Tummy tuck gone wrong? 2 months post op. (photos)

Question

2 months out extended tummy tuck with lipo and no muscle repair (I was told I didn't need it). I realize I might still have swelling, but I'm feeling pretty bummed about my results. I spoke with my surgeon about repairing the the problems at the end of my scars, and about how he may need to cut extra skin off my right front area. I'm feel like he should have recommended the fleur de lis tummy tuck. I notice now when I bend over I have lots of hanging skin on either side. Any advice is appreciated.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

You had a significant amount of skin and fat removed.  You still have some swelling and changes will continue to occur.  You will not see your final results for a few months yet.  I encourage you to discuss your concerns with your surgeon and continue to follow his/her advice.

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

due to what you started with... but the anchor incision would have been more effective at removing the redundancies on your anterior tummy but would leave other issues like lax skin in the epigastrium.  Dog ears are common when you have that much skin to deal with.  The technique used is something that is discussed between you and your surgeon prior to the procedure.  And in my practice, revisions are to be anticipated and needed, and ever more so with those who lose weight.  So if you want the best outcome possible, you are looking at a major revision and even the anchor scar/FDL so get acquainted with your surgeon's revision policy.

Tim Sayed, MD, MBA, FACS · Answer

It looks like you still have some excess skin and may benefit from additional skin removal and muscle tightening. Patients with your preop body frame, which I call a "Christmas tree torso," have an extra mid-abdominal lateral roll above the love handle which can make it hard to get a fully smooth result, but your current result shows a bit of a dog ear on one side and indentation at your crease which suggests more tissue can be removed to improve the smoothness. It's rare that a patient undergoes a tummy tuck and is told she "doesn't need" a muscle repair. Additionally, if you have excess skin in the front of the abdomen from side-to-side, that horizontal excess indeed often does require a fleur-de-lys technique. Understandably, many patients hope to avoid that vertical scar so some compromises are often made in the shape in order to accommodate the request for no vertical incision. Conversion to a fleur-de-lys is still possible but in-office exam is required. Discuss these concerns with your surgeon and consider getting some second opinion consults to assess your options.

Frederic H. Corbin, MD (license restricted) · Answer

Sorry for your problem and clearly the photos suggest the need for a revision.  So discuss your concerns with your surgeon or seek recommendations from other experts in the area after a full examination Dr Corbin

Tummy tuck gone wrong? 2 months post op. (photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Revision

Answer: Revision

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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Tummy tuck gone wrong? 2 months post op. (photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Revision

Answer: Revision

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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