I had tummy tuck 3 years ago. It looked great at first. A few months later from my upper abdomen it started caving in (Photo)

Question

I had my Sx without drains. My upper abdomen looks like a line is caving in. My PS added fat and it looks worse:( The skin is loose and I haven't gained weight or lost. I don't believe weight has anything to do with it. What can i do now? Plus my belly button closed up. i have burning stretching pain above the belly button going up to my upper abdomen

Glenn Lyle, MD · Answer

One of the potential problems of drainless tummy tucks is the progressive tension sutures which fix the elevated abdominal wall back down to the abdominal fascia. If overly aggressive- they can scar down the skin to the midline and create a line . Such tethering may need to be surgically released if it doesn’t relax with massage.
It usually doesn’t become apparent til the swelling goes down which may be months after surgery.

Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACS · Answer

At this point 3 years post-op, further passage of time will bring no additional improvements. The "caved-in" belly button could have been prevented with a better design, but surgical revision is required now.Similarly, the upper abdominal "line" appears to be grafted fat just beneath the surface of the skin. This appears to have healed with a significant "take" or at least with a line of scar tissue that remains a very unnatural protrusion. This also will require surgical revision, and should perhaps have not been done in the first place. Now it will require considerable finesse to make this better, and completely normal may not be possible.I would suggest several consultations with experienced, ABPS-certified plastic surgeons who also are ASAPS members, meaning their practices are predominantly aesthetic/cosmetic in nature (rather than reconstructive). You should definitely get several opinions with in-person examinations before choosing a course of action or a surgeon. Best wishes! Dr. Tholen

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Graselita1960,I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment it would be difficult to determine what is wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after 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

Edward J. Domanskis, MD (in memoriam) · Answer

It looks like you could have some fat that could be removed in the "ridge" above your umbilicus. This could possibly be done under a local anesthetic.

I had tummy tuck 3 years ago. It looked great at first. A few months later from my upper abdomen it started caving in (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Can I have a TT revision?

Answer: Can I have a TT revision?

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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I had tummy tuck 3 years ago. It looked great at first. A few months later from my upper abdomen it started caving in (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Can I have a TT revision?

Answer: Can I have a TT revision?

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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.