Is this a typical outcome of an extended tummy tuck with mons lift and SAL epigastric flanks and abdomen? (Photo)

Question

I had the above procedure and the outcome is less than desirable. The doctor tells me he did a great job and will charge me for a secondary surgery. I am lumpy uneven and have a lot of skin left over.

Semih Yildiz, MD, FEPOBRAS · Answer

Some lumpiness and firmness can be part of healing after an extended tummy tuck with liposuction, especially in the first several months, but a final result cannot be judged from photos alone. In your photos, there appears to be residual lower abdominal and mons skin laxity with contour irregularity and a fold/overhang, but an exam is needed to know whether this is loose skin, swelling, scar tethering, residual fat, or an abdominal wall issue.

The timing matters. If you are still early in recovery, massage, compression, and time may improve swelling and firmness, but they will not remove true excess skin. If you are 6 to 12 months out and the contour is stable, a second opinion with a board-certified plastic surgeon is reasonable before paying for revision. Bring your before photos and operative report so the surgeon can compare the original anatomy with the result. Revision options might include scar release, additional skin excision, mons revision, limited liposuction, or fat grafting, depending on the cause. Contact your surgeon promptly or seek urgent care for increasing pain, redness, drainage, fever, wound opening, or rapidly enlarging swelling.

Eric Swanson, MD · Answer

Your perception is correct. The remedy is a secondary abdominoplasty to removal additional tissue. Some surgeons flex the operating table to maximize skin removal, while keeping the scar level low and well-concealed. Fortunately you can still get the outcome you want. Just need another operation.

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

As I mentioned in your previous post, This is far a good result and obviously not desirable. It's not malpractice material, and it every bit fixable so that you can obtain a far different result.

Miguel Mota, MD · Answer

Hi. This is not typical, but when patients have large amounts of excess tissue it is much harder to achieve great results. Every surgeon handles cases like these differently and I believe you obviously need a revision. Wether he should way his fee is up to him. Like I said, it sometimes very hard to do a proper TT when there is so much skin. In any case you deserve and can get a better result. So do try to get a revision with him or someone else.

Best of luck,
Dr. Miguel Mota

Best of luck,
Dr. Miguel Mota

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Your outcome is not typical as you have excess skin and you will need a revision consisting of basically another tummy tuck.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

There was not enough skin removed during your tummy tuck. You should consider a revision. However there may be a vertical scar from where the umbilicus was placed

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You do have some excess skin. the lower portion could be trimmed in the office if still present at 6 months. the middle could be tightened with a vertical scar.  Please discuss your concerns with your surgeon.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

From the photos it appears you would have an improved result from a revision.  There is still excess fat and skin that can be excised and further contouring performed in order to achieve better results.  See a board certified plastic surgeon near you to learn more.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Based on your nicely before photo and after photos, I recommend a complete revision of previous surgery. Expect these to range from $10,000-$20,000. Best to virtual consult with.

Is this a typical outcome of an extended tummy tuck with mons lift and SAL epigastric flanks and abdomen? (Photo)

Answers (9)

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