Extremely distended 3 months post-op TT and lipo. What happened and do I need a revision? (Photos)

Question

Thank you for your time. I am 3 months out post abdominoplasty and liposuction and I never really had a flat stomach after the surgery. My stomach is flat when I lay down, but I am wondering if I even had my diastasis recti repaired? I never felt "hunched over" after surgery and I never felt like I tore any stitches. I've had a lymphatic massage which softened the area but I am no flatter. I previously had lap band surgery but the surgeon was aware. Does this look like a revision is required?

George Marosan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos. Preop photos would've been helpful for comparison. Regardless, this is a poor outcome from a tummy tuck. Was your surgeon a board certified plastic surgeon? Besides the poor shape, your scar is very high, have excess fat in the pubic area and I'm not sure where the liposuction was done, since your frontal body view is rectangular with no feminine shape.
You need the whole operation redone correctly, but need to wait at least another three months and then be re-evaluated. This is not a "revision" or minor "touch up".
See a board certified plastic surgeon experienced in advanced body sculpting techniques for an in person consultation/evaluation. Good luck. 
See the attached web reference.

E. Ronald Finger, MD · Answer

Your post-operative result certainly appears sub-par. Judging from your photos, the rectus diastasis was not repaired. However, without an examination, it's impossible to give you a definite answer to what caused your problem.  Pre-operative photos would have been a big help to see what problems you started with.

My suggestion is to consult a skilled and experienced plastic surgeon who is board certified by the Am. Board of Plastic Surgery for a thorough examination, and be sure to bring photos of yourself prior to surgery. Also, take your operative note from the tummy tuck that was performed. You will have to request this from the surgeon who did the surgery.

Best of luck to you.

Thank you for your question, and good luck.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

It is impossible to conclude whether your abdominal bulge is result of fat deposits, muscle diastasis, abdominal wall weakness or combination of these. Only on the basis of in person evaluation, an experienced board certified plastic surgeon could give you more accurate evaluation and discuss options of treatment. Good luck.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear TUMMYTUCKSTILLBIG,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what went wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Extremely distended 3 months post-op TT and lipo. What happened and do I need a revision? (Photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Tummy tuck results

Answer: Tummy tuck results

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck Revision

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Extremely distended 3 months post-op TT and lipo. What happened and do I need a revision? (Photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Tummy tuck results

Answer: Tummy tuck results

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.