Tummy Tuck Results. Loose Skin on Left Side? (photo)

Question

My tummy tuck was December 2012. While I understand that has not been long enough to see full results I am very concerned about the appearance of loose skin on my left side. I have attached pics for your review. In addition to the skin being loose there, the left side of my tummy is much larger than the right. I am not a large person. (5'4" - 105 pounds) I asked my surgeon about this and he said the skin was pulled as tightly as it could be. My right side is close to perfect. No concerns there.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Your concerns are understandable but at this point I would suggest continued patience. Given the poor skin elasticity of your abdominal wall, I would suggest that you allow yourself at least one year before evaluating the end results of the procedure performed. At that point, if you still have concerns about “redundant” skin on one side, then additional skin can usually be removed to improve symmetry.

	 Of course, your plastic surgeon will be your best resource when it comes to precise advice/treatment recommendations.

	 Best wishes.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

While it is difficult to comment on the asymmetry, I doubt very much that there will be any improvement in the loose skin over time. The photograph demonstrates skin with apparently poor elasticity possibly do to major weight loss or aging. The only solution to excess skin in any area of the body is surgical removal.

Barry L. Eppley, MD, DMD · Answer

Many times the differences between the two sides in a tummy tuck are reflective of differences that existed before surgery...but were not appreciated because of all the loose skin. As your surgeon stated, the skin was pulled as tight as it could be. You need to wait a full six months after the surgery and consider a revision if it is still bothersome. To make it better, it may require the incision on that side to be extended somewhat.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Appears you have a real issue. Guess your chosen surgeon does not wish to address these with you. Seek in person second opinions.

Jourdan Gottlieb, MD · Answer

Unfortunately, none of these photos are sufficiently helpful. The standard view would be one showing the entire abdomen, in the upright position. No matter now tight your skin is standing, when you sit there will be redundancy after a TT. The skin has lost its elasticity or you would not have needed a TT. 

	A TT will not usually remove excess flank skin unless the procedure was carried partly or all the way around the back, and I can't tell from the question or the photos if this was done. 

	Helpful in an attempt to give you a useful response would be preop photos as well as the postop picture showing the whole abdomen. Best wishes.

Tummy Tuck Results. Loose Skin on Left Side? (photo)

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Tummy Tuck Results. Loose Skin on Left Side? (photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Tummy Tuck Results. Loose Skin on Left Side? (photo)

Answer: Tummy Tuck Results. Loose Skin on Left Side? (photo)

Answer: Tummy Tuck Results. Loose Skin on Left Side

Answer: Tummy Tuck Results. Loose Skin on Left Side

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