Should I go back to the same Surgeon for a TT revision? Or seek a TT revision specialist? Scared pls help (Photo)

Question

I’m 10 mo post full TT. Had Necrosis at center which left me with wide scar. Also dog ear with excess fat bulge on my side. the incision line is too low on the sides and hangs out beneath all my bathingsuits & underwear. I feel like a PS should stand behind their work however how do I trust & feel comfortable having the same PS work on me again? Should I not risk it? Do I go to a PS who is a TT revision Specialist? Or is it best to let this PS fix it? Scared please help

Shlomo Widder, MD · Answer

Dear Floridian,   Thanks for posting your pictures and sorry for your problems. A side view picture would have been helpful.    There is no doubt that your tummy tuck is sub optimal - the central scar is too high and the lateral scars are too low. Physical exam will help to determine if the central scar can be lowered. The lateral scars can be easily elevated to a more practical and attractive level.   Your best option financially is to let your surgeon revise your surgery, as long as you trust him and he, or she,  can show you before and after pictures of successful tummy tuck revisions. Other wise , consult with other experienced board certified plastic surgeon who can show you optimal tummy tuck results in their photo gallery.    As you can see from your experience, not all results are the same, because experience, technical skills and aesthetic eye are critical for good outcome. So, do your due diligence carefully and choose your surgeons wisely.                          Best of luck,                                         Dr Widder

Christopher W. Chase, MD · Answer

My advice would be to check your current plastic surgeon's credentials and reputation and make sure they are a real plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and are experienced in body contouring procedures such as abdominoplasty.  If they check out and you feel comfortable with them performing the revision, and if they will do it to your satisfaction at a discounted rate or at no charge, then consider letting them continue the journey with you until they have proven themselves worthy and you are content with the result.In the meantime, If there are other plastic surgeon's in your area, I would still suggest getting some other opinions and researching their credentials.Going to a so-called specialty center may or not pan out. Many doctors call themselves specialists in various things but are not necessarily more qualified than anyone else, and frankly, could better better salesmen than surgeons.Do your research and go with whom you feel the most comfortable.  You should not feel "scared" going into surgery with the right plastic surgeon.Thank you.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

Based on your photos there is no doubt that revision is needed. Your deformity can be significantly corrected with careful planing and good execution. Consultation with another board certified plastic surgeon with good reputation in body contouring surgery is recommended. Good luck.

Thomas Trevisani, MD · Answer

I understand your concerns. However, without the benefit of pre-op photos and a thorough understanding of the post-op course- it's difficult to give the best answer. No doubt - you have issues. It's highly likely that your original Surgeon may be able to revise the current scar to a more favorable condition. In short: an extended scar revision with possible elevation of the lateral scars- may be possible

Roxanne Sylora, MD · Answer

If your plastic surgeon is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, then they should be able to revise your surgery.  It may not be as easy to move the scar unless you have loose skin remaining near the scar.  I would recommend you discuss these issues with your surgeon and make your decision based on their answers.  It is usually much less expensive to do a revision with the original surgeon that to switch to a new one.

E. Ronald Finger, MD · Answer

Since you are not happy with the results of your TT done 10 months ago, I would seek a second opinion from a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and a member of the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery..
Judging from your photos, your lower abdomen will need a full revision, and the scars may need to be extended laterally and posteriorly, probably with some liposuction. The lateral scar is too low and this can be elevated going posteriorly as well.
Thank you for your question, and best of luck to you.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Always best to seek a few in person second opinions from other boarded PSs. If changing PSs you will incur a fee, most likely higher than you paid originally. To me you need complete lower revision wth extension of the incisions laterally to correct the 'dog ears'. I would charge $6,000. FYI

David Bogue, MD · Answer

First off, there is no such thing as a "tummy tuck revision specialist." Any ethical plastic surgeon should stand behind their work. Your issues are due to separate issues: the scar in the lower abdomen is secondary to the necrosis and the large skin excess on the sides is due to surgical planning. An important component of any abdominoplasty is determining where a patient wants the scar to lie. It may not be possible to elevate the outer scar as high as your bathing suit bottoms in the photo, but it may be possible to elevate them a few inches. It depends upon the laxity in the lateral thigh (you need to remove the skin above and have enough tension-free stretch to reach the new location from below). This would require liposuction of the lateral thighs and extension of the scar posteriorly. As to whether or not you wish to have your current plastic surgeon try to correct this - only you can answer that. I would gather that you don't have much confidence in him/her or you wouldn't be posting on RealSelf.

Should I go back to the same Surgeon for a TT revision? Or seek a TT revision specialist? Scared pls help (Photo)

Answers (8)

More Tummy Tuck Revision Questions

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS

Answers (8)

More Tummy Tuck Revision Questions

Mons pubis is large puffy and ugly after FTT 14 years ago. Worried about long term post-op numbness and more scarring. (Photos)

Is this necrosis? I had a tummy tuck revision 11 days ago in Mexico. (photos)

How long should you wait after full tummy tuck for scar revision? (Photo)

Very disappointed with revision tummy tuck. What can I do? Please help. (Photos)

Can I have the loose skin cut off of my sides only? I had a tummy tuck.

WE SEND PRETTY EMAILS

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS