4 months post Tummy Tuck and just notice bad rippling around my belly button. Is this normal? Do I need a revision?

All patients after TT will have loose skin when bending over, but so will most models and bodybuilders.  Generally, it takes many months for swelling to resolve after TT surgery and it may take up to one year for complete skin redraping to occur.  Additional improvement may require additional surgery or less invasive BodyTite to remove the problematic skin around the belly button. 
Kenneth Hughes, MD, ABPS Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Los Angeles, CA

Thank you for your question and photos. Although you did not post preop photos, you seem to have a very good result. As we get older, the skin elasticity decreases and one can end up with thin stretched out skin. I believe you would do well with minimally invasive skin tightening procedure around the belly button, using Thermitight radiofrequency or Renuvion (J-Plasma). Both of these treatments are done subdermally. Discuss these with your surgeon.In my body sculpting practice, I often remove the belly button completely and reconstruct one de novo within a month after the tummy tuck. This will not lead to looseness that you are experiencing in this mid-abdominal area.See the attached web reference. Good luck with your healing.

I notice what you are referring to when you are flexed at the waist.  It makes me think that perhaps you had liposuction of your tummy at a previous time or even during your tummy tuck.  This is the most likely scenario I can think of.

Congratulation on your successful tummy tuck.  In order to close the abdomen without issues, there is only so much skin that can be removed during the procedure.  The integrity of the remaining skin will dictate the results and outcome timeline.  Skin that is effected by stretch marks is typically not as strong as healthier skin.  Additional skin removal in the future may be a good option for you depending on your anatomy and goals.  This should be discussed with your plastic surgeon.  Non-invasive skin tightening is another option.  

Dear DveigaWilson,
it is normal to have some loose skin when you sit or bend forward. There should be no loose skin while standing. Based on your photos, it doesn't look anything serious so you most likely won't need a revision surgery. However, if you are concerned, I suggest you to consult your plastic surgeon and get an examination. 
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Hello, and thank you for your question. (Keep in mind that an in-person consultation is necessary for the best advice.) After a tummy tuck, all patients will have some amount of loose skin when bending over. This is accentuated by swelling---which can take 3-6 months (or sometimes more) to resolve. Be patient, and follow up with your plastic surgeon. Best of luck!
Matthew A. DelMauro, M.D.

Hello Ms Dveiga, 
Thank you for your question and the photos. First of all, congratulations for your successful operation. Everything seems ok from here, it’s normal to have a saggy look while sitting. But if the look bothers you while standing still you can consult this to your surgeon. Also tummy tuck operations recovery period is at least six months. You can give time to your skin to get more recovered.

 

Best Regards,
 

Member of the Inrernational Society of Aesthetics Plastic Surgeons

 

Dr. Cem Payaslı

It appears you have some laxity to the skin around the belly button.  You are probably just noticing it now as the swelling resolves.  You may want to try ThermiTight to improve the area.  Overall it appears you have a very nice result.