Is It Safe to Have a Second Full Tummy Tuck?

A persistent bulge following abdominoplasty can occur for a variety of reasons. When this situation arises a careful analysis of the problem is necessary before proceeding with revisional surgery. Possible explanations include inadequate resection of excess skin, inadequate tightening of the muscles, persistent laxity of the muscles, residual subcutaneous fat and separation of the muscle repair. Depending on the cause of the post-surgical abdominal bulge, revisional abdominoplasty may be indicated. Under these circumstances the muscles can be tightened and excess skin removed. In some cases, weight loss may be more appropriate, while in other cases ancillary procedures such as liposuction may be indicated.It's virtually impossible to know what option is best for you without pictures and a physical examination. It's important to get an opinion from a board-certified plastic surgeon before proceeding with intervention. Revisional surgery shouldn't be undertaken for at least six months following the original procedure. 

Having to redo a tummy tuck is an unusual circumstance, but if you are healthy, it should be a safe procedure. It is impossible to know from an internet posting why you did not get the result you were hoping for, and I am glad that your surgeon is speaking to you about this and is willing to help you for a reduced fee. In the same way that it is sometimes valuable to see more than one surgeon in consultation, it probably makes sense now to get a second opinion from another board certified plastic surgeon about the best way to redo the tummy tuck. Information is very important when trying to decide the best way to proceed in this situation.

Hi there-
Without knowing more, it is hard for me to understand why you may not have gotten the outcome you desired.
Having said that, it is safe to re-do your operation (just extremely rare). Be sure you carefully follow your surgeons every instruction. 

The single biggest cause of a persistent bulge after a tummy tuck done by a competent plastic surgeon is fat inside the abdomen. This cannot be fixed by more tummy tucks, but must be cured with weight loss.
Intraabdominal fat is the worst with respect to diabetes and heart disease, so it is worth pursuing.

It is unusual to have to have a second tummy tuck. However, we do not know all the circumstances of your situation or have before and after pictures. Sometimes the rectus plication (tightening of the muscles) looses and needs to be replaced - however, again, this would be very unusual. In this instance, the recovery is much less than the original surgery as the same incisions are used . In some cases, the rectus plication is not performed for one reason or another at the original surgery and a secoond operation is needed once the patient and surgeon decide to perform a plication. I hope this is helpful.