Will I need a tummy tuck or too early to tell? (Photo)

Question

Hello. I had revision 360 PAL with renuvion done 2 weeks ago. I have attached pre-op and 2 week post op pics. I am concerned about my post op lower abdominal laxity and fold. Is it too early to tell? Did I need a tummy tuck along with liposuction? Will I likely need tummy tuck in future to contour my lower abdomen? Thank you.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding whether you will need a tummy tuck after your 360 power-assisted liposuction with renuvion to your abdomen. Basically, the simple answer is that it is too early to tell. Liposuction is not an immediate result. Though results are usually seen on the table, it takes a full 6-8 weeks to notice the final outcome. For patients who undergo more aggressive liposuction with the vaser or other more invasive liposuction techniques, the results take longer to appear. Since you are only two weeks out from your surgery, your results are not final. You are still swollen. It will take an additional 4-6 weeks for you to see your final results. In the meantime, I would suggest that you have a lymphatic massage 2-3 times a week for 2-3 weeks. If you are still swollen after these lymphatic sessions, you will need a further lymphatic massage. It is important to seek a certified lymphatic massage therapist. I'm certain that a simple google search will find you a licensed, certified, experienced lymphatic massage specialist in your neighborhood. I would also suggest you continue to wear your compression garment. In my experience, compression is essential for optimal results. In my opinion, you should wear your compression garment for 6-8 weeks after liposuction. If you are still swollen after those 6-8 weeks, you will need continued compression. Your compression garments should be tight. If they are loose, you may need a smaller size.

If I were forced to guess, I would not anticipate you needing a tummy tuck. Based on your preoperative pictures, your skin laxity should snap back very well with the liposuction. I will be very surprised if you need a tummy tuck. The fold that you're seeing underneath the belly button may be from a crease of the garment. It'll be important to avoid the crease in the garment by applying either foam or a plastic board. Please consult with your plastic surgeon. Thank you for your question regarding whether you need a tummy tuck after having 360 power-assisted liposuction with renuvion.

I specialize in reconstructive plastic surgery after weight loss.  If you have any more questions regarding a tummy tuck, lower body lift, 360 circumferential lower body lift, belt lipectomy, belt abdominoplasty, or belt dermolipectomy please contact my office. Since the body lift is a big procedure, please seek an experienced, board certified plastic surgeon with significant experience performing the lower body lift. Do your research.  Make sure they have performed at least 100 tummy tuck or circumferential lower body lift surgeries and have the before and after pictures to prove it.  Carefully examine their before and after pictures and check their reviews on RealSelf.   If you cannot find an experienced, tummy tuck or lower body lift surgeon in your neighborhood, consider traveling out of state if you must. Sincerely, Dr. Katzen. (“Verified” Plastic Surgeon, President of  the American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American College of Surgery, and International College of Surgery and ​member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and RealSelf Hall of Fame.)

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

I recommend waiting 6 months before reaching a final decision.  At this time, is appears you would benefit from a tummy tuck in the future.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

You are early on in your recovery. Please wait at least 6 months before assessing your results, and follow your surgeon’s post-op instructions to help with your recovery (including wearing your compression garment as advised.)

George Marosan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos. It is not clear if your "preop" is before the two rounds of liposuction or just prior to your last surgery. In any case, you still have a lot of swelling, but when that resolves, you might need further surgery to achieve the results you were hoping for. There are two kinds of liposuction: 1. fat reduction and 2. revealing liposuction or sculpting to reveal your underlying muscle and bony anatomy. You had the first kind, unfortunately not very successful outcome. You still have a lot of fat over your abdomen (cannot address the back, no photos) and poorly done gynecomastia or not done at all. In men, body sculpting is all or none. Cannot create an athletic abdomen without addressing the chest and gynecomastia. 
You need to wait at least 8-12 months before further surgery can be done successfully. This is not a touch up, it is a redo of a suboptimal result and most likely, you will not need a tummy tuck. As a Total Definer plastic surgeon, over 60% of my practice involves patients who already had one or two unsuccessful surgeries by other surgeons. BTW, stay away from Coolsculpting, will not help, but can create extensive scarring internally which are very difficult to improve.
See a board certified plastic surgeon experienced in advanced body sculpting techniques for an in person consultation/evaluation. Good luck.
See attached web reference.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Improvement2019,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Felix Omar Márquez, MD · Answer

Hi, thanks for your question. After two weeks it's too soon to see final results. Wait at least eight months. Don't forget to follow the directions of your surgeon. Remember to diet and exercise according to your doctor. Good luck!

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

It is way too early to ask this question. Wear your compression garment as advised and be careful to lift up your skin to avoid making abdominal creases.  After 6 months, then repost your question and photos if you have concerns.

Antonios Mitsakos, MD · Answer

renuvion results take months to build up. if you have seen some improvement my advice would be to allow some more time to understand the full potential of the treatment

Tania Medina de Garcia, MD · Answer

Hello thanks for contacting us. is too early to know, the swelling healing process takes months to be done. after a year we can see. for now just follow your doctor`s instructions.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

You are still early in your recovery and can expect changes ahead.  If after 6 months you still have concerns you can consider a tummy tuck or other interventions.  I encourage you to speak with your surgeon about your concerns.  It is important that you feel comfortable and confident in your recovery.

Will I need a tummy tuck or too early to tell? (Photo)

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