Is a revision possible? What options would I have? (Photo)

Question

This is how I am left after a TT with MR and lipo 360. When I lay flat the skin on my abdomen is tight however, when I stand up or bend over the skin is still loose. I have a bulge on both sides of my belly button when I stand or sit. I have never been completely flat since surgery and the bulges have always been there. I just want to know options, if any, on a revision. My original surgeon said this was normal so I am also looking for a new surgeon and second opinions. I am 7 months post op.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

It is not rare to see patient with similar problem after TT and liposuction. This is in particular the case if patient has very loose, stretched skin with minimal elasticity (after weight loss, multiple pregnancies) which starts sagging several months after surgery. Liposuction itself undermines blood supply of the skin flap, so when done together with abdominoplasty, it is usually very conservative, in particular around skin flap edges (lower abdomen, above scar). You should wait  one year for condition to settle and deformity to present in full form before undergoing more aggressive liposuction and scar revision (lower scar position). Good luck.

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Your result is very common due to most surgeon's misprioritization of 'getting the hole' out ( the hole in the skin where it used to be attached to your belly button) versus what should really be prioritized: getting the scar low enough to look good. good news is that with a little liposuction and a revision of just the lower belly skin, you can have a lower and less conspicuous scar.

George Marosan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos. Based on these photos, you have lots of fat on your abdomen, since this was not thinned out during your surgery. Cannot address the muscle repair, since that would need to be an in person examination/evaluation. If  the MR is intact, I would do VASER lipo 360 degrees and possibly lowering your high abdominoplasty scar.
See a board certified plastic surgeon for evaluation. Good luck. See attached web reference.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

There is still plenty of loose skin that can be removed with a revision. Your original surgeon is correct however. Many patients do experience further stretching if skin after a tummy tuck. A revision for this reason is not at all
Uncommon.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear realagent20,
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

Is a revision possible? What options would I have? (Photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Tummy tuck

Answer: Tummy tuck

Answer: Tummy tuck candidate

Answer: Tummy tuck candidate

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck Revision

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Is a revision possible? What options would I have? (Photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Tummy tuck

Answer: Tummy tuck

Answer: Tummy tuck candidate

Answer: Tummy tuck candidate

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck Revision

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.