Very disappointed with revision tummy tuck. What can I do? Please help. (Photos)

Question

In 2009 I had a full tummy tuck. I was happy however I did not like my belly button and the remaking stretch marks. In 2017 I had another child. After her birth my stomach still looked good and flat. 3 months ago I had a full tummy tuck revision to remove the remaking stretch marks and give a new belly button. I am truly disappointed because now my stomach has more marks all over it and looks as it did at 5 Months pregnant. My stomach looked much better before this revision. Very disappointed.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Prettyeyesgirl,I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment it would be difficult to determine what is wrong. Based on your photos and description, you might still have some swelling. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment. Only after 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

Tim Sayed, MD, MBA, FACS · Answer

It is possible you needed a bit more time after your most recent delivery to go through the revision tummy tuck. Your abdomen may now be suffering from stretch marks that are the result of a combination of pregnancy and strong pulling on the skin in the revision. You likely would be best served by waiting a year or so to see how your skin does and then think about a limited revision to try to align the scar more symmetrically and remove a touch of lower abdominal skin. The vertical scar resulted from the inability to remove all skin between your old scar and your belly button. It's possible additional attempts would still not be able to remove the vertical scar. Only exam in the office can really help assess this.

Robert H. Hunsaker, MD · Answer

From your description and your photos, you appear to have as good a result as could be expected. Stretch marks are, unfortunately, not able to be controlled/prevented by the surgeon or the patient. The only possible improvement I might see would be some liposuction to further this the skin/fat flap IF after 6-8 months post-op there is indeed excess fat to suction.

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

so what motivated you to go through another procedure and what was promised you by your surgeon?  Its not usual that a tuck creates more stretch marks so I'm wondering what happened there.  Regardless, as this point, you must focus on healing and wait until the redness resolves before diving in to do something to try to make this better for you.  You have to be tighter as your old belly button site is appreciated with the vertical scar you have so if that was your goal, then they were met.

Very disappointed with revision tummy tuck. What can I do? Please help. (Photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Your before photos do look better

Answer: Your before photos do look better

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck Revision

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Very disappointed with revision tummy tuck. What can I do? Please help. (Photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Your before photos do look better

Answer: Your before photos do look better

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck Revision

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.