Will a tummy tuck smooth out lumps? (Photo)

Question

I would like to know if a tummy tuck or other procedure would smooth out the lumps and bumps on my belly. Istomach lipo 2 yrs ago and a mini TT for scar revision 4 years ago. I had gastric sleeve surgery 4 yrs ago that caused a hematoma post-surgery, that wasnt drained. So I have a hollowed-out area from that. I have lost weight and am basically at my goal weight of 130. I am 53 and 5'4. Any advice on a procedure that can smooth it out so I can wear a bikini again?

Robert M. Wald, Jr., MD · Answer

This is a difficult problem. A revisional tummy tuck will help if there is enough loose skin to remove. Sometimes revisional liposuction will break up these lumps. Adding fat in the depressions will also help smooth these areas. Please consult with at least 2 different plastic surgeons to determine what will work best for you.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Jaspsadie02,
tummy tuck will remove loose skin and tighten muscle but it will not help with lumps. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Arif Eroglu, MD · Answer

Hello; Due to previous Liposuction; on your abdomen, there are areas of fibrosis and collapse. Probably, since; I think, Liposuction should be done on your too loose abdomen. Additionally, with Ultrasound; from a previous hematoma; whether there is a pouch left; should be checked. If there is no pouch in the abdomen; initially, I advise for doing Abdominal Vaserlipo. In this way, areas of fibrosis and related collapses; decrease. Although the visible problems do not disappear completely; a better image can be obtained. If there is a pouch; in the surgery, an incision is made like a Mini Abdominoplasty; pouch can be minus. Fibrosis tissues under the skin, due to previous Liposuction; it will not allow for a Full Abdominoplasty.

Igor Burko, MD · Answer

Hello, my name is Dr Igor Burko and I am a Plastic Surgeon at SY Aesthetics in NYC. It is difficult to say whether your contour irregularities are a result of previous liposuction, hematoma, or both. 
There are a couple ways to potentially treat these irregularities. If you have enough skin laxity, and are a candidate for an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), then removing the skin with the irregularities will solve the problem. Another option for irregularities with a hollowing, is fat grafting the area to fill the space. 
It is best to see a trained plastic surgeon so that you can have a consultation with a physical exam to discuss your options.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Tummy Tuck for Smoother Abdomen
Hello Jaspsadie02,

Thank you for your question regarding whether a tummy tuck or other procedure can smooth out the lumps and bumps on your belly. Based on your photos and history, a tummy tuck will significantly help improve the lumpiness of your skin.

Given that you don't have a lot of excess skin, there are a few considerations:

Smoothing the Abdomen: A tummy tuck will remove excess skin and fat, tightening the area and addressing the uneven texture caused by previous surgeries and weight loss. This should smooth out the lumps and bumps, giving you a more even contour.

Vertical Scar: Because you have had a mini tummy tuck before and do not have much excess skin, you will likely be left with a vertical scar from where your current bellybutton needs to be moved. This vertical scar will extend from the current position of your bellybutton down to the new position.

Other Procedures: Depending on the extent of the hollowed-out area from the hematoma, additional procedures such as fat grafting might be recommended to fill in and smooth out any depressions.

Scarring Considerations: It’s important to consider that any surgical intervention will leave scars. However, these scars can fade over time and can be concealed under most types of clothing and swimwear.

In conclusion, a full tummy tuck will likely provide the best results in smoothing out your abdomen and improving the overall contour. Make sure to discuss all your concerns and expectations with a board-certified plastic surgeon who can provide a detailed plan tailored to your needs.

Good luck, and I wish you all the best in achieving your desired results.

Sincerely,

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FASMBS, FICS
Plastic Surgeon

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Yes, tummy tucks smooth out the skin contour.  However, you may not have enough skin to pull the umbilicus all the way down.  You may end up with a vertical scar from the original umbilicus site.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Sean Fisher, MD · Answer

Yes, a full tummy tuck would significantly improve this. Much or all of the tissue from your prior incision to the level of your belly button is discarded in a traditional tummy tuck. This appears to be where most of your contour irregularities are. Also, elevating the abdominal flap would release any internal scarring that is contributing to those areas of retraction. For any persisting defects, small volume fat grafting could be considered to correct these. 
Sean Fisher Aesthetic Plastic SurgeonSeattle, WA

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

A mini tuck might help improve the lower abdomen. You might consider Sculptra injections to help fill in the indented areas. Please go to someone who does Sculptra injections in scarred areas.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

An in person evaluation is best, but from the provided photo it appears a tummy tuck would be the best recommendation to improve the contour irregularities.  It doesn't appear you have much skin laxity so be sure to discuss what you can expect in terms of results with your board certified plastic surgeon.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Weight loss patients typically don’t need Liposuction and instead usually have skin laxity problems that are best treated with skin tightening procedures like for tummy tuck.
Improving poorly Liposuction is difficult.
Liposuction resorts will be limited if somebody is not an ideal candidate for the procedure.
To make an assessment regarding the outcome of any plastic surgery procedure we generally need to see a complete set of proper before and after pictures.
If you don’t have before and after pictures and ask your provider to forward the pictures they took. 
Without knowing what you look like before liposuction it’s hard to assess your outcome or even tell if Liposuction was an appropriate procedure at the time.
Consider reposting with proper before and after pictures.
The scar tissue that develops after liposuction and can make skin tightening procedures, a bit challenging.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD

Will a tummy tuck smooth out lumps? (Photo)

Answers (10)

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