Tummy tuck 7 months PO, age 45, how do I know my surgeon tightened my abdominal wall? (Photos)

Question

I had a tummy tuck 7 months ago/ age 45 First I feel like my procedure was rushed. Surgeon was working on another patient which push me back and hour. I never once saw surgeon before or after surgery. My question is how do I know he tighten my abdominal wall?. My stomach still sticks out and not as flat as I expect it. When I went in for a check up I did ask him but his response was a quick yeah and then started talking about something else.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

Tigthening of the abdominal fascia is done only when it is clinically necessary (muscle separation) not in all abdominoplasty patients. After abdominoplasty, with or without fascia plication, tone of the abdominal wall will depend on muscle dynamics and strenght rather then fascial plication. Hope this may help.

Tommaso Addona, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.
There is generally no way to check if your rectus muscles were tightened just visually. You can certainly ask for the operative report which will mention if the rectus muscles were repaired. I recommend speaking with your plastic surgeon to voice your concerns.

Johanna D'Agostino, MD · Answer

Hi Santana. I'm sorry to hear about your experience. Only your surgeon and his/her team could really answer this question. Perhaps, you could request the operative report that will specify in detail what was done during surgery. Sharing some of your before pictures could help. Imaging of your abdomen can also provide an answer. When choosing a surgeon, it's important to meet in person to obtain a full evaluation and discuss the proposed procedure. Virtual consultations are also available but your surgeon most likely will meet you before the procedure. Thank you for sharing.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

I encourage you to speak again with your surgeon.  It is important that you feel comfortable and confident in your recovery.  You can also request a copy of your operative report from the facility where the tummy tuck was performed.  It will contain in detail what was performed during your operation.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Santana8801,
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

Tummy tuck 7 months PO, age 45, how do I know my surgeon tightened my abdominal wall? (Photos)

Answers (8)

Answer: Did my surgeon tighten my muscle wall?

Answer: Did my surgeon tighten my muscle wall?

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Answer: Tummy tuck results

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Tummy tuck 7 months PO, age 45, how do I know my surgeon tightened my abdominal wall? (Photos)

Answers (8)

Answer: Did my surgeon tighten my muscle wall?

Answer: Did my surgeon tighten my muscle wall?

Answer: Tummy tuck results

Answer: Tummy tuck results

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck Revision

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.