Should I still be able to pinch fat 1 year after my mommy makeover?

Question

I had a mommy make over january 2022. I had a small seroma develop in lower abdomen and my doctor made a small cut to suction it out and i was put on antibiotics and my drain was left in for about 5 weeks. I cant really feel if my abdominal wall is still together im sure it is since I feel stronger working out and running. I watch what i eat and exercise. My question is shoould i still be able to pinch fat on my abdomen/flank area? I have an appointment with my doctor in march.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello Mwinberry12,

Thank you for your question regarding your experience post-mommy makeover. It’s quite common to have concerns about the feel and appearance of your body after such a significant procedure, especially when considering the journey you’ve had, including the management of a seroma.

Being able to pinch fat on your abdomen and flank area one year after your mommy makeover isn't unusual. It's important to remember that a mommy makeover, which often includes a tummy tuck and liposuction, is designed to improve the contour of your body, not eliminate all fat. A certain amount of subcutaneous fat (the fat just beneath the skin) is normal and healthy, even after body contouring procedures.

Your ability to feel stronger during workouts and running is a positive sign, indicating that your body is healing well and responding to physical activity. This strength, particularly in the abdominal region, suggests that the muscle repair done during your tummy tuck is intact and functional.

It's also good to hear that you're conscious about your diet and exercise routine, as these factors play a crucial role in maintaining the results of your surgery. The presence of some pinchable fat doesn't negate the success of your procedure. Body composition varies greatly among individuals, and a small amount of pinchable fat can be normal.

Your upcoming appointment with your doctor is an excellent opportunity to address these concerns. They can assess your abdominal wall, the state of your muscle repair, and the fat distribution to give you a clearer understanding of your current state. Feel free to ask them any specific questions you may have about your recovery progress and any additional steps you might take to enhance your results.

If you have any further questions or need more guidance, please reach out.

Sincerely, Dr. Katzen

Emmanuel De La Cruz, MD · Answer

After a Mommy Makeover, which often involves procedures like a tummy tuck and liposuction, the results can vary among individuals. Typically, the initial swelling subsides within a few months, and you'll start seeing the final results within about 6-12 months as your body fully heals.

However, being able to pinch some fat a year after surgery might still be normal, especially in areas that were not specifically targeted or where there might have been limited liposuction. It's important to understand that these procedures aren't meant to prevent future weight gain or changes in body composition.

If you have concerns about specific areas or the overall outcome of your surgery, it's best to follow up with your surgeon. They can evaluate your results, address any remaining concerns, and discuss any further options or recommendations to help you achieve your desired outcome.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Mwinberry12,
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

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

With a tummy tuck, it is not safe to try and remove all the fat because it could interfere with the blood supply to your skin. However, you can ask your doctor to now do liposuction to remove any excess fat safely.

Shana Kalaria, MD · Answer

It is not abnormal to have some fat remaining at the flanks and especially the upper abdomen. The upper abdomen contains the blood supply to the tummy tuck flap so aggressive liposuction cannot be done to the upper abdomen. I would recommend discussing with your surgeon. Good luck!

Daniel Crane, MD · Answer

There will always be some skin laxity in the abdomen and flanks when bending over, otherwise we wouldn't be able to stand up completely straight. Over time, skin will weaken. The amount of time it takes to do so is different in every person. Pulling things too tight during surgery can lead to widening of the scar and wound healing issues as well. Skin should not be loose after a tummy tuck, but being able to pinch a small amount of fat or skin is reasonable in my opinion. Hope that helps.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

It's difficult to properly answer your question without photos or an in person evaluation.  Everyone will be able to pinch when seated as it is necessary to have enough skin for movement.  An examination will reveal if you have pockets of fat that may be improved with liposuction.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

I’m not a big fan of the term mommy makeover. it is fairly imprecise.
It generally implies a full tummy tuck in combination with some type of breast lift with or without implant or with or without reduction.
A tummy tuck primarily treats abdominal skin laxity and muscle separation from previous pregnancies. it is not a fat removal procedure though the fat layer on the front of the abdomen does become thinner in the process.. Unless you also have Liposuction scheduled your fat layers should more or less be the same.
I suggest you follow up with your provider and discuss your concerns with him or her.
If you want to proper a second opinion consultation and scheduled those as in person consultations coming prepared with all your before and after pictures and a copy of your operative reports. These are available from your current surgeons office if you ask for them.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD

Jeffrey C. Hamm, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi and welcome to our forum!
I'm sorry to hear of your temporary setback with the seroma. That is now "in the rear view mirror" as it has apparently resolved with treatment. 
Abdominoplasty will not remove the abdominal fat directly under the remaining skin after abdominoplasty as the blood supply to the skin comes from the underlying fat. Liposuction will remove fat from treated areas in the flanks or hips. Liposuction is performed in the deeper portions of the soft tissue, leaving enough fat to support the overlying skin. If liposuction of the abdomen is required, it can be staged 6 months after your abdominoplasty. 
Hopefully your questions regarding your liposuction and muscle repair integrity can be determined at your next office visit.
Best wishes...

Should I still be able to pinch fat 1 year after my mommy makeover?

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