Would you define my surgical outcome as “botched”? (Photo)

Question

I had an extended abdomnioplasty with mons lift and SAL epigastric, abdomen and flanks. Very early on I had significant concerns about asymmetry, jagged scar line, excess skin and lumpiness. I waited to see if swelling was the culprit and not to get ahead of myself. But after months of healing and little improvement I am convinced I had sub standard surgery.

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Your surgeon did not take enough skin or fat. Your surgeon was not very careful in other regards too. The good news is that there is nothing that I can see that is a problem that can't be completely corrected. In addition to more liposuction, you will need a complete revision of your abdominoplasty to recruit the persistently excess skin above the belly button and around the sides too. You have way too much hair-bearing pubic skin and that needs to be resected, which will lower your incision at the midline. All of this will lead to a flat and tight contour of your abdomen and torso, and pleasing scar line that mirrors your anatomic boundaries, making them much less conspicuous.

Semih Yildiz, MD, FEPOBRAS · Answer

The word "botched" is emotionally understandable, but it is not a clinical diagnosis. The more useful question is what is causing the contour problems and whether they are safely correctable. After several months, swelling and scar firmness can still contribute, but persistent excess skin, scar irregularity, asymmetry, or a step-off in the lower abdomen should be assessed in person.

In your photos, there appears to be lower abdominal and mons-area skin redundancy with contour irregularity and some asymmetry, but photos cannot show scar tethering, tissue thickness, residual fat, or the abdominal wall repair. A second opinion is reasonable, ideally with your preoperative photos and operative report. If you are at least 6 to 12 months out and the result is stable, revision options may include scar revision, further skin excision, mons adjustment, limited liposuction, scar release, or fat grafting depending on the exam. If you have increasing pain, redness, drainage, fever, wound opening, or rapidly increasing swelling, contact your surgeon or seek urgent care.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello Hfxgirl23, thank you for your question regarding your surgical outcome. Based on your description and photo, there is room for revision in your results. The concerns about asymmetry, jagged scar line, excess skin, and lumpiness can be addressed through a revision procedure. This revision can be combined with liposuction of the flanks to give you optimal results. Combining these procedures can help refine your overall contour and achieve a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing outcome. It’s important to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon who has extensive experience in revision surgeries to discuss your concerns and develop a tailored plan for achieving your desired results. Good luck, and I hope this helps answer your question regarding your surgical outcome.

Sincerely,
J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FASMBS, FICS
Plastic Surgeon

Sincerely,
J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FASMBS, FICS
Plastic Surgeon

Arif Eroglu, MD · Answer

Hello; There is an excess skin and an asymmetrical appearance in the lower abdomen field. You also have fat; in your abdomen. All of these; are not severe to become afraid from them. Actually, you need for revision. I recommend for Abdominal Vaserlipo treatment, the removal of excess and asymmetrical excess skin in the lower abdomen area.

Dev Vibhakar, DO, FACS · Answer

Hello,I am sorry you are not happy with the outcome of your extended tummy tuck. Based on the two pictures it does appear you have some excess skin and contour irregularities. I do think these issues can be addressed but will need additional surgery. This can be a combination of excision of excess lower abdominal skin and reorientation of the incisions so that it is a curvilenear line +/- SAFE Liposuction to address residual fatty pockets. Hope this helps!Dr. Dev

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You are not "botched" but could have some improvements to trim some of the excess lower tissue and tighten the upper abdomen with a vertical incision.  Please discuss your concerns with your surgeon.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Based on your photos it appears that while you did heal well from surgery, your results could be improved.  A revision would remove the excess fat and skin.  Liposuction may be considered to further define your curves.  See a board certified plastic surgeon near you to learn more.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Based on only two post of photos and without seeing before photos, it appears your results are not to your satisfaction. Best to virtual consult with to discuss options which include revision of complete surgery. Expect fees to range from $8000-$20,000. Again best to virtual consult with. And before photos.

Would you define my surgical outcome as “botched”? (Photo)

Answers (8)

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