Will my low back arch ever return and/or buttocks unclench after full ab reconstruction and abdominoplasty? (Photo)

Thank you for your question. From the information it looks like you have had your procedure done less than one month ago and it did not involve your back nor buttocks area. There is still some swelling and edema that are present that will go away with time. As you lay down/sleep, this excess fluid gets pulled towards your back by gravity and causes swelling there, therefore less of the curve that you see currently compared to pre-op. With abdominoplasty, it typically does not affect the contour or shape of your back/buttocks. I believe with time and decreased swelling/edema, you will get your curves back on lower back area.

Dear Richmond lady,  Thanks for submitting your before and after pictures. From your description , it sounds like a very complex reconstructive procedure. In reality, you appear to be a typical patient like the ones that I operate weekly in my surgery center. All you needed is a full tummy tuck with , maybe, more extensive suture plication of the muscles. I do not use mesh reinforcement for my tummy tuck procedures or remove section of the fascia. The plication is more than enough, in my opinion and experience of over 28 years and over 1000 tummy tuck surgeries.   Having said all that, 3 weeks is quite early in the healing process of tummy tuck. Wearing a Velcro binder will help to reduce the swelling. Final evaluation should be done after 6-8 weeks .  As far as your concern for the lower back arch, before surgery, due to the diasthesis recti and the push forward of the abdominal content,  it was excessive and over time could have cause lower back pain due to the strain on the back muscles. Your post operative posture is more natural and healthy.   I hope this helps.                  All the best,                                 Dr Widder

Thank you for your question and I am sorry that your results have not been what you anticipated.  It appears that you are recently out from surgery and I would recommend allowing your results to mature over the next 6-12 months.  Voice your concerns to your surgeon so that they can track your healing progress.