Hi, I had a tummy tuck (TT) and muscle repair (MR) 9 months ago, but my belly is still round. I’m generally slim (UK size 8/S), but even after surgery, I’m wearing UK size 12 jeans due to the shape of my belly. I expected to be relatively flat after the TT, but that’s not the case, so I’m wondering what could be causing this: Could it be a failed MR? Weak tummy wall (perhaps I needed mesh)? Still swelling (although I doubt this, as it hasn’t changed since months 3-4)? Or could it be bloating?
Answer: Abdominal fullness after a tummy tuck It would help to see your preoperative photos, but you seem to have a very nice abdominal contour. Some extra fullness may be do to not being tightened to your expectations or your tissues not being able to withstand the tension on the sutures. Also, the amount of intra-abdominal fat sometimes limits tightening as much as you may prefer and have expected. You should speak to your plastic surgeon about this and review any options. Sometimes your body shape just does not allow for more tightening than this. Mesh generally is not used in these situations.
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Answer: Abdominal fullness after a tummy tuck It would help to see your preoperative photos, but you seem to have a very nice abdominal contour. Some extra fullness may be do to not being tightened to your expectations or your tissues not being able to withstand the tension on the sutures. Also, the amount of intra-abdominal fat sometimes limits tightening as much as you may prefer and have expected. You should speak to your plastic surgeon about this and review any options. Sometimes your body shape just does not allow for more tightening than this. Mesh generally is not used in these situations.
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March 16, 2025
Answer: Speak with your primary care physician first This could be caused by a variety of factors, such as bloating, excess visceral fat or abdominal muscle separation. You may want to consider speaking with your primary care physician about your concerns or returning to your surgeon.
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March 16, 2025
Answer: Speak with your primary care physician first This could be caused by a variety of factors, such as bloating, excess visceral fat or abdominal muscle separation. You may want to consider speaking with your primary care physician about your concerns or returning to your surgeon.
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February 2, 2025
Answer: Tummy tuck results Dear Beauty666, I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what is 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
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February 2, 2025
Answer: Tummy tuck results Dear Beauty666, I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what is 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
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January 9, 2025
Answer: Abdomen I would go to your medical doctor and check for boating. The most common cause of bloating are food allergies. Your physician can test you for this. Surgery, of course, will not address food allergies and bloating.
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January 9, 2025
Answer: Abdomen I would go to your medical doctor and check for boating. The most common cause of bloating are food allergies. Your physician can test you for this. Surgery, of course, will not address food allergies and bloating.
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December 30, 2024
Answer: Persistent Round Tummy Post-Tummy Tuck and Muscle Repair Hello, and thank you for your question regarding why your abdomen still appears round 9 months after your tummy tuck (TT) and muscle repair (MR). Let’s explore the possible causes. By 9 months post-op, most of the initial swelling from surgery should have resolved, although residual swelling in some patients can persist for up to a year. However, if your abdominal shape hasn’t changed since the third or fourth month, swelling is less likely to be the cause. A rounded appearance can result from several factors: Muscle Repair Concerns: If the muscle repair was not adequately performed or has partially separated, this could leave the abdominal wall weaker and unable to provide the flat appearance you expected. In some cases, patients with significant muscle weakness or hernias may require the addition of mesh to support the abdominal wall. Visceral Fat: The shape of the abdomen is also influenced by internal (visceral) fat, which lies behind the abdominal muscles and around your organs. If visceral fat is present, no amount of muscle tightening or external fat removal will completely flatten the abdomen. Bloating or Gastrointestinal Issues: Chronic bloating caused by diet, gut health, or conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) could also contribute to a persistent round appearance. If bloating worsens after meals or varies throughout the day, this may be a factor to explore with a gastroenterologist. Skin and Fat Distribution: Although you mentioned that you’re slim, minor skin or fat laxity above the muscle could also contribute to the shape. In some cases, additional liposuction or refinement may help. If the roundness is truly caused by a failed or incomplete muscle repair, revision surgery may be necessary to address the issue. I recommend consulting with a board-certified plastic surgeon for a thorough evaluation, which may include imaging like an ultrasound or CT scan to assess the muscle repair and abdominal wall integrity. Your results should align with your expectations, and addressing these concerns is essential to your overall satisfaction. Sincerely, Dr. Katzen
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December 30, 2024
Answer: Persistent Round Tummy Post-Tummy Tuck and Muscle Repair Hello, and thank you for your question regarding why your abdomen still appears round 9 months after your tummy tuck (TT) and muscle repair (MR). Let’s explore the possible causes. By 9 months post-op, most of the initial swelling from surgery should have resolved, although residual swelling in some patients can persist for up to a year. However, if your abdominal shape hasn’t changed since the third or fourth month, swelling is less likely to be the cause. A rounded appearance can result from several factors: Muscle Repair Concerns: If the muscle repair was not adequately performed or has partially separated, this could leave the abdominal wall weaker and unable to provide the flat appearance you expected. In some cases, patients with significant muscle weakness or hernias may require the addition of mesh to support the abdominal wall. Visceral Fat: The shape of the abdomen is also influenced by internal (visceral) fat, which lies behind the abdominal muscles and around your organs. If visceral fat is present, no amount of muscle tightening or external fat removal will completely flatten the abdomen. Bloating or Gastrointestinal Issues: Chronic bloating caused by diet, gut health, or conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) could also contribute to a persistent round appearance. If bloating worsens after meals or varies throughout the day, this may be a factor to explore with a gastroenterologist. Skin and Fat Distribution: Although you mentioned that you’re slim, minor skin or fat laxity above the muscle could also contribute to the shape. In some cases, additional liposuction or refinement may help. If the roundness is truly caused by a failed or incomplete muscle repair, revision surgery may be necessary to address the issue. I recommend consulting with a board-certified plastic surgeon for a thorough evaluation, which may include imaging like an ultrasound or CT scan to assess the muscle repair and abdominal wall integrity. Your results should align with your expectations, and addressing these concerns is essential to your overall satisfaction. Sincerely, Dr. Katzen
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