Am I the only one in world with past surgery scars and unable to have anything done?

Thank you for sharing your concerns regarding the possibility of a full tummy tuck and liposuction following your previous abdominal surgeries and mini tummy tuck. As a plastic surgeon, I understand your desire to further enhance your abdominal contour.

The presence of a large scar from your previous gallbladder duct surgery, as well as the mini tummy tuck, could potentially pose challenges when considering a full tummy tuck or liposuction. The primary concern in such cases is the preservation of blood supply to the abdominal skin, which is crucial for proper healing. In some instances, extensive scarring may disrupt the normal blood flow and increase the risk of complications, such as delayed healing or tissue necrosis.

However, it's important to note that each patient's situation is unique, and different surgeons may have varying opinions on the feasibility of performing a full tummy tuck or liposuction in your case. It may be helpful to seek a second or third opinion from other board-certified plastic surgeons who have experience with complex cases involving significant scarring.

Rest assured, you are not the only one facing such challenges, and there may be alternative options available to help you achieve your desired outcome. By consulting with experienced plastic surgeons, you can explore the most appropriate and safe approach tailored to your specific needs and medical history.

I wish you the best of luck. Please seek to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Cosmetic surgery is generally very safe. However, even a skilled surgeon will have complications from time to time.

In patients that have a lot of scars on their abdomen, tummy tucks can be far more difficult. There are a few real issues: one is the diminished blood supply as the previous incisions cut some blood vessels used to perfuse the skin. Another is scarring that prevents pulling the surrounding skin tight, giving a less ideal cosmetic outcome. It is also possible to have hernia's through old scars making liposuction more risky; care to investigate that prior to liposuction is important.

Dr Rodger Shortt, plastic surgeon in Oakville, Ontario.

With all that said, many people with past surgery can safely undergo cosmetic surgery. If a surgeon cautions against surgery, patients should take their concerns seriously. With that said, a second opinion is always an option.

You did not post photos, but your gall bladder surgery large scar has cut across blood vessels that would normally keep all your tissue alive with a full tummy tuck. Since they have been cut, you could wind up with a large area of dead tissue and require multiple procedures and much worse scarring to repair. There might not be any or much blood flow to your lower abdominal skin. It is usually not worth the risk. Liposuction usually still can be done unless you have too many abdominal scars. You need to do what is safe.