Tummy Tuck - am I candidate for a revision? (Photos)

Question

In March 2019 I had a Tummy Tuck with Muscle Repair and liposuction. At that time, I was 65 and weighed 174 with a height of 5'7". Since that time I have lost approximately 22 pounds. Initially, I saw good results continuing until around one year post-op. The area directly above my incision has always protruded. However, in the interim, the distension has now moved up to my abdominal and navel area. This is an unacceptable result. Am I a candidate for a revision? My PS told me to lose 10 pounds

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Friendly112385,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

If you are currently losing weight it is best to complete that effort before proceeding with surgery in order to maximize your results.  If you are not planning to lose weight and are stable, you can proceed with a revision at any time.  I encourage you to visit with a few board certified plastic surgeons near you to hear multiple opinions.  An examination is the best way to determine if you are a good candidate for a revision.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Redo full Tt with added muscle plication along with the small vertical scar in midline from bb repair is indicated. Expect fee in the $12,000-$15,000 ranges.

Douglas Taranow, DO, FACOS · Answer

Dear Friendly,
We really require current photos to evaluate whether a revision full or modified abdominoplasty is indicated.  Either way, post weight loss, it is not customary for a surgeon to perform a "repeat" procedure without a fee.  I agree with surgeons who request further weight loss to loosen more skin allowing for a tighter repair.
Best wishes,
Dr. Taranow

Arthur Shektman, MD · Answer

Without photos it is difficult to answer your questions.  These are questions for your PS.  If you are not satisified with his/her answer I would encourage you to get a second opinion.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

It would be helpful to see your early before and after pictures in making an assessment.

Without those we have a limited understanding of why your body looks the way it does.

Abdominal bulging after a tummy tuck is most often contributed to excess visceral fat and obesity.

It typically presents as upper abdominal bulging with a tight hard lower abdomen.

Insufficient muscle tightening can also create buldging.  Sometimes it’s a combination.

It’s possible that the muscle fascia is so weak that it will not hold the muscle tightening repair that this would be unusual if the procedure is done in a more aggressive manner.

If that’s the case mesh can be used to reinforce the repair though that typically isn’t needed.

Most likely a revision would improve your results significantly.

It’s important to keep your way down especially if you have a history of excess visceral fat which would be evident on your initial before pictures.

I suggest having multiple in person consultations with local board-certified plastic surgeons who have many years of experience and an excellent reputation for a tummy tucks.

During inpatient consultations always bring your previous medical record especially the operative report and before and after pictures. Ask your current surgeon to forward copies of all of these.  during the consultation ask each surgeon to show their entire collection of before and after pictures including undesirable outcomes. The goal is to see what average results look like not with the best two or three results of their career look like.

Do you also want to see patients with similar body characteristics to your owner.

Judge tummy tech results based on who gets the most natural looking belly buttons.

Low set scars without dog ears or fullness in the hips.

Lastly avoid providers with a significant number of justified negative reviews and various physician review websites.

The absence of justified negative reviews is far more telling an important than an abundance of positive reviews.

A plastic surgeon who can go through several decades of practice without leaving patients damaged to the point of needing to retaliate with negative reviews it’s what you’re looking for.

Excessive Numbers of  reviews typically come from aggressive marketing campaigns.

Typically the most talented providers do you know advertising and do not have big social media campaigns.

These are simply my observations when I look at my community and the plastic surgeons I have the most respect for.

The focus is on patient care and not financial gain.

Good luck with your pursuit and any possible future procedure.

Best,

Mats Hagstrom MD

Tummy Tuck - am I candidate for a revision? (Photos)

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