Tummy tuck done 5 months ago, supposed to have had liposuction included but it wasn't. What can I do?

Thank you for raising your concerns about the tummy tuck and omitted liposuction.
Medical Decision for Safety: It's imperative to understand that patient safety is the utmost priority during surgery. Sometimes, even if liposuction is planned, a surgeon might opt not to perform it due to concerns about skin vascularity, overall tightness, or potential complications.
Communication with Surgeon: It's essential to discuss this with your plastic surgeon to understand their clinical reasoning. They can explain the rationale behind their decision and how it relates to your health and the surgical outcome.
Financial Aspect: If you paid for liposuction and it wasn't done, many surgeons would consider refunding the cost for that specific procedure. The terms might vary based on the clinic or surgical center's policies.
Dog Ears: The presence of dog ears might not be directly related to the omission of liposuction. These small skin protrusions at the end of surgical incisions can sometimes occur after a tummy tuck, with or without liposuction. Your surgeon can advise on potential corrective procedures.
In conclusion, maintaining open communication with your plastic surgeon will ensure you understand the reasons behind the decisions made and guide you on the next steps.
Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen.

Hi there, thanks for your question! I would discuss this with your surgeon, liposuction or dog ear revisions can be done as in-office procedures if needed.

My first advice is to look at the quote to see if it has Liposuction included. In most practices, Lipo of the flanks is included as a seperate line item. For example a patient having a straight TT is one hour less surgery time than a patient having a TT and Lipo to the Flanks. The lipo would have a seperate charge and longer OR time.
You should also ask to look at the Operative Note. It may be that he did do a tiny bit of Lipo, but not enough that you can see the difference? Just a guess.

This is really not something to go to an attorney about. I completely disagree with the previous surgeon.
This situation should be able to be resolved and you are right to bring it to their attention. Discuss your concern with your surgeon and the office manager, and come to some resolution. Three possible resolutions would be:
1- office refunds you for the Lipo that you paid for
2-surgeon does the Lipo for you in a seperate session at no charge
3- office offers a credit to you for injectables or another procedure

Alternatively, he may have a medical reason for why the lipo was not performed. IDK. Just discuss it with the surgeon and the office manager. They should be able to acknowledge or explain, and figure something out.

Ricardo L Rodriguez MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Baltimore, Maryland

Was liposuction on your quote or consent? How do you know it was not done? If you were charged for it and it was not done then you should get a refund. If you post photos we can tell you if you would benefit from some lipo contouring.

Typically, liposuction is not done in the area of the tummy tuck, especially in the lower abdomen, for safety to the skin. Liposuction can be done on other areas safely. Dog ears can easily be revised in the office under local anesthesia. Please discuss your concerns with your surgeon.

The best place to begin is a discussion with your surgeon. Was liposuction listed on your consent form? Did you pay for the procedure? Did your surgeon discuss why it wasn't performed? If you are developing dog ears they can typically be addressed in the office surgical suite under local anesthesia.

If you want to take legal action, then you need to speak with an attorney. Otherwise you need to work this out with your provider. Did you pay for Liposuction? Was it included in your consent form?
I suggest you discuss this with your provider and come to a solution.
Most plastic surgeons, don’t deal with aggressive quality Liposuction in conjunction with a tummy tuck. A lot of plastic surgeons are hesitant to do really aggressive, liposuction in conjunction with for safety reasons. Most plastic surgeons focus on the primary procedure which is going to be the tummy tuck.
Still, if the agreement was that Liposuction was to be included and it wasn’t that there is a breach of contract.
I’m not sure what kind of advice you’re looking for from other doctors. If you want a proper second opinion consultation, then you should schedule in person visits or include before and after pictures.
Talk to your provider if you cannot come to an agreement, then either talk to an attorney in person second opinion consultation.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom, MD