Is it normal to look the same or worse after a mini tummy tuck and liposuction?

Question

I had a mini tummy tuck and lipo 2 months ago. I can still grab handfuls of flab, my waist gained and inch and it's still sagging over my pants and hanging over my thighs when I sit. Is this normal? I feel like I wasted thousands of dollars for nothing. My whole body seems to be piling on weight now, despite me being back in my work out routine. I absolutely regret this surgery and I'm praying that this is normal and the flat stomach I was promised will surface.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

I am sorry to hear about your disappointment after abdominal wall contouring surgery. Although it is still too early to evaluate the final outcome of the procedure,  I am in general not a fan of the mini tummy tuck operation. I find that it is a very limited operation, with very few indications ( good candidates) and with very limited outcomes (for most patients who have had pregnancies and/or weight gain/loss). At this point, your best course of "action" is ongoing time and patience; if in the longer term, you remain displeased, revisionary abdominoplasty surgery may be indicated. Consider posting pictures ( frontal and side views) 1 year postoperatively. Best wishes.

William G. Hart Jr., MD · Answer

Rachel, I'm sorry to hear of your bad experience. It is possible to convert your mini tummy tuck to a full tummy tuck if the umbilicus is not been detached. I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon who has a great deal of experience with Tummy Tucks and their variations. Best wishes!

Alan M. Engler, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

It's not normal - good candidates for this procedure (mini or modified TT and lipo) generally wind up with excellent results, and are pleased with the process and outcome.Unfortunately, many patients who wish they were candidates for the surgery are not; they often need a full TT.  A mini or modified does not remove as much excess tissue (skin and fat) as the full TT does, and does not address any excess or loose skin above the level of the belly button.  Nor does it allow a muscle repair (repair of the diastasis recti) under most circumstances.So if you have that much excess and/or loose skin now, it's possible that that wasn't the best procedure for you.  If there is enough extra at this point you may still  be a candidate for a full TT (probably not what you want to hear - but at least an option).  Or, possibly, a revision of what you had done (with the same limitations).You should contact your PS and go over all of this and, if necessary, seek additional consultations as second opinions.  If you have your pre-op photos you can discuss whether or not this was the ideal procedure for you but, either way, you'll some options for what to do next.I hope that this helps and good luck,Dr. Alan EnglerMember of RealSelf100

Is it normal to look the same or worse after a mini tummy tuck and liposuction?

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Is it normal to look the same or worse after a mini tummy tuck and liposuction?

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Everything you need to know about Mini Tummy Tuck

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