How to correct donut belly after liposuction? (Photo)

Question

I had lipo on my upper/lower abs 6 mo ago. I developed a "donut" around my belly button from it. My surgeon mentioned putting 2 incisions around my belly button pre-surgery but ended up not doing so. The "donut" is not just skin, it's pretty fatty and firm. When I poke my finger into my belly button, I can feel scar tissue. How do I get this flattened/corrected WITHOUT a tummy tuck? What qualifications and methods should I look for when consulting w/ a surgeon?

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

It looks like you have a lot of extra skin and stretch marks.  A tummy tuck may be the best procedure for you.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Scott C. Lindsay, DO · Answer

Thanks for your question! Unfortunately, a tummy tuck is the only option to correct that. I would suggest seeking an in person consultation. Good luck!

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

You do not get to pick the procedure you may happen to like and expect a good result if that procedure was the wrong one. You were not an ideal candidate for liposuction in the first place, but some doctor with poor ethics did it to you anyway. The only path to a great abdomen is a tummy tuck. If you go to the right surgeon, the scar will be very, very low and fine. Your abdomen will be tight and sculpted.

David Hansen, MD · Answer

You need to see a lipo specialist who does lipo under local with iv sedation for complete comfort.  That way he/she will stand you up during the procedure occasionally to fine tune it and make it look great.  You also need bodytiteRF and Morpheus at the same time to help tighten up  the skin a lot.  Most tummies go flat when lying down so your doc can't really see the donut well enough to fix it. That is why you don't get as good results under general anesthesia. It is worth traveling for quality work.

Anmol Chugh, MBBS, MS, MCh · Answer

Donut shape can be due to extensive fibrosis associated with less lymphatic massages, and extensive use of VASER Liposuction.
I believe your problem can be handled with good redo liposuction with probably a mini tuck. Choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon operating at a good facility is imperative.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

An in person evaluation would be helpful, but based on your photo the best option is a tummy tuck.  Further liposuction will not improve skin laxity.  A tummy tuck would remove excess skin, correct abdominal wall laxity and give you a flatter, tighter tummy.  See your board certified plastic surgeon to learn more.

Kamol Pansritum, MD · Answer

For correct donut belly after liposuction. I suggest Vaser liposuction and Mini abdominoplasty for correct skin excess.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

A photo with a front view would have been very helpful. I suspect you need muscle tightening and removing excess skin like a tuck. Please be examined and discuss what can be done.

Pawel Szychta, MD, PhD, DSc · Answer

To correct the "donut" around your belly button without a tummy tuck, consider:
- Revision Liposuction- Removes excess fat to smooth out the area.- Subcision with Liposuction- Releases scar tissue tethering the skin, combined with liposuction.- Fat Grafting (Fat Transfer)- Fills in irregularities by injecting fat from another body area.- Skin Tightening Procedures- Non-invasive treatments like radiofrequency to improve skin firmness.
These options can help flatten the area around your belly button without extensive surgery.

Daniel P. Markmann, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.  Sorry to hear about the poor result you attained.   There is no question that a Tummy Tuck is the correct thing to do and will give you the best results. If you are not planning on having kids in the next few years, this is the procedure I would strongly recommend There are other options to improve your situation.  I would recommend additional liposuction to further flatten your abdomen and remove the fullness.  Unfortunately, this will make your skin even more loose.  Therefore I would recommend Skin tightening with Morpheus Radiofrequency Microneedling and BodyTite.  These procedures will help to tighten your loose skin.  But, this will be an improvement.  It will not come close to the results of a tummy tuck

How to correct donut belly after liposuction? (Photo)

Answers (11)