I had a tummy tuck two years. Is this loose skin or normal?

Question

I had a tummy tuck two years ago. Is this loose skin or normal to have this on hips

Semih Yildiz, MD, FEPOBRAS · Answer

At two years after a tummy tuck, your result is generally mature, so persistent looseness or fullness around the hips is usually not just swelling. It may be residual flank skin, remaining fat, skin quality, scar position, weight change, or tissue that a standard tummy tuck did not fully address. Without an exam, it is not possible to say whether it is within the expected range or something that could be improved.

If your weight is stable and the area bothers you, meet with your original surgeon or a board-certified plastic surgeon for an in-person assessment. Depending on what is found, options may include targeted liposuction, scar revision, an extended tummy tuck revision, or a small skin excision. Seek prompt evaluation if you have new pain, redness, warmth, drainage, increasing swelling, or a firm enlarging area.

Chet Mays, MD · Answer

Thank you for your inquiry! Keep an open communication with your plastic surgeon regarding your concerns. Revisions can always be done after surgery to tweak things that you're unhappy with. We would love to see you in person or virtually to evaluate and discuss your revision options as well. Schedule a consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon so we can help you reach your goals!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Polite710069,

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 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

Ira H. Rex III, MD · Answer

I think there was meant to be a photograph with your question.  Patients often have extra skin when they are bent over, and sometimes misinterpret this as not having enough skin removed.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding the skin on your hips after a tummy tuck. Since no photos were attached, it's challenging to provide a definitive answer. However, I can offer some general insights.

After a tummy tuck, particularly if it was not combined with procedures like liposuction or a lower body lift, it's possible to still have areas of loose skin on the hips or sides. This could be due to skin laxity, weight fluctuations, or the natural aging process, as skin loses elasticity over time.

If this is loose skin, additional procedures such as liposuction or an extended tummy tuck could help refine and contour these areas. If the skin feels tight but appears uneven, it may be related to swelling, scar tissue, or how your body healed post-surgery.

I recommend scheduling a follow-up consultation with your original plastic surgeon or a board-certified plastic surgeon to assess your concerns and determine the best solution for your goals.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Rajaie Hazboun, MD, MBA · Answer

Thank you for posting your question here!Unfortunately you provided very little information and attached no pictures so it is hard to weigh in , but the abdomen is dynamic and changes with changes in your body by virtue of weight changes, aging , working out or pregnancies etc , so it isn't uncommon for someone to have loose skin a couple of years after and abdominoplasty , also some people need to undergo an extended abdominoplasty to address all the excess skin and if this is not done then you might retain some loose skin around your hip area.
I hope this helps! Best of luck!

Tek Przylecki, MD, FACS · Answer

It is difficult to answer your question without additional information. It would be very helpful if you provide some photographs that help show your area of concern

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Some loose skin is normal after a tummy tuck as you will still need to be able to bend and stretch.  If there is significant skin laxity prior to surgery there may be excess skin remaining depending on the type of tummy tuck selected.  Photos or an exam would be needed to determine if your results could be further improved.

I had a tummy tuck two years. Is this loose skin or normal?

Answers (8)

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