Is it common to go for a tummy tuck and to find out that the surgeon could only do a partial? (Photo)

The answer to your question is no. It would be extremely unlikely for something to happen during surgery that you did not expect or at least know was a possibility. I am not saying that your surgeon did not make a good intra-operative decision. That would be impossible to know without knowing more about the situation. But if there was a chance that you didn't have enough skin laxity to complete a full abodminoplasty, you certainly should have discussed this possibility before surgery and should have been included on your consent form. This seems to be a big "miscommunication" just as your surgeon has eluded to. But a miscommunication that is part of his job.The redness is due to some increased vascularity under the skin or within the skin. This should normalize with time and is probably not much of a concern.

Thanks for sharing your photos.There are many types of variation to the tummy tuck procedure, and certain modifications are appropriate in select patients.  Much depends on preoperative communication, and I make sure to review photos and incisions planned with patients.Follow up closely with your plastic surgeon and share your concerns.  I would also be concerned about the redness in the skin.