Botched tummy tuck - how can I fix this?

A thorough examination is the only way to receive accurate recommendations, and a treatment plan tailored to your needs. The best next step is to schedule a visit with your plastic surgeon—or consider getting a second opinion.
Dr. Brandon Lambiris Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon–Sarasota, FL

Dear key largo,

I'm sorry to hear about your results. This sounds horrific.

In order to restore your confidence it sounds like a revision would be necessary. There are a couple ways to go about it. One could be to use the skin above your belly button to lower your entire results so it's more natural. Sometimes there is not enough loose skin or extra skin to lower the scar to produce a more natural result and anatomy than the use of tissue expanders can be employed to create a final result that you can feel good about. Seek the opinions of several boards certified plastic surgeons.

Best wishes,

Earl Stephenson, JR, MD, DDS, MBA

ESJ Aesthetics.

Thank you for your inquiry! To answer this question with accuracy, we would need to see you in person to be able to assess your abdomen post tummy tuck. We would love to meet with you to discuss your options. Schedule a consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon to help you reach your goals.

It almost impossible to give you good advice without a few photographs, but it seems like you are on the right track. Your bellybutton may need to be reset, leaving a new small scar, but that may well be a good trade off for your pubic problem. There may even be less drastic ways to improve the tension on your mons. You would probably need general anesthesia, but I think a revision could help your problems.

Dear Sensible566113,
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, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Thank for your query. It is difficult to say for sure without pictures but the loose skin above the belly button is usually not a good option to bring all the way down to the lower tummy tuck incision, as the belly button opening will have to be redone resulting in an unnecessary scar. The best option here maybe to use an expander over the lower part of the abdomen. Once this skin has expanded , it can be pulled down and the private parts allowed to go back to their normal position. Please discuss your options with your surgeon or another experienced surgeon who can examine you and help you with all your concerns

Thank you for your question regarding your concerns after your tummy tuck. Based on your description, it sounds like your initial procedure left you with uneven skin distribution, excessive tension in the lower pelvic area, and loose skin above your navel. These issues can often be addressed with a revision tummy tuck performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in corrective procedures.

During a revision, the surgeon can release the excessive tension in the lower pelvic area and redistribute the loose skin above the navel to achieve a more balanced appearance. This may involve revising your initial incision and extending it slightly to allow for better skin redraping. If the pubic area, or mons, was pulled too high during your first surgery, a procedure called monsplasty could be performed to reposition and reshape this area for a more natural contour. Additionally, if your abdominal muscles were not adequately repaired or if diastasis recti (muscle separation) was overlooked, the revision surgery may include muscle tightening to improve the overall contour of your midsection.

While it is possible to make significant improvements with revision surgery, it is essential to set realistic expectations. The results will depend on the quality of your skin, the degree of correction needed, and the specifics of your previous procedure. I recommend consulting with a board-certified plastic surgeon who has extensive experience in tummy tuck revisions. Bring any documentation or photos from your first surgery to help the surgeon understand what was done initially and how best to correct the issues you are experiencing.

This process will not only address the loose skin and high tension but will also aim to improve your comfort and overall satisfaction with the results. It is important to choose a surgeon who listens to your concerns and thoroughly explains the options available to achieve your goals. I wish you the best as you move forward in your journey.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

I'm sorry to hear of the issues you are having since your tummy tuck. It is possible that your concerns can be corrected but an in person evaluation is needed. I encourage you to meet with a board certified plastic surgeon for a consultation to discuss your options.

Since you did not post photos, I suggest meeting with a plastic surgeon and discussing your options. Photos and an examination are needed.

Thank you for your question. However, pictures would have been very helpful to give you a more precise opinion. Sorry to heat that you're having this issue. From what you describe, my answer would be Yes! It sounds like you need to have another tummy tuck to fix this problem.