I had a full Tummy Tuck with Liposuction and hernia repair 6 weeks ago. I have left over fat and loose skin above my belly button. My plastic surgeon offered to do some lipo and lower my scar, which will pull me a little tighter. I'm afraid this will not work because most of the lax skin is above my bb. I feel like only a second tummy tuck will get me good results. What do you think?
Need for a Second Tummy Tuck?
Doctor Answers 21
If the picture is your post op result, then you need a major revision as you have excess skin remaining. It looks like more could have been taken off with the first surgery.
You may still have residual swelling. I perform many revision tummy tucks and observation is often warranted. I would also suggest an abdominal liposuction procedure to enhance your torso. Raffy Karamanoukian, Los Angeles
Web reference: http://www.surgery90210.com/body/61/abdominoplasty-and-belly-button-scar-revision.aspx
Thank you for your question. It is really hard to tell how adequate the results of your surgery are since you do not provide preoperative photos to which to compare. The fatty tissue above the belly button is almost always a troublesome issue, since it is often prohibitive in obtaining optimal results. Since the area below the belly button, or pannus, is removed, the persistent fatty tissue above the belly button will either remain, or must be addressed via concomitant liposuction. This places this flap of tissue in considerable risk, as the chance of devascularization, or compromise in blood flow, is substantial. That is why doing liposuction on the upper abdominal flap together with a tummy tuck or abdominoplasty is an advanced move, and should only be done by experienced surgeons. The issue of what to do in your case is one that should be considered seriously and carefully. Make sure that you get a formal opinion from a Board-certified plastic surgeon, so that you can review all of the relevant options. Depending on what was done in the original operation, the options will be clarified, and the best solution to the problem can be reached. Hope this helps. Good luck and fare well.
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Thank you for your question.
At 6 weeks you still have a lot of swelling. I agree that you have excess skin above the belly button and will likely need a Full Tummy Tuck to correct the loose skin above the umbilicus.
However it is best to wait 6 months for swelling to go down to get the best result from a revision or second Tummy Tuck
Web reference: http://drseckel.com/boston-tummy-tuck/boston-tummy-tuck-how-to-decide-if-you-need-an-abdominoplasty/
Hello. It is difficult to see what exactly can be done to fix your abdomen without and examination. I would recommend you wait a few months post op and then make a decision if your results are not how you desired them to be. Best of luck to you!!
Web reference: http://www.jaimeperezmd.com
Although it is difficult to answer this question without a formal examination, you may in fact benefit from another procedure. Liposuction can be beneficial in contouring, and a second tummy tuck could remove more skin. On the other hand, you are only 6 weeks out, so it is far too soon to judge. Finish you care with your current surgeon and should you seek another opinion I always recommend that you see a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. In your case, should you be leaning toward a second tummy tuck, make sure he/she has done many revision procedures as there are different risks involved.
Best of luck.
Garrett A. Wirth, MD
Best of luck.
Garrett A. Wirth, MD
I am sorry you did not fulfill the expectations of your surgery.
To answer your question:
Usually excess skin would not go away with liposuction.
If you have excess skin above the belly button, Undermining above the belly button to the level of your xyphoid will help redrapping the whole skin flap. Then removal of skin will address the excess. Without undermining, your lower abdomen will be tighter and the upper one should remain the same.
At this point, wait at least 6 months before considering any further procedures. You will be able to assess the outcome then, and plan better for a potential revision if needed.
Best luck in your journey.
Julio Clavijo-Alvarez
To answer your question:
Usually excess skin would not go away with liposuction.
If you have excess skin above the belly button, Undermining above the belly button to the level of your xyphoid will help redrapping the whole skin flap. Then removal of skin will address the excess. Without undermining, your lower abdomen will be tighter and the upper one should remain the same.
At this point, wait at least 6 months before considering any further procedures. You will be able to assess the outcome then, and plan better for a potential revision if needed.
Best luck in your journey.
Julio Clavijo-Alvarez
Secondary tummy tuck would seem to be in your best interest. However I would wait for all of the inflammatory changes from your surgery to have subsided. Which is usually by 6 months. A good history will determine whether or not you really obtained an optimal result from your original surgery. Pre op photographs would be helpful to know what your original condition was like. Hope this helps.
Web reference: http://spectrum-aesthetics.com/tummy-tuck/
Good afternoon!
from your photos is does appear that you have a significant amount of excess skin above your belly button. A full abdominoplasty would be the best way to eliminate that extra tissue.
I hope this helps
Thank you for your question and photo. It may be more helpful to see a photo of you standing straight up. I don't suggest revisionary surgery only 6 weeks post op tummy tuck surgery. You need to allow your body to completely heal prior to considering revision. I usually ask patients to wait 6-9 months to re-assess things and decide what is the best option to consider.
Best Wishes!
Web reference: http://www.poustiplasticsurgery.com/Procedures/Procedure_tummyTuck.htm
These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.
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