Please help - what could've gone wrong after two tummy tucks? (Photo)

Question

I had a tummy tuck 6/2013 and 6 months later my stomach remained huge. My doctor said he couldn't explain why. I and a CT scan to see if my sutures came apart but that rendered no answers. I had a second tummy tuck shortly after and as of today my stomach looks like I am pregnant! Please help what could've gone wrong?!

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

There are so man different factors that may have contributed to this but first I would say that your tummy tuck did not go wrong. What were your expectations? A tummy tuck will get rid of loose skin (which it did appear to do). It also will realign your stomach muscles which the CT SCAN will show. If they are together than this issue to weight gain or intra abdominal fat. If they are apart, it may be due to absorbable sutures or the inability for the sutures "to hold in" you abdominal contents.Sorry for the bad analogy but if you repair a torn seam but then repeatedly stretch the seam after the repair, it is likely to come undone.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi. Thank you for your question. It appears that the excess skin is removed. In my opinion, there are many contibuting factors that can end up this way.  I suggest you discuss your concerns with your #plasticsurgeon. It appears that there may be some #intraabdominal fat that cannot be removed by liposuction. This type of fat is around our organs, so it is too dangerous to remove. This type of fat only responds to diet and exercise. After weight loss, a #TT #Revision may be considered. Best wishes!

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

Thank you for your pictures.  In my opinion, it appears that all that could be done to your skin and abdominal muscles has been done.  You may internal fat around your organs that gives you a round appearance.  This is best treated with weight reduction

Sugene Kim, MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for your question and photos.The ideal candidate for tummy tuck is someone who has 1) excess lower abdominal fat/skin, 2) without excessive intra-abdominal fat, 3) and close to normal BMI.Your result may be due to presence of excess intra-abdominal fat and/or excess extra-abdominal fat.  Please consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to get a second opinion and to find out you are a candidate for revision surgery.Best regards.

Karol A. Gutowski, MD, FACS · Answer

Sorry you are having problems after your tummy tuck. While not common, some women have more fat inside their abdominal space which cannot be treated by liposuction or a tummy tuck. This may cause the tummy tuck muscle "tightening" to spread apart over time. Your plastic surgeon should be able to review your CT scan and see if that's what happened. A wight loss program may be a better idea for now.

Please help - what could've gone wrong after two tummy tucks? (Photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Ideal candidate for tummy tuck

Answer: Ideal candidate for tummy tuck

Answer: Please help - what could've gone wrong after two tummy tucks?

Answer: Please help - what could've gone wrong after two tummy tucks?

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Please help - what could've gone wrong after two tummy tucks? (Photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Ideal candidate for tummy tuck

Answer: Ideal candidate for tummy tuck

Answer: Please help - what could've gone wrong after two tummy tucks?

Answer: Please help - what could've gone wrong after two tummy tucks?

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck Revision

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.