the fluid has resolved, it may have caused changes in the tissues that have led to a less-than-desired outcome.

Another possibility could be related to your abdominal muscles. If your surgeon didn't repair or tighten your abdominal muscles during the tummy tuck, it could contribute to a less flat appearance. Additionally, factors such as weight fluctuations or scar tissue formation can also affect the final result.

It's crucial to discuss your concerns with your plastic surgeon, who will be able to evaluate your specific situation and provide insight into what may have contributed to the outcome. They may recommend additional treatments or revisions if necessary to help you achieve your desired results.

Remember, it's essential to have open communication with your surgeon and express your feelings and concerns. They are there to support and guide you through this journey.

Thank you for your question, and I wish you the best of luck in finding the answers you seek and achieving the results you desire.

Sincerely, Dr. Katzen

Dear Kind498001,
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

Thank you for sharing your question. Unfortunately it is impossible to comment without photographs or an in-person examination of your tissues. I would voice your concerns to your surgeon to get the best information.

I am sorry you are unhappy with your results. When assessing your results it is important to compare to preop photos. Without photos from before or after it is impossible to assess the areas that are bothering you to offer any advice. You should review your photos with your surgeon and discuss your areas of concern.

I'm sorry you are unhappy with your results. It is impossible to comment without photos or an examination. I encourage you to visit with your surgeon to discuss your concerns.

It is difficult to answer your question without pictures or a consultation. You are always encouraged to consult a board certified plastic surgeon in order to create the best surgical plan and have a safe surgery. For revision surgeries, this is even more important as these tend to be more complicated. A Skype or FaceTime consultation with a tummy tuck specialist will help you get an accurate recommendation and pricing.

Respectfully,
Arian Mowlavi MD, FACS
Realself 100 Hall of Fame Inductee

Without seeing pictures there’s no way we can even begin to make an assessment on the outcome of your procedure. At a minimum we need to see quality before and after pictures. If you don’t have those then you should ask your surgeon to forward the ones they took.

Obviously the first thing to do it if you have concerns about the outcome of your procedure is to follow up with your provider. He or she is the most appropriate person to review the results with.

A seroma should be drained aggressively as soon as it’s diagnosed on a daily basis or as close to that as possible until it’s gone. Allowing re-accumulation of fluid will lead to encapsulation of the seroma making it a chronic seroma they can only be treated with direct surgical excision.



Follow up with your provider and if you still need a second opinion assessment then schedule in person consultation for a proper second opinion. Best,

Mats Hagstrom MD