Is it safe to have a fleur de lis abdominoplasty after poor results with previous lipo and FTT?

Question

I had aggressive lipo in 2010 which resulted in a lot of folds and scar tissue above the belly button. The PS left the country but the same hospital different surgeon carried out a FTT in Jan 2013. I suffered a seroma & complications around BB took 2 months to heal. A year later I still have some hard areas around my BB and folds and alot of skin which the surgeon says could benefit from a fleur de lys TT. I am concerned about possible complications of another new belly button. What do you think?

Robert F. Centeno, MD, FACS · Answer

There is a significant amount of skin and subcutaneous tissue scarring after the lipo and tummy tuck.  This scarring increases the complexity and risk of a healing problem.  If you are averse to managing wound complications, it would be prudent to avoid further surgery.  If you are willing to take an acceptable risk to improve the results then consult with an experienced Plastic Surgeon.

Catherine Bergeret-Galley, MD · Answer

Dear patient it is difficult to answer your question whether another surgery is safe or not. It depends on what you mean with safe. If by this you mean that you cannot face further complications I would say that you should refrain from further surgery. The slow healing of the first surgery that you are still suffering after one year tells me that you are likely to have a slow healing with the second surgery too. Generally speaking however the type of surgery propose to you is not more dangerous safe than an ordinary tummy tuck. In any case you should wait with your decision until your abdomen has healed totally and is all soft.Dr Catherine Bergeret GalleyParis, France

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

can always be done as it does not further impair your blood supply.  If your belly button is 'awful', consider having it removed and one reconstructed later.

Eric A. Weiss, MD, FACS · Answer

I am sorry you have had such a rough go of it. The blood supply to your abdomen looks a little compromised. Do you smoke? Do you have any other scars on your abdomen? I would need to examine you before any hard recommendations. But to me, your scar is to high and you have excess skin. I would try to lower the scar significantly and then reasses the excess skin. If there is poor blood supply to the central skin, a fleur-de-lis incision may help. That would be a decision I would make on examination and during the operation.Eric Weiss MD

Is it safe to have a fleur de lis abdominoplasty after poor results with previous lipo and FTT?

Answers (4)

Answer: Redo tummy tuck

Answer: Redo tummy tuck

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Is it safe to have a fleur de lis abdominoplasty after poor results with previous lipo and FTT?

Answers (4)

Answer: Redo tummy tuck

Answer: Redo tummy tuck

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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