Do I need a tummy tuck revision or a mini tummy tuck? (photos)

Question

I had my tummy tuck done 4 years ago with muscle repair, but no lipo on the flanks. I consulted my plastic surgeon and he wants to do a mini tummy tuck to pull the skin down on my side, lipo on my waist and flanks and vaser. Im not really sure if I really want to do a mini tuck or is there any better approach to fix my side? Thanks in advance!

Irena Karanetz, MD · Answer

Hello,
And thank you for the question.
Based on your photos, you are a good candidate for liposuction of flanks or Vaser liposuction to help improve the contour of the abdomen and flanks.
I would encourage you to seek a consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon to further discuss your options, concerns and expectations.
I hope this helps.Best regards, Dr. Karanetz
Dr. Irena KaranetzFellowship-TrainedBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

Your result looks good standing up but is there loose skin when you sit. If so taking out a strip of skin around your scar might be worthwhile. And it's not unusual that  this needs to be done

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

It is difficult to make good recommendation without in person evaluation, in particular of the tone and elasticity of your skin. It appears that aggressive liposuction of abdomen and flanks would be a reasonable solution? Second opinion consultation is recommended. Good luck.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear funnybear813,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what went 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

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You might consider going with the liposuction first and see how you do. You may find that you get enough skin tightening and don't need the tuck.

Douglas Taranow, DO, FACOS · Answer

A physical exam is required to properly answer your questions. Based on your photos, liposuction of your flanks and lower back or Lipo-360 would do wonders for your shape.  Mini tuck only if you have loose skin below your belly button to the pubis 
Best wishes,
Dr. Taranow

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

An in person evaluation is always preferred, but it appears you may have good results from liposuction and skin excision of the dog ears.  If you are unsure about your surgeon's recommendations you may wish to visit with another board certified plastic surgeon for a second opinion.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

You are the final deciding person to what surgery you will consent for. Options are: 1. Bilateral dog ear revision only. Fee $4,000; 2. Revise dog ear + mini TT revision. Fee $6,000; 3. 1 & 2 + liposuction waist abdomen. Fee $8,000.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

The best way to determine if a contour problem is related to skin or fat it’s a simply pull up on the skin above the area of concern.

If putting the skin under tension perfectly fixes the contour then that tells you how much skin is contributing. It’s pulling on the skin doesn’t change the contour very much then skin is not the problem and fat is most likely contributing more.

Considering that your first tummy tuck has a fairly long scar it doesn’t look like you have a dog ears or a significant skin laxity issue. Based on that liposuction alone will probably take care of the problem.

It would be helpful to see a picture of your backside.

Different providers will have different opinions and without an examination it’s hard to give an accurate assessment.

I recommend all patients get multiple in person consultations before committing to permanently changing their body.

If you were my patient I would most likely do this with Liposuction as an awake in office procedure. The procedure would be done with you laying on your side which is the best position to shape the hip waist and back.

Look for plastic surgeons who have the most Liposuction experience.

Best,

Mats Hagstrom MD

Do I need a tummy tuck revision or a mini tummy tuck? (photos)

Answers (9)

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