Tummy tuck 6 months post op, is my muscle repair failing? bulging and hanging roll. (photos)

Thank you for your question. Unless you have gained a significant amount of weight in the postoperative period, the most likely reason for the overhanging fat/skin and the bulge is a failed muscle repair. This can easily be determined upon examination. The solution would be to revise the muscle repair and if there is excess skin obviously to trim that as well. Good luck.

Dear SSeneker,
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

A few things could be contributing to the contour that concerns you. Some to consider in addition to the plication failing are weight gain, excess subcutaneous fat, or excess visceral fat. If it is visceral fat only weight loss will improve it. If it is subcutaneous fat you could consider liposuction. If it is muscle plication that has failed then the tummy tuck would need to be revised in order to correct it.

Only side views posted no front views?? So hard to advise but only complete revision n of muscle plication can correct. But might be excess fat ? Best to virtual consult with

The number one reason patients have abdominal bulging after a tummy tuck is because of exes visceral fat pushing against the back of the muscle wall. Anybody with a significant amount of excess visceral fat will have to lose weight to get a flat abdomen and no amount of muscle tightening can hold back the increased intra-abdominal pressure from access visceral fat with that weight loss.
If you know how much you weighed at the time of surgery then compare that to your current weight and make sure that you are at least down 2 pounds from your weight at the time of surgery. Otherwise try dropping five or 10 pounds and you should see a significant improvement in your abdomen.
Insufficient muscle tightening can be an explanation but the most common is excess visceral fat that should have been picked up and discussed during an in person consultation explaining to the patient the need for maintaining weight or possible weight loss for ideal outcomes after surgery.
Follow up with your provider or schedule in person second opinion consultations.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD