Doctor did mini tummy tuck. I thought it was going to be a full tummy tuck. He did not do flanks, back. Can this fixed? (Photo)

Question

I am 58 years old. 5’1 tall and weigh 107 pounds. I am so depressed I don’t go out. I can’t believe he left me with these big bulges on my sides and back. And left me with this large scar. He said I did not have enough skin to do a full tummy tuck even though I paid for a full tummy tuck. Also my bellybutton and sides hurt all the time. I put shorts on and everything is so sensitive I have to take them off. I don’t know what to do. I look so awful!!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear sealine43,
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, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

I'm sorry you are unhappy with your tummy tuck results.  I encourage you to have an open conversation with your surgeon about your results and see if you can come to an agreement.  If not you can consider visiting with another board certified plastic surgeon near you to learn more about revision options.

Tek Przylecki, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. I’m sorry that you are having issues after your surgery. Looking at your incisions, it appears that you did have a “full tummy tuck,” at least how most plastic surgeons would define it. Although there are many nuances to it, it basically involves incisions from hip to hip and an incision around the belly button. A mini abdominoplasty is a significantly shorter incision that usually does not move the belly button and does not extend from hip to hip. Often, plastic surgeons will also do liposuction of the flanks at the same time. Other surgical procedures may be done to address your concerns, such as additional liposuction. I would recommend returning to your surgeon or seeking a second opinion. Good luck on your journey.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Liposuction can be done to remove the excess fat from the hip areas and flanks if needed. This should help those areas nicely.  Go back and talk to your surgeon and remind him that you paid for the full tuck and only got the mini. With those excess funds paid, you want to apply them towards the liposuction. Take your paperwork with you as well and speak to his office manager if needed.

Arif Eroglu, MD · Answer

Hello,It looks like you’ve had a full tummy tuck, not a mini tummy tuck. At this stage, there’s nothing that can be done in the short term besides Vaser lipo. The dog ear can be corrected surgically.

Doctor did mini tummy tuck. I thought it was going to be a full tummy tuck. He did not do flanks, back. Can this fixed? (Photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Abdomen

Answer: Abdomen

Answer: Vaser lipo

Answer: Vaser lipo

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck Revision

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Doctor did mini tummy tuck. I thought it was going to be a full tummy tuck. He did not do flanks, back. Can this fixed? (Photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Abdomen

Answer: Abdomen

Answer: Vaser lipo

Answer: Vaser lipo

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck Revision

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.