Why does my belly still look big after full abdominoplasty? Will I need a revision? (Photos)

Dear Azeena,
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

Most likely you have exes visceral fat and without weight reduction the results of the procedure will be limited.

Without an examination it’s not possible to make an assessment if your muscle tightening was sufficient but most of the time when patients bulge after a proper tummy tuck it is because of exes visceral fat pushing against the back of the muscle wall.

In the end there are four variables that contribute to the shape and contour of the abdomen.

These are skin laxity, access subcutaneous fat, muscle separation from previous pregnancies called diastasis recti and lastly access visceral or intra-abdominal fat.

A tummy tuck primarily treats skin laxity and muscle separation.

Liposuction treats excess subcutaneous fat.

Visceral fat can only be reduced through weight loss.

I suggest trying to drop a few pounds and take some reference pictures to see if it helps.

I’m guessing even 5 pounds will make a significant difference and 10 pounds may do the trick.

It is possible that muscle tightening was insufficient but that is usually not the case.

To get a proper assessment on the outcome of your procedure with a second opinion you’ll need to schedule in person consultations with other providers.

Best,

Mats Hagstrom MD