Unhappy with results of full tummy tuck. My waist is undefined and boxy with 0 definition (Photo)

Question

What can be done so that my figure in the 1st puc resembles the 2nd pic?

Jon M. Grazer, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

Anatomically it is not possible for you to have the waist in the photo you show, as your hip to waist ratio and bone structure is not the same.However, don't despair. I have seen patients the have had a tummy tuck that did not have liposuction at the same time, with a similar result as yours. When these patients come back and have liposuction of the posterior flanks after the tummy tuck, they often have dramatic improvement of the waist line.Yours,Jon M. Grazer, MD, MPH, FACS

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Liposuction of the waist area with fat transfer to the hips would be a way to dramatically improve your proportions.  I
would search for the board certified plastic surgeon who you feel is
most likely to give you the best results and who performs hundreds of
these procedures each year. I would look at patient reviews as well as
before and after photos on that surgeon's website.Kenneth Hughes, MDLos Angeles, CA

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Without being able to review your preoperative photographs or a preoperative examination it would be impossible to get an opinion on how successful or tummy tuck  procedure was. It would appear that you may have some improve results with liposuction but again it is important to have an examination to see if this is correct. Ideal photos shown more of a woman that was much thinner and  with a different body type than yours.

Don W. Griffin, MD · Answer

You appear to have a very nice result for your body type. You do not have the same type body as the picture of the desired result. This photo also looks like it has been photoshopped to exaggerate her curves. I'm not sure it is a realistic image or a realistic goal. Further weight loss and exercising will improve your results so that you can have your best possible body.

George Marosan, MD · Answer

Based on the one frontal photo, it appears that you had a standard abdominoplasty without any or minimal liposuction. Your incision seems high as well. You might not be able to achieve as small a waistline as your wish photo, but this cannot be determined looking at this single view two dimensional photo. The wish photo has nice definition of the abdominal wall, with definition of the underlying muscle, giving a three dimensional view with the shadowing that it creates. To get similar results, you need VASER liposculpting of your abdomen, back, waist hips and thighs. See a board certified plastic surgeon experienced in advanced body sculpting techniques for an in person consultation/evaluation. Not all plastic surgeons feel comfortable with tummy tuck and liposuction at the same time, so it is important to choose the right surgeon and discuss your wishes prior to surgery to avoid the predicament you are in. You should always review the surgeon's previous patient photo file with the same body habitus as yours and see if you like what they can achieve surgically and artistically. Good luck.

Robert M. Kachenmeister, MD · Answer

Sorry to hear that you are unhappy with your results. Management of expectations after a plastic surgery procedure is an integral part of that surgery. Without your preop photos it is difficult to assess whether your results are satisfactory. However, if you showed the 'wish' photo to your plastic surgeon then it would have been appropriate to point out that your waistline may not be as small or 'hourglass' as that photo due to differences in your structural anatomy. With that in mind, it is still possible to get your result closer to your goal. Discuss these options with your plastic surgeon. Best wishes.

Frederic H. Corbin, MD (license restricted) · Answer

An abdominoplasty removes excess skin and fat and tightens the abdominal muscles it does not remove fat from inside the abdomen only diet and exercise can do that and you are carrying excess weight in the middle.  Your ideal in the photo is much thinnerDr Corbin

Unhappy with results of full tummy tuck. My waist is undefined and boxy with 0 definition (Photo)

Answers (7)

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