8 months post-op, does my tummy tuck look normal? (photos)

Question

I am 29 years old and had a tummy tuck about 8 months ago. I am wondering if the doctor didn’t remove enough skin and fat as I feel like my abdomen is still really big and makes a roll when I sit and bend over. Is this normal? He also tightened the mucsles.

Richard Zienowicz, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Without performing a physical examination or seeing your preoperative photos it is hard to assess how dramatic your result was. Overall your scar is low and very thin and flat not overly pigmented. There doesn't appear to be excessive loose skin. Many factors can contribute to your postoperative result and some of the things that a tummy tuck cannot address is how strong your abdominal muscles are and/or how much visceral fat there is underneath the abdominal muscle. Weak abdominal muscles and visceral fat can contribute to abdominal bulging. Surgeons will try to take as much skin and fat as they deem is safe given your anatomy. You can ask your surgeon if any more skin can safely be removed at this point although I think you have a result that looks good. Best of luck to you.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Lise L,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine is there something 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

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

It's difficult to comment on your results without seeing preop photos but it does appear there is room for improvement.  There is further skin that can be excised and liposuction could be added for further contouring.  I encourage you to discuss your concerns with your surgeon.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

From your pictures it looks like you had a mini tummy tuck. I don’t see the scar around your belly button which is one of the things you get from a full tummy tuck.

If this was a full tummy tuck then you may have been somewhat under treated. If this however was a mini tummy tuck then you got exactly what you signed up for a “mini” tummy tuck.

During a mini tummy tuck the surgeon does not separate the belly button from the abdominal skin and muscle tightening is not possible except for the lower part of the abdomen.
To make an assessment on the outcome of a procedure we really need to see proper before and after pictures. If you don’t have before and after pictures and ask your provider to forward the ones they took.

It’s very important to differentiate what kind of tummy tuck you had.

Everyone has a skin fold when their hips are fully flexed in a sitting position. If the skin is tight in full hip flexion then someone wouldn’t be able to stand up.

In your case the results are a little underwhelming but I think the reason is that you had a mini procedure which is going to give you a mini result.

If this represents a full tummy tuck then perhaps your surgeon could’ve been more aggressive but without seeing before pictures we can’t really make an assessment.

Best,

Mats Hagstrom MD

Jose A. Munoz, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi and welcome to our forum!From your photographs, I note residual moderate stretch marks of the lower abdomen, suggesting that they extended above the umbilicus preoperatively. A supraumbilical vertical scar suggests that the overlying skin and soft tissue abdominal flap could not be advanced further downward without vascular compromise. The surgical scars are not yet healed but appear to be progressing well.Stretch marks indicate the presence of permanently damaged overstretched skin usually occurring during pregnancy or significant weight fluctuation where when pregnant or heavy, the skin's dermal elastic fibers rupture, resulting in the loss of elasticity and the development of streaks on the skin surface. The skin will stretch over a greater surface area and will predispose to further sagging when stretched. This loss of elasticity is responsible for the laxity when bending forward as the inelastic skin will not shrink when compressed (like a stretched out rubber band). Removal of fat under the abdominal flaps to thin them out at the time of abdominoplasty would be a dangerous maneuver as the skin depends upon the underlying tissues to survive. If there is residual fatty tissue present after the abdominoplasty scars mature, liposuction could then be performed. If there is recurrent laxity of the lower abdominal skin, secondary revision may be considered, as 15% of cosmetic surgery results can be improved with a secondary touch up.Continue follow up with your plastic surgeon.Best wishes...

George Lefkovits, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

I see the area pf your concern. Assuming that your Dr performed a muscle plication  to bring the abdominal muscles close together, this overhang may be fat that will need second stage liposuction. You should consult with you plastic surgeon.

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