Do I need a revision? (Photo)

Question

I had an abdominoplasty with muscle repair and upper abdo lipo done in Jan 23. Ever since surgery I've never been flat or tight. It's been 6 months now and I'm still unhappy with how much it buldges above and below my bellt button. It hangs over my leggings at the gym. Do I need a revision and how much do I need done? Like the whole skin part again?

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

It is very likely that you will need revision, both by means of skin excision And liposuction, based on these photos. However, only on the basis of person evaluation (seek a second opinion consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon) one could give you more accurate assessment. Hope this helps.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Thriving310590,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. 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

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

I would suggest starting with liposuction to remove excess fat. Once healed about 6 months later, then the tuck can be revised to remove excess skin if needed.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Based on your photos it does appear a revision would be helpful in improving your results.  Excess fat and skin would be removed.  You could add liposuction of the hips/flanks for further contouring.  See a board certified plastic surgeon near you to learn more.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

The most common reasons patient bulge after a full tummy tuck is the presence of excess visceral fat. This should be assessed during an in person consultation and patient should be told that visceral fat is an issue before they have surgery. Individuals who have excess visceral fat will not get a flat abdomen even with successful muscle tightening. Individuals who are obese and have excess visceral fat should consider losing weight before the operation in order to optimize their candidacy for the procedure. You can still improve on your outcome with the weight loss, which should reduce the amount of intra-abdominal or visceral fat.
Insufficient muscle tightening is also a possibility, but this tends not to be nearly as common as not assessing visceral fat Contant properly, and explaining the inherent limitation, that excess visceral fat causes on the potential outcome of the procedure.
Before even considering revision surgery, you should try weight loss, which will most likely improve your results dramatically.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom, MD

Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

You could do better with your weight first and that will help reduce any fat inside the abdomen that might be contributing to the fullness. This is fat the surgeon cannot do anything about, only weight loss fixes that. Second, it looks like a full redo might be needed as there is still too much skin. I also do not understand the scar coming down from your umbi. With the amount of excess you had, there should only be a scar right around the umbi. Suggest the weight loss and meeting with some other plastic surgeons.

Do I need a revision? (Photo)

Answers (6)

More Tummy Tuck Revision Questions

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS

Answers (6)

More Tummy Tuck Revision Questions

Is revision surgery worth it, and how to know who to trust? (Photo)

Loose skin & uneven healing, would a tummy tuck revision help? (Photos)

Was this tummy tuck repair a failure? (Photo)

Tummy tuck revision needed? Could this still be swelling? (Photo)

Pain 5 years post op. What is happening? (Photo)

Expectation from reverse abdominoplasty?

WE SEND PRETTY EMAILS

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS