I had a tummy tuck 10 weeks ago and at this point I am extremely unhappy about my results. I am only 21 and have never had kids, but I lost around 100 lbs before surgery. I was expecting a tight stomach with no loose skin and right now I still have a large amount of hanging skin. The skin hangs over the sides of my scar and my stomach is not flat. I can also still pull skin away from my sides and upper stomach. What can I do to fix this problem? Is it clear that my surgeon botched my tummy tuck?
September 10, 2017
Answer: No, not "botched". Thank you for your question and sorry to learn of your disappointment. Your result is far from "botched" even though you are not pleased. Massive weight loss such as your own results in irreversible laxity in the skin and your abdomen was never going to be "tight" as you had hoped and expected. I am guessing your plastic surgeon discussed this with you before surgery but perhaps not. In patients such as yourself, it is not uncommon to have to have a second tightening procedure, but this is by no means a reflection of an inadequately or incorrectly performed first operation. From your results, you appear to be healing well and it appears that your surgeon has done an excellent job. I recommend following up with him or her and following their recommendations. Best of luck to you.
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September 10, 2017
Answer: No, not "botched". Thank you for your question and sorry to learn of your disappointment. Your result is far from "botched" even though you are not pleased. Massive weight loss such as your own results in irreversible laxity in the skin and your abdomen was never going to be "tight" as you had hoped and expected. I am guessing your plastic surgeon discussed this with you before surgery but perhaps not. In patients such as yourself, it is not uncommon to have to have a second tightening procedure, but this is by no means a reflection of an inadequately or incorrectly performed first operation. From your results, you appear to be healing well and it appears that your surgeon has done an excellent job. I recommend following up with him or her and following their recommendations. Best of luck to you.
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Answer: Loose skin after tummy tuck Thank you for your question and sorry to hear you are not happy with your surgery. Based on the location of your scars and lack of incisions around the bellybutton, you most likely had a panniculectomy and not an abdominoplasty. The procedures are different, and possibly this was not adequately explained to you before surgery. A panniculectomy involves only the removal of excess skin and fat below the bellybutton only. A tummy tuck involves raising the skin up to the level of the ribs, tightening the abdominal muscles, and relocating the bellybutton after removing the extra skin. Panniculectomies are covered by insurance and a tummy tuck is not.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
Answer: Loose skin after tummy tuck Thank you for your question and sorry to hear you are not happy with your surgery. Based on the location of your scars and lack of incisions around the bellybutton, you most likely had a panniculectomy and not an abdominoplasty. The procedures are different, and possibly this was not adequately explained to you before surgery. A panniculectomy involves only the removal of excess skin and fat below the bellybutton only. A tummy tuck involves raising the skin up to the level of the ribs, tightening the abdominal muscles, and relocating the bellybutton after removing the extra skin. Panniculectomies are covered by insurance and a tummy tuck is not.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
