Ledge on tummy tuck scar, loose skin, and ugly belly button - Does this look normal? Shouldn't it be tight?

Question

12.21.18 250cc breast implants (love) umbilical hernia repair, mini tum tuck. Ledge on long scar. dr said asymmetry in my body Said bellybutton has hooding cannot be fixed without major scaring. Says flabby skin is normal. I'm 39, 5'4" 110lbs, 2 kids naturally. Just wanted wrinkly skin tightened. Does this look normal? Cleared me for all exercises, assuming totally im healed. Second opinion? Im so disappointed with my bellybutton and loose skin. Shouldn't it be tight?! Thanks for your advise.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Hello. Great question. Thank you for your images. You mention you had a mini tummy tuck. A mini tummy tuck only addresses the lower abdominal skin elasticity. It does not address the upper abdominal lose skin. A dull tummy tuck is needed to aid in skin tightening. Please consult with a board certified plastic surgeon for a detailed surgical plan to achieve your desired results.

Nirmal Nathan, MD · Answer

Dear jess3097,Thank you for your question. Based on what your are saying, you needed a full tummy tuck to address the belly button and excess skin.A mini-Tummy Tuck will not and cannot tighten the skin above the belly button, which is why it has the appearance which you do not like.Best regards,Nirmal R. Nathan, M.D.Certified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic Surgeons

Dallas Buchanan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your pictures and questions. Sorry to hear you are disappointed with the results. The bottom line is that I think that based on your expectations and goals, you chose the wrong procedure. If you wanted to address all the excess skin, especially the skin above your umbilicus, you should have elected to proceed with a full tummy tuck. The scar would have been almost the same and you would have gotten a much better result. Consider getting a second opinion with a plastic surgeon who is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Hope this helps!Dallas R. Buchanan, MD, FACSOwner & Board-Certified Plastic SurgeonVIVIFY plastic surgery

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

You will want to wait until you are six months post op to see your final results, but from the submitted photos it appears you were a better candidate for a standard tummy tuck.  This would involve additional skin removal and correct the excess skin around the belly button.  Liposuction of the hips and flanks could be added for additional contouring.

Johnny Chung, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. It appears that a revision would benefit you and give you better results. The ledge can be smoothed out with liposuction. The excess skin needs to be removed. I recommend seeing a board certified plastic surgeon who specializes in tummy tucks for a consultation. I would also try lowering your scar as it sits relatively high. Best of luck with your procedure.

David Azouz, MD, FACS, FRCS(C) · Answer

It appears that there is still laxity in the abdomen following a mini tummy tuck.  Good communication with the plastic surgeon will permit a determination if a full tummy tuck is necessary or if liposuction could improve the loose skin.

Ledge on tummy tuck scar, loose skin, and ugly belly button - Does this look normal? Shouldn't it be tight?

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