Follow-up question: Why is my stomach not flat after full TT with muscle repair?

Question

I posted this question earlier but wanted to include more photos. My stomach has never been flat since my TT, the swelling has gone down but my surgeon has said I need some liposuction to the area below the belly button. However my upper abdomen is still rounded but he says nothing can be done about it. Did the muscle repair fail? My stomach is flat when I lie down and lift my head.

Scott Tucker, MD · Answer

It appears as if your result is still early.  Before talking about any revision surgery give it at least 3 months to be sure all of your swelling has resolved.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Salmulli,I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment it would be difficult to determine what is wrong. It is best that you visit a board certified plastic surgeon for further assessment. Only after thorough examination you can get proper recommendations and advice. Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS 
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery  
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Lee B. Daniel, MD · Answer

Based on your photos, it appears that your tummy tuck was fairly recent. Swelling can take several weeks and even months to fully diminish, so you might notice a bit of a bloated look before the swelling is completely gone. My advice would be to focus on your recovery at this point and try not to worry too much about your final results just yet. You should start to notice gradual improvements in your body shape as you continue to heal.

Randy J. Buckspan, MD (retired) · Answer

Unwanted changes are not uncommon after a tummy tuck.  Most of these concerns will resolve with time - at least 12 months.  There are several reasons that the tummy still has a bulge after healing.  There may be excess residual fat under the skin (requires liposuction), the internal fat is pushing out from within below the muscle (requires weight loss), the muscle is not tight enough (re-tighten or add a supportive layer), or the skin is loose (remove and tighten the excess).  BodyTite might be useful to treat fat excess and loose skin at the same time.  The firm area above the scar from bruised fat (fat necrosis) will probably need to be resected - liposuction likely will not help as this is firm fat and scar beneath the skin.  Your plastic surgeon can help you determine what is best for you.

Carlos Saint-Hilaire Lockward,MD-Account Suspended · Answer

Hello Dear; and thank you for your question and your photos!
We need to se how much time you have of operated.  That is going down little by little; You can even see results at 6 months and up to the year.
I  wish you the best!
Dr. Carlos Saint-Hilaire.

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Follow-up question: Why is my stomach not flat after full TT with muscle repair?

Answers (5)

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