Could my tummy tuck be botched? (Photo)

Question

I had a tummy tuck w muscle repair, no lipo. Initially I was pleased with results. Anything is better than rolls on my stomach but after over 2 mnths the bulging on my lower part of abdomen by incision has not gone down and my stomach is not as tight as it initially felt right after surgery. Do you think lipo should fix this or would I need a revision? PS keeps dismissing concerns and says it’s just swelling and should reside but I have not seen any women look like this. Do I need a 2nd op?

Frank Agullo, MD · Answer

Your tummy tuck is not botched. You can certainly see a considerable improvement from the before picture. I agree that there still fullness above the scar, but it may very well be swelling or still some excess fat. I wouldn't critique your result until the 3 to 4 month mark. In the meantime, massaging and a lot of moist moisturizer will help him. #StayBeautiful #RealDrWorldWide

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Abdominoplasty scars can be quite complex, ranging from the simple hypertrophic scar to a multiplane inflamed keloid. Pigmentation, discoloration, chronic inflammation, scar visibility can all occur in the short term. We begin each treatment with combination therapy using Yellow broadband BBL, Vbeam, fractional erbium, intralesional IIT, and scar modulation. Start with a combination of Plato's Scar Serum massaged twice daily after one week of epithelialization followed by Luminase/Exfolase. Scar consultation and revision may be recommended.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon6

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon6

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

You are still early in you're recovery phase and cannot determine you're final results. Edema and swelling are not uncommon conditions. You're swelling can last up to 6 months. I recommend you stay in close contact with you're plastic surgeon. If you feel that you need a second opinion, you shouls consult with a board certified plastic surgeon.

Miguel Delgado, MD · Answer

It is too early to see your final result, it may take several more months. Try to be patient and follow your post operative instructions. Wait until you are at least 6 months and see where you are at. good luck.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear TxGirlOnFlat,
I understand your concern and it is quite normal to be concerned about the outcome following a tummy tuck surgery. However, you are still in the very early stages of the healing process.Your will need to be patient at this moment and follow what your surgeon has instructed you to do post operatively.At the early stage of the healing process, the tissues are still swollen. Once the swelling subsides  you will be able to see the final result of your surgery.
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

At two months post op it's too early to determine if a revision is needed.  Swelling can still persist as healing is still occurring.  If after six months you still have concerns you may consider options to improve the area.  Just to clarify, it is normal for the skin to have some give so it may not be completely flat when you are seated.

Mark A. Schusterman, MD, FACS · Answer

The short answer is that your tummy tuck was not botched, but may require a revision including liposuction and further skin excision.  You are still in the early stages of healing and the swelling could take up to six months to subside.  Continue to follow up with your board certified plastic surgeon.

Tarek V. Copty, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear TxGirlOnFlat, 
You are still early in the recovery phase and have some swelling that will dissipate. Stay in close contact with your surgeon so he/she can walk you through the recovery phase and answer any questions or concerns you have. 
Best regards, Tarek V. Copty, MD FACS

Andre Levesque, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos.Short answer I do not think your tummy tuck is “botched” based on your photos.  You are still quite early in your recovery and still going to have edema and swelling especially right above your scar.  I recommend continuing to follow your surgeon’s instructions and maintain close follow up.  If you are not where you want to be later then potentially something else could be done to achieve your goals.  It’s easy to get discouraged but I recommend patience and good diet and exercise to maximize your results when cleared by your surgeon.Best Dr. L

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question. No,  I do not think that your tummy tuck operation was botched; on the contrary,  based on careful evaluation of your before/after photographs, I think that your plastic surgeon has done a nice job for you.
When a tummy tuck operation is performed, many of the veins and lymphatic channels that normally drain  the abdominal wall are divided (severed).   After the procedure, the abdominal wall swells because these channels are not functioning.  Initially, after the operation, many patients are "pleased with the results"; as swelling increases, the flatness that they appreciated dissipates for a period of time.
  In other words,  longer-term swelling after tummy tuck surgery is not uncommon;  swelling may persist for many months and even up to one year after the procedure is performed. Often, patients will report that the swelling increases as their activity level increases and gets worse later on in the day. Sometimes, the use of compressive garments may be helpful to control the edema.  
 Generally, it takes many months for swelling to resolve after tummy tuck surgery and it may take up to one year (or greater) a complete skin redraping to occur.   Remember, that even in the longer term, most patients who undergo tummy tuck surgery will have some degree of "excess skin" when they are flexed at the waist and/or sitting.
I hope this helps.

Could my tummy tuck be botched? (Photo)

Answers (11)

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