7 months post-op full abdominoplasty with upper abdomen fullness and laxity. Do I need a revision? (photos)

Question

I lost 70 pounds, I’m 42 years old, 5’4 and weigh 145 pounds. I workout 4-5 days a week. I had a full abdominoplasty. There was no lipo of the abdomen performed. I developed fullness in the upper abdomen s/p 1 mo. My plastic surgeon offered 3 ultrasound treatments which I did. I have a lot of laxity in the skin and the fullness is worsening. He discussed a reverse tummy tuck and removing a wedge from my inframammary area. I don’t think that’s enough. full abdominoplasty revision indicated?

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,It appears that your scar is too high, in addition to the residual skin laxity and upper abdominal bulge. Although a total revision is required to fix the skin laxity and bulge, a thoughtful surgeon would also lower the scar.

Nikesh K. Patel, MD · Answer

Unfortunately, gaining and losing large amounts of weight can often lead to loose, sagging skin which cannot be tightened by diet and exercise.  When loose skin is the only concern, a tummy tuck is a good solution because it removes the loose, hanging skin while also tightening the abdomen muscles and pulling down the stomach to make it flatter and smoother.   It appears you may benefit from a full tummy tuck.   I suggest seeking out a board certified plastic surgeon for a consultation.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Hello. Great question. Congratulations on your weight loss. Based on your images, you can benefit from a full tummy tuck. Please visit a board certified plastic surgeon for a detailed surgical plan to achieve your desired results.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear jhaypa11,
It is hard to tell for sure without an examination but based on your photos, it looks like you would benefit from tummy tuck revision which should remove the excess skin and tighten the upper part of abdomen. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to 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

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your excellent question and photographs.  It appears that you would most benefit initially from a revision of your tummy tuck procedure as you have remaining loose skin below your belly button.  At this time, interrogation of your muscle repair along the upper muscles could also be examined to ensure that it did not fail contributing to the upper abdominal fullness.  Hope this helps.

Tania Medina de Garcia, MD · Answer

Hello dear!
Thanks for the pictures and provided information as well.
Based on your photos, you are a great candidate for liposuction and a full tummy tuck (revision), to give you a nice tight tummy and get rid of the extra skin.
Along with the tummy tuck, liposuction allows your plastic surgeon to transform your entire shape. You improve your waist, back and flanks.
In general, you need to be physically healthy and at a stable weight, have realistic expectations, be a non-smoker and your BMI needs to be 30 or less.
l recommend you to make an appointment with a board certified plastic surgeon to talk about your goals and anything you need to know.
Good luck :)

Chad Robbins, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question and photo's.   It does look like you can have a revision of the lower abdomen and have that excess skin removed.  As far as upper abdomen , your stitches may have come loose.

Millicent Odunze Geers, MD, MPH · Answer

Everyone, even lean individuals, have excess skin when they lean forward. Too much skin removal equals widened scars. As for your upper abdomen, looks like the plication stitches may have come loose or the lower abdomen was tightened more than the upper. Either way, revision seems necessary for aesthetic improvement.

Matthew A. DelMauro, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello! Thank you for your question. First, congratulations on your weight loss! 70lbs is impressive and shouldn't be overlooked! Second, based on your photos, I think you may be an excellent candidate for a revision of your tummy tuck. You appear to have residual skin laxity and an upper abdomen bulge. While non-invasive energy-based treatments may help with your skin laxity, they will likely not help with the upper abdominal bulge (the cause of which needs to be investigated). Before you make any decisions, you should seek out an in-person second opinion with a plastic surgeon who can evaluate you and tailor an individualized treatment plan for you. Best of luck!
Matthew A. DelMauro, MD

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Your photos do indicate that you still have some excess skin that could be removed to improve your results, but an examination is needed to determine the best approach.  It sounds as though your surgeon is willing to work with you regarding your concerns.  I encourage you to be truthful with what your wishes are for the revision.  Together I hope you can come to a satisfactory agreement.

7 months post-op full abdominoplasty with upper abdomen fullness and laxity. Do I need a revision? (photos)

Answers (12)

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