Should/Does the plastic surgeon revise for free if I'm unhappy with my results 11 days out? (Photo)

Question

I had a full tummy tuck with a floating belly button done 11 days ago. The moment I took off my binder I noticed something didn't look right. I've already addressed my surgeon and he said to give it time. My belly button area looks horrible (wrinkly) my diastasis was corrected but I don't feel my exterior was fixed. I already paid 7500. Is it his responsibility to fix it if I'm still not happy with it down the road?

Shayne Webb, MD · Answer

Though it is still early, your concerns will likely persist.  I agree that this is likely a floated belly button tuck.  If so this is very difficult to fix later with a full tummy tuck as the belly button will not survive.  If that happens a new belly button would need to be fashioned.  'Refloating' the belly button will help with the skin laxity, but will move the belly button further down toward your pubis.  Try not to get discouraged, and give it some time.  Much of the laxity may improve.  Good luck and take care.

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

Thank you for your pictures. Revision policies for up to the individual surgeon/offices. You need to discuss this policy with your surgeon.  I am sure that you could come to some reasonable middle ground about who would be responsible for fees if they revision is needed. I would give you result three months before you critically judge it.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

Your surgeon is right. It is too soon to consider a revision.  From your photos, I don't know what the current problem is, but you must let things heal further before embarking on a revision.  As far as the cost of a revision, it depends on the surgeon's policy, which may be in the consent form you signed.

David Liland, MD · Answer

Plastic Surgeons have different policies about responsibility for patient outcomes. I can see your concern about the skin around your umbilicus and would be talking to your PS about your concerns and ask him directly what he will have to do to get rid of those wrinkles and loose skin if they do not resolve over time as he suggests. Also mention cost to you. Most PS want all their patients happy and will do things to give them a better result usually at no extra charge if possible.

Shim Ching, MD · Answer

With this type of procedure, there will not be much improvement of the skin around your belly button.  However it may have been possible to do a full tummy tuck as it does not look like you had that much skin excess prior to surgery.  I would discuss your concerns with your surgeon.  Each surgeon has different policies regarding revision.

Diana Breister-Ghosh, MD · Answer

It
is difficult to see exactly what the skin condition looks like in your after
photos.  However, it is a general rule
that no revision surgery should be done within the first several months after
surgery.  This time is needed for the
tissue to reduce swelling and heal completely. 
As far as the cost of revision, all surgeons are completely different in
how this is handled.  Most surgeons will
perform a touchup if necessary at either no cost or very minimal cost.  If the procedure is needed to be redone, a
surgeon may charge a nominal fee.  The
main issue with your postop course is to let the tissue heal for a period of
several months before you decide what course of action you will take.

Kris M. Reddy, MD, FACS · Answer

Your concerns are valid, but you should postpone the discussion for at least 6 months to allow your body to heal. At that time, you will have a better understand the scope of the revision that will be necessary.

Francisco Canales, MD · Answer

You are right with many of your concerns, but it is too early to talk about revision.  I see your drains are still in place.  Concentrate on doing everything possible to ensure you are fully healed and all swelling is done.  At that time, ask your surgeon for options and be frank about costs.  Your surgeon may be able to waive his fees, but many times anesthesiologist or operating room fees are billed by separate party. Perhaps you can look over your paperwork to see if it addresses revisionary cost.  Best of luck.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Yoir posted case demonstrates the choices can result in poor results. In my over the internet opinion you needed a full TT. But now to late, that bridge is cut.. As for revision and fees that is a personal matter between you and the surgeon. But I wonder is there any way to solve for skin issues NOW?

Gilbert Lee, MD · Answer

This is a tough situation for all parties.  The Floating Belly Button Tuck, aka Tunneled Tummy Tuck allows for tightening of the rectus diastasis, but does not remove very much skin.  In your pre-op photos, you don't appear to have much skin redundancy.  However, after repairing the rectus diastasis, the skin excess becomes more noticeable.  I would recommend you allow your skin a few months to recover from the recent surgery before making any decisions.Then discuss the matter with your surgeon.  You may require a conversion to a full tummy tuck.  You will need to work with your surgeon to find an acceptable agreement between the two parties.  Your surgeon did carry out the agreed upon procedure.  However, sometimes the outcome does not reflect the intentions of both parties. I think a fair compromise might be for the patient to cover the cost of additional operating room and anesthesia fees, and the surgeon will cover their own fee.

Should/Does the plastic surgeon revise for free if I'm unhappy with my results 11 days out? (Photo)

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More Tummy Tuck Revision Questions

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Answers (11)

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