Revision tummy tuck over skin graft for a better appearance? (Photos)

Hello Jane Lewis, thank you for your question regarding revision tummy tuck options after a skin graft. I appreciate you sharing your history and pictures, and I’m sorry for the complications you’ve experienced. There are a few options available to improve the appearance of the grafted area and achieve a more aesthetically pleasing result.

One approach is serial excisions. This involves making an incision in the existing scar just above the pubic region and gradually removing sections of excess skin and fat in a horizontally oriented elliptical pattern. Since a large excision may not be possible in a single surgery, multiple procedures—typically three to four—may be required. The final stage would focus on reconstructing a more natural and aesthetically pleasing belly button.

Another option, though more complex, involves the use of tissue expanders. Tissue expanders are balloon-like devices that are placed under the skin and slowly inflated over time, allowing the skin to stretch and create additional tissue. This process mimics the way skin expands naturally during pregnancy. Once the skin is sufficiently stretched, the expanders are removed, and the newly created tissue is used to reconstruct the lower abdomen. This method requires multiple office visits for gradual inflation and could take several months to complete. Additionally, during the expansion process, the area may appear distended, which is an important consideration.

Both options have advantages and challenges, and the best approach will depend on your specific case, skin quality, and healing capacity. I highly recommend consulting with an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in revision tummy tuck surgery to determine the most effective plan for your needs.

Best of luck, and I hope this information helps!

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Tissue expanders can be used to stretch your normal skin and give more skin to remove the graft. This may take two or four total procedures, but the graft can be removed. Please go visit with a reconstructive plastic surgeon. Perhaps your insurance might assist with this.

You'll need to lose a lot of weight, possibly 10 kg or more, to reduce the excess fat on the INSIDE of your abdomen, an area we can't liposuction. Once that has occured a revision tummy tuck can be performed to remove the graft and give you a normal contour to your abdomen. The caveat is the scar will be an inverted T shape, with the vertical portion reaching your belly button.