Do I need liposuction or a tummy tuck revision? (Photo)

Question

I had a tummy tuck in 2005 which left me with "dog ears" and lack of symmetry. I also have a pouch of fat below my belly button.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

#TummyTuckRevision surgery Revision surgery is unusual but may be desired for several reasons. Most revisions should be done after 9-12 months.  One cause for revision surgery are “dog ears” at the ends of the incisions. These are small folds of excess skin that do not flatten over time.  They can be excised, suctioned or both.Scars may widen or continue to  be red  and elevated.  These may require laser treatment or injection with kenalog and 5-FU.  Excision and reclosure may help some scars. Other treatments are available as well.Excess fat or loose skin may require liposuction and skin excision to obtain the best result.

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

Jose M. Soler-Baillo, MD, MS · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos.  You will need to be evaluated in person to determine what would be best for you.  Lipo alone will just remove fat, but that could leave you with loose, sagging skin which would only be corrected by undergoing a tummy tuck.All the best,Dr. ResultsMiami, FL

Sheila S. Nazarian, MD · Answer

Based solely on your photos, I would advise you to try liposuction first. I think it will help with your issues. And if it doesn't you can explore tummy tuck revision surgery down the line. Best, Dr. Nazarian

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

Your photos give a very limited information for good evaluation. It seems that you should try liposculpting (liposuction) first. Shaping of lower abdomen, flanks and lower back seems to be possible using liposuction only in your case.You should consult a board certified plastic surgeon for detailed evaluation and discuss your options. Good luck.

Do I need liposuction or a tummy tuck revision? (Photo)

Answers (8)

Answer: Liposuction

Answer: Liposuction

Answer: Tummy tuck revision vs. liposuction

Answer: Tummy tuck revision vs. liposuction

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck Revision

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Do I need liposuction or a tummy tuck revision? (Photo)

Answers (8)

Answer: Liposuction

Answer: Liposuction

Answer: Tummy tuck revision vs. liposuction

Answer: Tummy tuck revision vs. liposuction

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.