Proper Tummy Tuck? It doesn't seem as if my stomach was pulled down like a normal tummy tuck. (Photos)

Dear mommabear99,
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

From the photos provided it appears you received a full tummy tuck. The small vertical incision on your low scar represents the closure of your old belly button. It appears the stretch marks that were above your belly button have been moved lower. The skin from a tummy tuck is removed essentially in the shape of a football starting just above the belly button and going down to the low incision line.

Comparing your 2 posted photos of before & after I see a very acceptable TT result. Maybe you expected to much or had unrealistic expectations? In my practice I take a photo of the TT tissue excised to prove the amounts removed were in deed removed.

It is not clear from your post if the pictures included are of your results.

Your post says the pictures are of “others”.

Regardless, the before and after pictures you’ve posted look like a confident typical early tummy tuck result. It looks like the surgeon did a good job removing an appropriate amount of skin and the small vertical scar shows that skin to above the belly button was removed.

The scar is set nice and low and the bellybutton is reasonably natural looking.

To get an accurate second opinion assessment I suggest scheduling if your second opinion consultations with other local board-certified plastic surgeons.

Whether patients are content or not with the outcome of this procedure there isn’t much that can be done other than a full revision.

Based on the pictures posted a revision is not indicated.

Best,

Mats Hagstrom MD