My tummy tuck is lopsided. What can I do? (Photo)

Question

ok so I'm freaking out, I'm 1 week out of surgery and everyday I look at my stomach it looks to me like it's changing. I loved the results at first but now it's depressing me...I actually cried because I feel like I'm going to have to do this again and I'm terrified of anesthesia and I really don't want another surgery any tips or advice? Im ok with my scar I'm just confused about the sides as they are not even one side looks fatter than the other

Jennifer Boll, MD · Answer

Aufait184,You are so early after surgery that I would advise patience. As you have noted, a lot of change occurs as the swelling goes down. Over the next few months, the swelling will continue to decrease and your body will get more definition. If there is residual fullness on the left side, this can usually be corrected with liposuction. Liposuction of a small area can often be performed in the office so this does not necessarily mean a return to the OR. It is common for me to see one side settle at a different rate than the other. I do not know why but I commonly see subtle differences that settle themselves out with time. The difference between your sides is more than subtle but you are so early after surgery that it hard to tell how it will end up. Please don't freak out (it won't help anyway). Relax and wait. And go talk to your surgeon for reassurance. Good luck!

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photographs and I am sorry that your results have not been what you anticipated.  I do think that you have obtained a nice result but at only a week from surgery your results still need time to mature, six months or more.  Hang in there, you should continue to see steady improvement.

Harry T. Haramis, MD, FACS · Answer

It is way to early to judge final results. Everyone has some left to right differences before and after tummy tuck. Allow the healing and settling process time and keep close follow up with your plastic surgeon.

Robert M. Tornambe, MD · Answer

I appreciate your concern but it is way too early to be concerned. There is still swelling all healing is not nearly complete. Be patient and follow up with your plastic surgeon. Good Luck!

Joubin Gabbay, MD · Answer

One very important bit of advice: take a deep breath and relax! It is way too early to even think about your final results from your tummy tuck. Your body will change significantly over the next three, six and even 12 months. You're not Close to how things will look at the end of your healing phase. Remember, everybody is a little different from one side to the other, So there will always be some asymmetry. I would stay in close contact with your surgeon and discuss any concerns about asymmetry with them. It is imperative that
you seek the advice of a plastic surgeon who is certified by the American Board
of Plastic Surgery and has extensive experience in tummy tuck / abdominoplasty.

I wish you the best.

Dr. Gabbay.

My tummy tuck is lopsided. What can I do? (Photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Tummytuck Concerns

Answer: Tummytuck Concerns

Answer: Concerned about uneven tummy tuck, one week after surgery.

Answer: Concerned about uneven tummy tuck, one week after surgery.

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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My tummy tuck is lopsided. What can I do? (Photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Tummytuck Concerns

Answer: Tummytuck Concerns

Answer: Concerned about uneven tummy tuck, one week after surgery.

Answer: Concerned about uneven tummy tuck, one week after surgery.

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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