Tummy tuck 11 months ago & look worse, do you have advice? (Photos)

Hello @belletyson37, thank you for your question. and showing you pictures. Several factors should be considered, including the surgical technique applied, evaluating whether anything else is going on at a systemic level, obtaining additional testing to establish what happened and deciding on a surgical plan based on your needs and expectations. The best course of action is to consult one or several board certified plastic surgeon for more information and options tailored specifically to your needs. Best wishes! Alan Gonzalez MD, FACS. American Society of Plastic Surgery Member (ASPS), International Federation for Adipose Therapeutics and Science” Member (IFATS), Colombian Society of Plastic Surgery member (SCCP).

Dear belletyson37,
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

I am so sorry about your difficulties. You may have some residual seroma capsule that needs to be removed. Ask your surgeon to do an abdominal ultrasound to check. Excess tissue of the lower abdomen can be trimmed.

I'm sorry to hear of the experiences you've had since your tummy tuck. Based on the photos provided you will need to determine if you have fluid collection. An ultrasound should be able to answer this question. Once concerns are ruled out you can consider a revision.

It is difficult to say what is going on. Initially, it looks like a fluid collection (seroma), but a physical exam or sonogram would rule this in or out. The possibility of scar tissue and an inflammatory response is of concern, but rare this far post op.
I would request a sonogram and or CT scan to see what's going on inside. What was your Plastic Surgeon's thoughts at your latest postoperative visit?
Best wishes.
Dr. Taranow

A full tummy tuck is a large invasive operation. Serious complications do happen.
The choice to have this procedure it should not be taken lightly.If you have the fluid collection that it needs to be drained. If it continues to build up then you need to have a drain placed. If your surgeon can’t do that then consider going to an interventional radiologist who can place a drain percutaneously.
It’s unlikely your surgeon was at fault for you developing an infection. I typically do not recommend people travel long distances for elective surgical procedures especially a big operation like a full tummy tuck.
I’m not sure what you’re hoping to get from your post.
Your experience was unfortunate but complications do happen from this procedure.
It does not necessarily mean somethings done wrong.
It is however important to manage patients until they are properly healed up. You show a variety of pictures with significant abdominal swelling that could indicate a fluid collection.
Chronic fluid collections need to be actively managed. If they cannot be managed by aspiration the drain and should be placed.
Follow up with your provider or get an in person second opinion consultation.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD